Great North Run 2022: Sir Brendan Foster cites Euro 2020 hit in excitement for route change

Great North Run founder Sir Brendan Foster cited a Euro 2020 chant in sharing his excitement for the iconic race to return to South Shields.

Last year's edition of the Tyneside race started and finished in the Newcastle city centre in a bid to make for a more Covid-friendly event.

It was the first-ever time the race didn't make its way along the river to finish in the picturesque coastal location of South Shields.

The Great North Run 2022 will return to its roots and the former Olympian couldn't be happier about it.

Speaking at the launch of this year's finisher t-shirt, Sir Brendan told NewcastleWorld: "The concept of the Great North Run was to start in the city, follow the river and run to the coast.

"That was the original idea that took hold and people loved and liked and got involved with.

"It's coming home this year... there's a song about that isn't there?"

Earlier this year, NewcastleWorld took to the streets of South Shields to speak to locals about their excitement to welcome the 70,000 half marathon village to the town.

Kaye, who won a free entry to this year's event in a competition, said: "It's amazing for South Shields, it's going to be great for the local B&Bs and curry houses and all the local community.

"We'll come out in force this year to support!"

Craig, another golden ticket winner, said: "I'm looking forward to it now it's back in South Shields.

"For myself, it's great because I can walk straight home!

"It's always finished in South Shields, so why not."

The Great North Run takes place on Sunday, September 11.