Great North Run 2022 will take place this weekend despite death of Queen Elizabeth II

The Great North Run 2022 will go ahead as planned, despite the passing of Queen Elizabeth II.

Organisers today confirmed that the annual Tyneside event would take place as planned on Sunday, September 11.

The news comes despite many sporting events across the United Kingdom being cancelled or postponed this weekend as the country enters 10 days of mourning. Government officials have not forced sporting events to stop and left the decision with individual organisers.

The Great North Run, which raises £25 million for charity every year, has taken the decision to carry on as planned.

On Thursday evening, Great Run organisers confirmed that Friday night events the Great North 5k and the UK Athletics 5k Road Championships, as well as a press conference for the main event on Friday morning, were cancelled.

A record-breaking 60,000 participants are signed up to take part in the Great North Run this year, which returns to its traditional course starting in the Newcastle city centre and finishing in South Shields.

A statement from the Great Run Company read: “We are deeply saddened by the news of the death of Queen Elizabeth II. We offer our heartfelt condolences to the Royal Family. In light of this sad news, there will be a number of planned changes to the Great North Run weekend.

“The Great North 5k, incorporating the UK Athletics 5K Road Championship, will not go ahead as planned. We have also made the decision to postpone the Junior and Mini Great North Run.

“Sunday’s Great North Run will go ahead as planned. The event has traditionally been a celebration of the extraordinary achievements of ordinary people, this year it will be an opportunity for us to come together and express our condolences, while celebrating the life of our extraordinary Queen.

“The thousands of runners taking part are expected to raise an estimated £25 million pounds in much needed charitable donations, a fitting tribute to the Queen, who lived her life in the service of our country and its people.

“Elements of the runner and spectator experience will be more subdued out of respect to the Royal Family. Whilst we want runners to enjoy the day, we will be encouraging everyone to be mindful of the very sad and very special circumstances in which the event will be taking place, and encourage them to communicate their respect in whichever way they feel appropriate.

“Details of all changes will be directly communicated to participants across the weekend in due course. “