Sir Brendan Foster gives tongue-in-cheek training tip to Great North Run participants

Sir Brendan Foster has given a tongue-in-cheek nugget of advice to this year's Great North Run participants.

It's now less than two months until the famous Tyneside race returns with record numbers set to take part in the half marathon in 2022.

At the launch of this year's finisher t-shirt late last month, NewcastleWorld asked the former Olympian and Great North Run founder if he had any tips for those thinking about starting their training.

Sir Brendan cracked a wry smile and said: "You've got to go running... if you're not running now, you better start today."

This year's Great North Run will see the route return to normal, starting in the Newcastle city centre and finishing on the South Shields seafront, after a different course to allow for Covid-19 measures last year.

A record-breaking 60,000 people are to take part in the iconic event this year which takes place on Sunday, September 11.

Sir Brendan spoke of his excitement to see the swarms of runners race through the region and the benefits it will bring to charities.

He said: "I've seen a lot more people out getting ready as we've had record entries this year.

"We've had 60,000 entries but we've also got 10,000 kids running on the Saturday on the Quayside - that in itself is a big event, the second biggest in the region after the Great North Run!

"To the runners raising money for charity, we say good luck, keep going, because the charity needs it. And if you're not running and you know someone who is, support them a little bit.

"Times are tough but the charities need all the help we can give them. The Great North Run is a massive fundraising event, we're aiming at £20 million again this year. Good luck to all."