South Shields promises to ‘come out in force’ ahead of the Great North Run’s big return

This year the Great North Run will make its highly anticipated return to South Shields.

Having run virtually in 2020 and with an altered route finishing in the Newcastle city centre in 2021, it's the first time since 2019 that the Great North finish line will be in South Shields.

The city to course route is part of what makes the event so special with participants finishing their gruelling 13 miles by running along the town's beautiful coast.

The ballot for the Great North Run 2022 opened on Monday, January 10 and an early bout of Great North fervour has gripped the region.

On ballot opening day NewcastleWorld headed down to South Shields to ask residents how they felt about the race's return come September 11.

Kaye, who won one of the Great Run's free entries, 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."

Along the beachfront, walkers were also glad of the race's return.

Gail said: "I'm really glad, I was disappointed last year that it bypassed us and went straight back to Newcastle.

"It's always a big event and all the family go.

"Local businesses will be so happy... though I'm not tempted to run it!"

Another passer-by told NewcastleWorld: "It's good for the town because we get absolutely swamped with people.

"It started off here and they should carry it on here, I don't think what they did last year was very good.

"I come down whenever it's on. You can't get down because the roads are jammed so we come down on bikes or walk down and everybody is really friendly and it's a lovely day... especially if the weather is good!"