The 5 important changes to the Great North Run this weekend after death of Queen Elizabeth II

A number of changes to the Great North Run 2022 have been made ahead of this weekend's event following the death of Queen Elizabeth II.

The popular Tyneside race, which is set for a record-breaking 60,000 runners this year, confirmed it would be going ahead as planned on September 11.

There were fears the race would have to be cancelled as the United Kindom enters a 10-day period of mourning following Her Majesty's passing at Balmoral on Thursday.

However, the Great North Run will go ahead. Organisers have confirmed a number of changes to the weekend's events as a result of the monarch's death, with more details communicated directly to participants in due course.

'Appropriate tribute' to be made

Great North Run founder Sir Brendan Foster has confirmed that there will be an "appropriate tribute" to Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II on race day.

He said: "We have considered the staging of the Great North Run on Sunday, and are confident that we can continue in a way that will remain respectful of the Queen and the Royal Family and mindful of the mood of intense sadness which is being felt across the country.

“There will be an appropriate tribute made and whilst we want runners to enjoy the day we will be encouraging everyone to be aware of the very sad and very special circumstances in which the event will be taking place."

Details of that tribute will follow - but many are calling for two minutes of silence on the start line.

'Subdued' runner and participant experience

When announcing that the Great North Run would take place on Sunday, Great Run organisers added it would be a "subdued" experience.

The statement read: "Elements of the runner and spectator experience will be more subdued out of respect to the Royal Family."

Quite what this means is so far unclear, but it could mean the presence of live bands, DJs and other particularly celebration-orientated entertainment is cancelled.

Participants asked to 'communicate their respect'

As well as a tribute led by Great Run organisers and the subdued experience, participants have been asked to take part in their own acts of respect.

The statement read: "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."

This could point to the wearing of black armbands or re-thinking costumes that may be seen as bad taste, amongst other actions.

Great North 5k cancelled

The Great North 5k was set to take place on Friday evening as one of the warm-up events for the half marathon on Sunday.

The event incorporates the UK Athletics 5K Road Championship and takes place on the Quayside.

It was already announced on Thursday evening that this event would not take place this year after the death of Queen Elizabeth II.

Junior and Mini Great North Run cancelled

In the statement released on Friday lunchtime, it was confirmed that the Junior and Mini Great North Run would also be cancelled.

The Junior Great North Run is a 1.5-kilometre race for youngsters and the Mini Great North Run is a 50-metre course for those with specific needs stopping them from taking part in the longer distance.

Both events were supposed to take place on Saturday, September 10 but have been cancelled following Her Majesty's death.

Organisers are looking at alternative dates to hold the event in the coming weeks.