Great North Run excitement at fever pitch as Newcastle United boss Eddie Howe confirmed as race starter

Newcastle United manager Eddie Howe has been confirmed as the official Great North Run starter ahead of the iconic Tyneside race on Sunday.

The Magpies boss will call the start of the race this weekend with 60,000 eager participants set to complete the 13.1 miles from the Newcastle city centre to South Shields.

Sir Brendan Foster, founder of the Great North Run and huge Newcastle United fan, said: "We’re delighted Eddie will be joining us on the iconic starter’s platform on Sunday, to set 60,000 runners on their way at the 42nd AJ Bell Great North Run.

“He joins a long list of North East heroes who have performed official starting duties including; Sting, Ant and Dec and Jill Scott

“Eddie will also be the first Newcastle Manager to start the Great North Run since Sir Bobby Robson, who was also the last manager to take the team to the Champions League!

“Newcastle has always been a proud sporting city and it’s great to see Newcastle United thrive on a national and international stage. We’re sure there will be a huge number of Newcastle fans who will be delighted to get the opportunity to say thank you to Eddie in person."

Howe will be in position on the central motorway in Newcastle to start the race at 10:45 am on Sunday, September 10.

Sir Mo Farah will of course be at the front of the pack as he takes part in his final race. The Olympian has won the Great North Run six times and is set to be given a spectacular send-off by the North East with huge crowds expected to turn out while Metro stations have been rebranded with the iconic Mobot celebration.

Newcastle United boss Eddie Howe is without first-team responsibilities this weekend as the international break puts a pause to the Premier League and will no doubt be eagerly greeted by the thousands of Great North Run runners.

Watch: ShotsTV hears the inspiring stories behind the faces taking on the Great North Run

Participants online were quick to share their excitement to see Howe overlooking the start. One Twitter user said: "I was doubtful with a knee injury, but I’ll limp around it now if I have to!"

Meanwhile, others joked that Jason Tindall would no doubt appear to help out and pondered if Howe might be out scouring a new pacey winger while on the job. Some Sunderland fans taking part in the Great North Run, light-heartedly shared less enthusiasm at the appointment.

One Instagram user said: "Oh wow this is amazing! Hope I get to meet him although he would have to be there hours and hours by the time I finish."