Thousands of runners took part in the AJ Bell Great North 5K on Friday(Image: North News & Pictures)

Great North 5K in pictures as biggest ever GNR weekend kicks off in Newcastle

by · ChronicleLive

The biggest ever Great North Run weekend kicked off with the AJ Bell Great North 5K on Friday. Thousands of runners took part in the event which started on Newcastle Quayside, crossed into Gateshead and then finished back in Newcastle.

North East Mayor Kim McGuinness started the race alongside double Olympian Chris Thompson. Our pictures below show just how the event went, with scores of cheerful racers making their way along the route.

The 5K run was just the start of this weekend's sporting action. The Junior and Mini runs were being held on Saturday, followed by the main Great North Run on Sunday.

Tens of thousands of people will take on 13.1-mile route from Newcastle to South Shields, helping to raise millions of pounds for charity. Take a look through the following photos and see if you spot anyone you know.

All set for the race(Image: North News & Pictures)
The runners were in good spirits(Image: North News & Pictures)
North East Mayor Kim McGuinness started the Great North 5K(Image: North News & Pictures)
Kim McGuinness alongside double Olympian Chris Thompson(Image: North News & Pictures)