Thousands of people are heading to the Great North Run 2026(Image: Claire McKie-Reid/ChronicleLive)

22 Great North Run arrival photos as runners head to Newcastle startline in glorious sunshine

by · ChronicleLive

The weather could not have been better for all those taking part in this year's Great North Run, with the estimated 63,000 of them arriving at the start line in Newcastle to glorious sunshine. And we were there to et some very sunny shots of them before the bug race.

Some 45 years after the first ever one, the Great North Run was set for a record turnout this year, with founder Sir Brendan Foster once again over the moon with all the support for the world's most famous and best half marathon. An event that the North East continues to be so rightly proud of, the Great North Run sees all of the North East swarming with visitors over the course of the whole GTNR weekend, with things getting going with the Great North 5K on Friday evening, before the Juniors and the Minis had their chance to shine on Saturday.

And then on Sunday, there was an early start and no lies in for all of those people who sacrificed their chilled Sundays on the sofa to take on the 13.1 mile route from Newcastle to South Shields. Among them were stars including The traitors cast, This Morning host Ben Shephard and former X Factor winner and local lad Joe McElderry.

Dan Burn was also spotted down at the start early doors, as the United defender prepared to set runners on their way, taking on an honour that had previously been bestowed on famous faces like Ant and Dec, his ex boss Eddie Howe and the late and great Sir Bobby Robson.

ChronicleLive were at the start line bright and early to get some great sun-drenched shots of everyone arriving for the stat of this year's Great North Run. See if you can spot yourself or anyone you know in our pictures below...

Thousands of people are heading to the Great North Run 2026(Image: Claire McKie-Reid/ChronicleLive)
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There's always loads of support for the runners(Image: Claire McKie-Reid/ChronicleLive)
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Fancy dress is always out in force on GNR day(Image: Claire McKie-Reid/ChronicleLive)
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The middle of town was buzzing with runners(Image: Claire McKie-Reid/ChronicleLive)
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Go on Craig!(Image: Claire McKie-Reid/ChronicleLive)
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The Big Pink Dress was back for another go(Image: Claire McKie-Reid/ChronicleLive)
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