A record number of runners took part in this year’s AJ Bell Great North Run, which saw tens of thousands of runners complete the famous 13.1 mile course from Newcastle to South Shields, as well as one of the most exciting women’s road races of all time.

The elite women’s race saw a thrilling sprint for the finish line, with six athletes in contention as the race entered the final mile. Mary Ngugi-Cooper (Kenya) emerged victorious in a time of 1:07:40, with Senbere Teferi (Ethiopia) in second and Alemu Megertu (Ethiopia) in third. British hopeful Eilish Mccolgan was part of the six-way fight and placed fifth in a time of 1:07:45.

The first man across the finish line in South Shields was Kenya’s Abel Kipchumba crowned winner in a time of 59:52 after taking the lead early in the race. Britain’s Marc Scott, rounded off a good weekend which saw him win the UK Athletics 5K Road running Championships with a fightback to claim second place in a time of 1:01:11, with Sondre Noen (Norway) third.

The Great North Run, which started in 1981, has always been about ordinary people doing extraordinary things. This year the class of 2024 saw celebrities such as the cast of the Traitors, Dr Alex George, ex-England footballer Steph Houghton and Sara Davies join the 60,000 runners following in the footsteps of 1.3 million runners before them. Each runner was inspired by someone close to their heart, a worthy cause or a personal goal contributing to around £25million being raised for charity.

Founder and President of the Great North Run Sir Brendan Foster said: “What a day! Every year I continue to be astounded by the running prowess we witness at the Great North Run. This event is firmly on the running calendar annually, attracting world class elite runners as well as thousands of club runners, fun runners and fundraisers who want to take on the challenge. This is why we established the event, to make distance running accessible to all.”

In response to huge interest already for places into the 2025 Great North Run, to be held on Sunday 7 September 2025, a new September Ballot has opened with eager participants having until Friday 13 September 2024 at 12pm to register. A second chance to apply will follow in January for those unsuccessful in the ballot this time around.

If you would like to know more, visit the Great North Run website.

Image: Great Run Company