Once again the AJ Bell Great North Run 2025 was a celebration of ordinary people doing extraordinary things, as a record number of runners took part in the 44th edition of the world famous half marathon.

Supported by over 200,000 people lining the 13.1 mile course from Newcastle to South Shields, and watched by millions on the BBC, the elite athlete races delighted crowds before the mass participation waves took to the streets. Some have completed every Great North Run since 1981, for many, this was their first. Some pushed for PBs; for most, just crossing the finish line was a moment to savour.

It was double wins for Kenya in both the Men’s and Women’s elite races. The battle for first in the elite women’s race was closely fought from the start with Eilish McColgan, Kenyan’s Sheila Chepkirui and Vivian Cheruiyot running as a tight pack. Chepkirui broke free in the final straight to secure the win in 01:09:32, with Cheruiyot (01:09:37) in second and McColgan a close third (01:09:42).

In another tightly contested race, the first Elite man across the finish line in South Shields was Kenya’s Alex Mutiso in 01:00:52, with Bashir Abdi (Belgium) second in 01:00:58 and last year’s winner Kenya’s Abel Kipchumba finishing third in 01:01:01.

In the elite wheelchair athlete races Great Britain had double success with last year’s runner-up Sean Frame securing the win in the men’s elite wheelchair athlete race (00:49:24) and Mel Nicholls taking the tape in the women’s event in 01:05:24.

Today’s event was full of inspiration stories of achievement including that of Drew Graham, the former elite athlete who returned to the Great North Run to officially break the Guinness World Record for the fastest half marathon completed by a wheelchair user being pushed by a team. Drew and his team crossed the finish line in 01:18:02, smashing his unofficial record time of 2024.

Newcastle United stars Jacob Murphy and Nick Pope proudly performed the official starter duties, hi-fiving runners as they passed by. The class of 2025 were joined by a host of celebrities taking on the iconic route for the first time including Dame Kelly Holmes, Joe Wicks, Tommy Fury, Jake Quickenden, Kevin Sinfield and Joe Sugg. They were joined by returning famous faces, back to enjoy the Great North Run once again including Dr Alex George, Sara Davies and Jenni Falconer.

Founder and President of the Great North Run Sir Brendan Foster said:

“The North East turned out in force to provide simply the greatest support you’ll see anywhere in the world – the sun was shining in Newcastle and the Red Arrows were roaring overhead.  What more could we ask for?

“Every year runners from across the world take on the challenge – whether they’re a club runner, fun runner or fundraising for a cause close to their hearts. Everyone involved in today’s fantastic event is part of our story – together We Are The Great North Run!”

“The Great North Run is firmly cemented in the running calendar and those inspired by today have the opportunity to register for a ballot place for 2026 – it will be our 45th year and one not to be missed!”

For your chance to run the Great North Run 2026 on Sunday 13 September – sign up now at  greatrun.org/north.

Check out the Great Run RIA Member profile here  .