Monday 08 September 2025 2:38 pm
Monday 08 September 2025 2:38 pm
Great North Run medals showed an aerial view of Sunderland instead of Newcastle
It wasn’t just the competitors left with red faces at yesterday’s Great North Run after organisers were forced to apologise for depicting Sunderland instead of Newcastle on medals.
Many of the 60,000 entrants were quick to point out the mistake, which also appeared on finishers’ T-shirts at the popular half-marathon, and Great Run Company chiefs admitted the gaffe with a tongue-in-cheek statement.
“Wear sorry! As the eagle-eyed have already spotted, the shape of the river on this year’s finisher T-shirt and medal is indeed the River Wear,” they said.
“To answer the rumours that this was the route reveal for next year… sorry to disappoint, it’s a mistake. Lots of people looked very closely at the designs and none of us picked it up.
“For the 60,000 who ran yesterday, you’ve got the most unique T-shirt and medal in Great North Run history, a keepsake that we’ll be talking about in 44 years’ time.”
The error took some of the shine off a record-breaking weekend for the race, which takes place over a 13.1-mile course from central Newcastle to South Shields and is sponsored by investment platform AJ Bell.
What is the Great North Run?
The Great North Run is a popular half-marathon that takes place in the North East of England. The race starts in central Newcastle and finishes in South Shields, covering a distance of 13.1 miles. It is one of the largest and most iconic half-marathons in the world, attracting thousands of runners and spectators each year.
Great North Run Founder Missed Gaffe Too
Race founder and Tyneside native Sir Brendan Foster admitted even he had failed to spot the mistake on medals and T-shirts.
“I loved the designs for the medal and T-shirt, spent ages marvelling at them,” he said.
“I’ve lived on the River Tyne my whole life and I should’ve noticed, but if I’d run the Great North Run yesterday, I’d still be wearing my medal with pride.
“Thanks to everyone who took part in an amazing event yesterday, and all the supporters who came out to cheer on the runners.
“It was a fantastic Great North Run, and we’re already looking forward to 2026, after we’ve brushed up on our geography.”
About the Great Run Company
The Great Run Company is also part of Athletic Ventures, a joint venture with UK Athletics and London Marathon Events that uses private money to underwrite the bidding for and staging of events. The company is responsible for organizing several high-profile running events, including the Great North Run.
What’s Next for the Great North Run?
Despite the mistake on the medals and T-shirts, the Great North Run remains one of the most popular and iconic running events in the world. The organizers have already begun planning for next year’s event, which is expected to be even bigger and better than this year’s.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the Great North Run is an amazing event that attracts thousands of runners and spectators each year. While the mistake on the medals and T-shirts was unfortunate, it did not detract from the overall success of the event. The organizers have apologized and are already looking forward to next year’s event, which promises to be an exciting and memorable experience for all involved.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some frequently asked questions about the Great North Run:
Q: What is the distance of the Great North Run?
A: The Great North Run is a half-marathon, covering a distance of 13.1 miles.
Q: Where does the Great North Run start and finish?
A: The Great North Run starts in central Newcastle and finishes in South Shields.
Q: How many people participate in the Great North Run?
A: The Great North Run attracts around 60,000 runners each year.
Q: What is the Great Run Company?
A: The Great Run Company is a joint venture with UK Athletics and London Marathon Events that organizes several high-profile running events, including the Great North Run.
Q: Will the Great North Run take place again next year?
A: Yes, the Great North Run will take place again next year, with the exact date to be confirmed.
