Great North Run 2012 Athletics

Welcome to Tyneside, the whole country is basking in the afterglow

are a glorious sporting summer, the hugely successful and inspirational

Olympic and Paralympic Games sandwiched between Bradley Wiggins'

Tour de France Fair Oaks and Andy Murray's historic Grand Slam

victory, a summer to be proud of, one we will never forget. And where

better to carry on the party atmosphere than here for the Great

North Run? It is an iconic race, an emotional experience, and other

wonderful celebration of sport. This summer will be remembered not

just for the sport but also the astonishing crowds to cheered,

supported and inspired thought the The rest of the world might not

have seen anything like this before, but we have. For more than 30 years,

those same British crowds have gathered in their tens of thousands

along the route of the Great North Run, supporting, encouraging and

winning them on, and what makes it truly great it is not just elite

athletes soaking up the atmosphere, it is the People's Front, a fitting

way to bring the curtain down on a great summer of sport. -- the

people's runner. Yes, today is a day when the crowds stop watching

and get involved, that is what the Great North Run has always been

about, since the first race back in 1981 more than one million runners

have run the 13.1 miles from Newcastle to South Shields. And

during that time, millions of pounds have been raised for charity,

it really is a great British tradition, and one that everyone

wants to be involved in. In fact, over 55,000 people from over 50

countries and to the race this year, the perfect way to complete a

weekend celebrating the passion for sport in the north-east. A fast and

fun day awaits. Some of the world's top distance runners are here to

take on the famous half-marathon course. The London Marathon

champion, Wilson Kipsang, will be looking to run away from a strong

field once again false start it is the biggest victory in his career,

Wilson Kipsang wins the London Marathon. In the women's race, Jo

Pavey will be chasing a true legend of the sport, raining Olympic

10,000 metres champion at Tirunesh Dibaba. What a fantastic

performance, this is the great Tirunesh Dibaba. The Ethiopian is

not the only and in being here today, as I will be joined by a

host of Olympic and paralytic heroes here to start the great race.

-- Paralympic heroes. They are sure to get a great reception, as are

those running for good causes, we will hear some of their

inspirational stories. The reason I am doing the round is because of

what Alan and Adam went through, and if I get tired, it is nothing,

it is nothing compared to what they went through. We will follow them

step by step, bringing all the fun and colour that makes the Great

North Run so special. Special and an emotional day as well, but as

the runners make their way down to the start-line, because the race

gets under way in about an hour's time, Denise Lewis and Jonathan

Edwards will be there to meet them. I am down at the start about 20

metres away from you, it is bedlam down here, everybody is getting

ready for the start, the normal format, the fast runners will be at

the start line, and then behind them some of the famous faces, and

then the fun runners. They are not really fun runners, are they?

Apologies to them! I will be speaking to some of the famous

faces, finding out why they are running, and whether or not they

have done any training, because in my experience it is the famous

faces to try to get by on the least amount. We will find out soon

enough! I am at the back of the field at what is considered the

busiest part of race day, because this is the point where all the

athletes need to stop and hand over their kitbags. There are some 38

buses, and they will leave from here to South Shields where the

runners can collect their tickets at the end of the race. And joined

by Andrew, one of the youth drivers. What is the atmosphere like here?

It seems like bedlam! It is, in the really last 10 minutes, it gets

really busy, bags getting put under the 38 buses, 19,000 bags at the

last minute. The atmosphere is building, everyone is gathering and

looking very excited, so we will see you later false start for the

competitors today, just getting to the start line is the least of

their worries, because the one of cheers from them now. An arduous

course awaits the runners, because once they get under way, they will

be heading to the cows. Just over 30 miles away is the welcome sight

of the finish line. Everyone has a story to tell, and many will be

sharing their experience with our reporters. It looks quite at the

moment, but let's hear from Colin Jackson and, first, Phil Jones.

All is quiet at the finish, but later there will be thousands of

runners streaming through here, and tried to keep it in order is the

race operations manager. Tell me about the rush-hour. From about one

o'clock, we will have about 400 people crossing the line every

minute, so it will take a certain amount of effort to make sure they

get everything they need and finish their run the way they want to.

Almunia volunteers have you got down here? Between 801,000. The

atmosphere is starting to build. -- between 800 and 1,000. We need to

space them out as soon as they get across the line, we do not want

people having to stop before they get here. You do a great job, keep

it going. My home for the day will be here at

the charity village. Now, this is just beyond the finishing line

where some of the runners will come, they will arrive to be pampered,

looked after. If I remember last year, some arrive in a better state

than others, I must admit! They will get a cup of tea, they would

get a biscuit, and the sum, if they are lucky, would get a massage. I

will be here all day talking to the manners, and I will also be talking

to some of the people who make this charity village come alive. Stick

Just a quick reminder of when the races get under way. The wheelchair

race starts first. We will be keeping a close eye on her

Paralympic gold medallist Mickey Bushell, who was moving up from 100

metres to the half-marathon Well, the elite runners are on

their way, and a couple of familiar faces, Greg Rutherford there is one

of the starters today, and he was that man? It is Mo Farah, also one

of the starters. Five Olympians and Paralympians starting the race

today. Normally this race makes the news, but the news has come to us

today, because I am joined by Susanna Reid, Sian Williams and

Sophie Raworth! You enjoyed the London Marathon so much she came

back for this! I have not done any running since the London Marathon,

so I'm not sure if I'm doing the Great North Run! I am certainly

starting it, earth I am a little bit star-struck because Mo is just

behind us, and Greg Rutherford and Ellie Simmonds, I feel very unfit

in comparison, but I'm going to do my best, nice to see you again.

are looking a little worried, Sian! Yes, I know, I feel a bit sick, I

did not sleep a wink last night! Sophie talked me into it, I have

never run a half-marathon, and she said the atmosphere carries you

along. I just want to start now. I will not see her for dust, of

course. She is very supportive at the beginning and then she is off!

She believed you! She just said to me, I could have been in bed! It is

wonderful, I love it, it might be painful halfway through, but they

will enjoy it. Most people have said to put their finish time, you

two have the same time. Do we?! has put you down for a fast finish!

What did I say? Under two?! We are expecting you before 12:30pm.

ate has ended you with the elites! I am going with Mo! The thing that

but my off, Mo said, I am not going to be doing the half-marathon

because I have not done the training. Then Joe McElderry said,

do not do it if you have not done the training. I have not done the

right sort of training! But a lot of people to stand up for fun, and

it is a brilliant run, it is fantastic. Because of all the crowd

support, there will be even more people lining the streets.

atmosphere is always amazing, and I love the way that a star are

renewed jelly babies at the beginning, but by the end they are

very new beer! The crowds carry you along all the way, the worst bit is

about 11 miles, when there is a hill, and you just have to keep

going, but then you get to see the sea. Sophie showed us the altitude

map this morning. I was trying to be helpful! It will be a breeze, it

will be flat, down to the coast. it is like this will waive. I think

it is all uphill! I will wish to the best and I will see you at the

finish. When are you doing it, Sue?! We have got to move on! Best

of luck, I will see you at the finish. Talking about a challenge,

the half-marathon should be a challenge, but not for Tony

Phoenix-Morrison. You may remember him because he ran the race last

year with a 40 kilogram bridge on his back. Well, that was not enough

for him, because he and his fridge have been reunited for an even

bigger challenge, to run the Great North Run course 30 times in 30

Well, what we are doing is setting off on our 25th Great North Run. I

wanted to pay tribute to a wonderful event, the Great North

Run, something that I have followed all my life, ever since it began.

Brendan Foster, who started it, was one of my childhood heroes. I want

to make people aware of the fantastic Sir Bobby Robson

My morning starts before 5am, and I think the routine every day has

kept me supple enough and able to Basically I write to work and I see

in most days, so I try to grab a picture of. I write half an hour to

work every day and think about what he is doing, it is brilliant,

My support rider is a chap called Matt. I would not have got this far

without him. And my wife helps me. I thought he was mad at first, but

immensely proud. I am carrying this fridge because she would not let me

I thought the challenge was going to be something I did on my own,

and do you know, I have never felt more part of the north-east, more

proud. There is always a relief when you stop, when you're carrying

the best part of 40 kilograms on your back, it is unforgiving, and

it is good to stop, it is quite desperate at times. It can be quite

traumatic, so there is wonderful relief when you see the finish line.

That was the day that was! Day 26 Well, that was a few days ago, he

has completed more since then, and he has become such a popular

character around the course, we will avoid the obvious funds of him

getting a frosty reception, well done, we will be following his

progress. Now let's hear from Denise Lewis, who is with some

runners to travel the world taking part in a races.

I have been joined by a few runners from Norway, high, Gang! What

brings you to the Great North Run The first time in England, in

Newcastle. We are running a race each year. We started in 2000, this

is number 13. Why did you choose the Great North Run this year?

voted internally. This year, we wanted to go to this big race.

have done a few races so far, whereas your T-shirt you showed me?

Where have you been up so far? Dublin. You have been to Milan,

Lisburn, Paris. Havana, Cuba, as well, yes! Tell me, what is it,

particularly, about this group of people? Do know each other? We are

a group, yes. You run together all the time? We are a running team.

You are all going to stay together? Hopefully I will catch you up at

the halfway point in the race. See you later.

I have a couple of Premiership referees with me, mark Plattenberg,

and Mark Halsey -- Mark Clattenburg. I am not sure how I am going to do,

13 miles is a long way but we are hoping we are going to get through,

with the help of the crowds. average, we run 12 kilometres per

again. Being one of the oddest, I hope I will do a good time today.

What do you make of the atmosphere? I did not know what to expect.

After the Olympics and Paralympic Games, people are supporting events

like this. To see the crowd is fantastic. Good luck to both you.

You'll be watching out for some foul play? It is important we

support these charities. Myself, I am in remission from cancer. By

wife has leukaemia. Young children are living with cancer, we want to

send them on holiday. We want to raise money for these

people who have cancer, to go on holiday, that is why we are here

today. To make as much money as we can.

Good luck indeed. There is excitement here. After the Olympics

and Paralympics, even more than usual. If you want to send a

question to any of our experts, commentators, or a message of

support, you can have tweet us. It is a great scene, thousands of

runners making their way to the start. 10:10am is when the first

race starts. 10:40am is the start time for these three who are

running for the Leukaemia & Lymphoma Rresearch. The Banana army,

but not dressed as a banana this time expression mark John, you are

the love rat from Coronation Street!

How art alter egos! -- Our alter egos. The crowds are up

overwhelming. Their support, they really do get you round. The last

time you did it, but was 10 years ago. I have been having children

sense. In 10 years, it is brilliant, it is much bigger. The Emmerdale

cast, I see you every year, and at the London Marathon. It took me

three years to be convinced. As soon as you come, it is the most

unbelievable events, it is addictive. Our team, we are

privileged. We get a coach here, he get looked after, and a nice tent

at the end of the day, which are will need! The crowds will be

shouting at me, saying how nasty I am! It is not real! At you have

some fantastic characters to play. And you have a great storyline?

have been lucky, some fantastic stories. Will they recognise me,

sweaty, and out of breath? It is great to be involved in Pride of

Britain. It is a fantastic thing, ordinary people doing extraordinary

things. We have joined up with the leukaemia charity, it is a great

day here, a fantastic atmosphere, it is hard to describe it. I love

it when you go across the bridge, on the Tyne. Nicola Adams just let

me hold her gold medal, that will carry me. Are you going to beat me

today? Five did a better time than you, in the marathon. I was 20

minutes faster! If I remember rightly! Good luck, I will see you

at the finish. This time last year, this happy

couple were tying the knot. Few are back again. We are, we are a bit

crazy. We wanted to do it again. fell on the same day as our

anniversary. We are hoping if I run quick enough, we can cross the line

at the time we got married last year. I may be fashionably late!

you are over the line by 1:30, that will be all right? Yes. On behalf

of all of us, happy anniversary. Thank you. Rachel Burden, George

Riley, joining me from Radio Five Live, not such an early start for

you. I only woke up at 7am, it is a dream. Are you a runner? Not really.

I forced myself to keep the body going but I don't actually enjoy

this. Having done this before, it is the most magical occasion, the

atmosphere and energy you get from the people around here. A surge of

goodwill. It is lovely to experience. You are in little more

sporty, I have high expectations. am sporty but a little bit unfit.

It has been a long summer. As you well know. My fingers are crossed

that body and mind correlate and forget synchronised. But it is all

about the occasion, you get such a warm glow running around, I

wouldn't miss this for anything. I am running for my mates charity,

Steve was told six months ago he had bumps to live. Since then, he

has been raising money for the Christie Hospital and the Rugby

Football League Benevolent Fund, who look after people like Steve

when they finish playing. I am running for a motor neurone disease

charity, I know a number of people affected. One of the mums at my

kids' school, I will be thinking of her, all the way around. If you can

help and acknowledge that in some way. You are a bit poorly? I have a

slightly dodgy knee. That is just for show! That is all my own work!

It might see me through. Being nice, and help her around. Her I will see

you at the end! Good luck. It really has been a glorious summer

of sport. A few weeks that Mo Farah will never forget, the birth of his

beautiful two daughters, and making Olympic history, of winning a long-

distance gold medal, two of them. He is one of the starters for the

race. Let us relive those two nights touched by magic, when he

him, cheering him on. Into the home straight, 100 metres to go, has he

got enough? It is going to be a glorious, glorious win, Mo Farah,

for Great Britain, it is cold! Oh, yes! -- gold.

He has got to kick hard, come on Mo Farah. Two gold medals for Great

Britain. Beautiful! The place a rucks. He is a double Olympic

I was almost in tears again, have you been able to watch those races?

I have watched a little bit. Amazing. We talked about the

stadium and the noise, talk us through what you are feeling out

there? There was a lot of pressure, a lot of talk. It was important

factor I did well. Going into it, I was with arrest of a team. I stayed

in my hotel, that was it. He I got to the stadium and the crowd was so

loud, getting louder and louder. It gave me a massive boost. It was a

home advantage. You won the 10 kilometres -- 10,000 kilometres.

How did you pick yourself up to when the second? I was pretty tired

but the medical team did help me. Seriously, I was tired. But it was

important. I had one day of complete rest, the other days I was

jogging. I knew that the training was already done. Double Olympic

champion, has life changed? Obviously with the birth of your

daughters. It has changed a lot. People behind you, the whole

country behind you, you can't get any better than that. And my wife

giving birth to two beautiful girls. Have you got tired of doing the

Mobot? I think the crowd will be doing

that for you. It could be a world record.

Have you received many messages of support? It has been brilliant, a

great support from everyone. People sending messages, GIFs. And --

gifts. How is your wife coping? We managed

to go out for the first time last night, for a meal. Brilliant.

Obviously, you have a bit of time off to relax. You said you are

going to eat everything you have been banned from! A will endure

anything my coach told me to stay away from -- I will enjoy a

everything. Put my feet up. Then after that, if we will get back

into it. What message do you have for all of these people? You know

what it is like to run a half marathon. They have done their

training, they need to enjoy it. They're running for loved ones, for

charity. Patient put any pressure on themselves. I am sure they had a

good night's sleep. Great to see you. We will watch you on that

starting podium. We have Olympians and Paralympians

at the start of the field, and some Iwan Thomas, James Cracknell, you

cannot have done any training. runs in the last five weeks, so I

am either fresh or very unfit! I am looking forward to it, I have never

done it before, so I am really looking forward to it. Who are you

running for? I am running for Macmillan, great charity. Unlike

James, I go off way to quick, I say to hold back but I do not. I am

going to have to put the brakes on and go steady, that is my plan.

are always prepared, James. I am hoping it is going to infuse

through watching people doing it over the summer, than actually

doing it. No matter how fit you are, pacing is going to be the key. My

eyes are bigger than my stomach in most things that I do, so go off

heart and hang on! You are running for something very close to your

heart. I am running for the Brain Injury Association, which helped me

and my family understand the impact of the injuries I acquired a couple

of years ago. They do a huge amount of good work, and it is not just

about people who suffer the accident, but people related to

them as well. Any wagers going on between you? I will be nowhere near

James, every year I think, I could do him for the first 400 metres,

but I will be lucky to break one of 40. You are probably going for one

hour 20. I will be under one hour 30, under 20 would be really good.

After five miles, I will make a decision. We should have a 10

minute handicap race, if I am within 10 minutes, you can buy me

dinner. OK, fair enough. I will be the adjudicator at the end, have a

good one. Once a competitor, always a

competitor. More gold medallists joining me now, Nicola Adams, Ellie

Simmonds, Kat Copeland, Greg Rutherford, let starts here, what a

summer it has been, and you have made history, how has life changed

for you? It has been absolutely amazing, I cannot believe the

things I have done, flying in helicopters, going on television

shows, it has been amazing, I have enjoyed every minute. So many young

girls now wants to take up boxing, you have made it really cool.

it is a cool sport! I even hear that although you have become

famous, your mum has signed a few autographs now. Yes, she is not too

far behind me, actually, she is doing all right. The atmosphere was

wonderful at the ExCeL Arena, the crowd must have really help you

along. Definitely, the crowds were massive, I cannot believe the

support, 10,000 people or chanting and cheering for you, it really

boosted me in the finals. That is what they want to do here, this lot

have got a big challenge. Ellie Simmonds, at the Aquatics Centre,

15,000 people sounded like 50,000. It was amazing, coming to the

starting block, having your name announced, there was a huge roar.

You cannot really hear it in the pool, but the crowd has been

amazing. You handled the pressure so well, only 17 years of age.

you keep it inside your bubble, the support I have had from my coat and

my family, they keep you on the ground, keep the pressure off you,

but it was so exciting to have the opportunity to compete at the home

games. Singing the national anthem with everyone, that must have been

special. The whole stadium was singing it, which was amazing.

you enjoy the parade? I loved it, to celebrate with the public who

supported us so much through the games, yeah, to see them all and be

with the fellow Olympians and Paralympians celebrating, it was

good. Kat Copeland, Halle as life changed? Many cards and messages?

had loads, I could not believe it. I find a couple every time I go

home. It is more than I get on my birthday! Just really busy, really

hectic, like. To be honest, I'm just enjoying it now, seeing my

friends when I can, just loving it. Your reaction when you cross the

line, you could not believe that you had won the Olympics, you were

not the favourites going into that race forced Bath no, we went, we

only got together in March. We did not have much time together. It was

nice, I liked it, we could just going and enjoy it, I loved it.

Greg Rutherford, so wonderful to see win gold, with the injuries you

have had over so many years, to get fit and come away with gold force

up yeah, exactly, when you are training and competing, you're

always Borderline on the injury risk. It did not happen this year.

Suddenly I am in the Olympic Games and was able to perform, and I came

away with what I have always wanted to, the greatest day of my life,

and I'm going to struggle now to find that again. What an amazing

night, amazing crowd, amazing everything. People are saying it

was the greatest night ever in sport, 3 gold medals, yours, Jess

Ennis and Mo Farah. Special. still struggle, when I hear that, I

cannot relate myself with something of that massive magnitude, it is

amazing, I am still waiting for it to sit in and be able to understand

what happened. It is what I have always wanted, and suddenly I have

got it, so I'm trying to figure out what to do next and how you take it

on board. I have been so busy, here, there and everywhere, but just

enjoying every single moment. When I get a holiday, I will hopefully

be able to sit down and understand what happened. I hear you have been

eating all sorts of celebrities, Roger Moore at the other day?

Really weird, sitting in a restaurant with him, I went over to

say hello, quite quiet, actually, but an amazing moment, meeting

people like that, it would not happen unless I had done well. It

is lovely to be able to meet incredible legends of Britain, and

I am enjoying every single moment, amazing. What about this day? Ellie

Simmonds, 35 -- 55,000 people have entered this race, a very special

occasion, raising money for charity, another wonderful day of sport.

Yeah, definitely, Great Britain have had such a good year, the

Olympics, Andy Murray, races like this, it is amazing, special causes,

for people to have the opportunity to come and run in these races is

good. I'm going to let you go, you have some official duties, I do not

know who is firing the gun, but let's go down to Jonathan on the

start-line with another of our Paralympic gold medallists.

Yes, Mickey Bushell, T34 Paralympic champion, after silver in Beijing.

Sue has been chatting to a bunch are the Libyas and Paralympians,

they are starting the race, you are doing the whole thing! -- Olympians.

It is just a bit of fun, if I can come in under one hour, I will be

happy with that. You say it is a bit of fun, but your training has

been geared towards 100 metres in the Olympics stadium, winning gold,

you have done that, this is a completely different challenge.

it will test my fitness today, but I say, it is a bit of fun, I am

here to enjoy it, it is a great events to come to as well, so why

not? Tell us about the night you won your 100 metres title, the

atmosphere in the Olympic Stadium was just something. It was amazing,

you know, 80,000 people there that night, unbelievable. I could not

believe the support, the crowd, yeah. What you do now? Relax, enjoy

the adulation? Yeah, two weeks off after this race, chill back, kick

back, then come back into hard training for next year. What is

next for next year? World championships? Yes, that his next

year, we will see what we can do at there as well. Fingers crossed, you

may be struggling at the end Dekker, As thousands of runners gather for

the start of the 32nd Great North Run, the masses get under way in

around 30 minutes, but as the wheelchair athletes are ready to go,

I will hand you over to commentators Paul Dickenson,

always a fantastic day, the climax to a brilliant sporting year. I

cannot wait for this year's Great North Run to get under way, but as

ever the first athletes we will see setting off down the 13 miles

towards South Shields will be the elite wheelchair athletes. All, a

fantastic Olympic Games, Paralympics as well, it captured

everyone's imagination. Good morning, Steve, Brendan, everybody.

It is a glorious day here, and certainly the top two athletes in

that list will be two are the athletes we will be taking close

attention of, certainly Josh Cassidy, the defending Great North

Run champion, he has won its twice in a past, the man to watch. The

won the Tyne Tunnel to, to race the other evening, reaching speeds are

something like 45 mph. -- the time tunnelled two kilometres race.

Absolutely incredible. They will be the first to finish on the seafront

down in South Shields. But you heard what Mickey Bushell said a

few minutes ago, we will be taking a closer look at him in just a

minute. That is Jane Egan, the world and European para triathlon

champion. She will be the leading will be seeing Josh Cassidy, there

he is, the world marathon record holder, such a strong athlete in

every department, every race. And Mickey Bushell, he will not be out

to break any course records today, but he will give Josh Cassidy a

good race here, I am sure. It certainly was a tremendous evening

in the Olympic Stadium when he won his Olympic title, just 26 years

old, he won silver in Beijing four years ago and then came through

beautifully to win the 100 metres title. Certainly, Josh Cassidy, the

defending champion, he will be the favourite. There we go! So the

elite wheelchair race is under way, and Josh Cassidy, as expected,

along with Mickey Bushell side-by- side over this very fast first part

of the course. Pretty much downhill all the way to the Tyne Bridge,

then some of the hard work really begins. So they will not have to do

too much in the way of any real physical hard work, not until

midway through the course, when there is quite a few uphill

sections. And then the long, long drag all the way to the finish line,

about one mile it is along the seafront in South Shields. But Josh

Cassidy, as expected, right at the front there, and already beginning

to work very hard indeed, followed by Mickey Bushell. Of course, as

you heard him say, he is a sprinter, or his training for the Paralympics

was steered towards being the best sprinter in the world, but he is

not going to let Josh Cassidy get Mickey Bushell there, I just wonder

if he has got a problem already, being overtaken in second place.

Well, Cassidy is almost 100 metres ahead of everybody at the moment,

just wondering whether Mickey Bushell may have got a puncture,

because he is going very, very slowly, and that would be a

desperate situation of the Paralympic 100 metres champion, if

he has got a puncture so early on in his race. We will try again, the

first race is under way, the next race and these are the women to

look out for. Portuguese pedigree comes in the shape of Jessica

Augusto, who won in 2009 and flies the European flag today. Along with

Jo Pavey, who returns to the roads after taking almost 20 seconds off

her 10,000 metres personal best finishing 7th at the Olympics, the

first European finisher over five and 10K. The Kenyan challenge comes

from Edna Kiplagat, the reigning London Marathon champion. Half the

distance today but no less desire. The women's London Marathon the

Olympic style belongs to Ethiopia, 2012 Games champion Tiki Gelana

runs today. As does her compatriot, Tirunesh Dibaba, twice a 10,000

metres Olympic champion, she now tells us she plans to be even

better in her road-racing career. Well, it promises to be a wonderful

race over 13 miles, let's re-join our commentators.

Thank you, Sue, and you can see streams of at least making their

way down the sides of the start area towards their designated pens,

and they will be leaning over, craning a look at the elite

athletes at the frontier, the women's elite race sets off before

the main race, the men go with the main race, which goes off at

10:40am. The women have the road clear to themselves, and what a

line-up we have today. We have just seen the ones to watch, the former

winner in 2009, Jessica Augusto from Portugal, great to see her

here. A cracking a Olympic marathon, she came through very strongly in

the latter stages, a really good performance from nerve. She always

enjoys her trips over to the UK and of the others falter, she will give

them a challenge, particularly in other elite women! Jo Pavey, one of

the greatest distance athletes Great Britain has had the pleasure

to watch. What a great Olympics Games she had, in the 50101000, a

personal battle with Julia Bleasdale who was running in the

Great City Games yesterday. Edna Kiplagat, looking for a good

performers here today. It was Tiki Gelana who took the

gold medal in great style in the marathon at the Olympics, the

Olympic champion. That on the track, this young lady

was the star, the first athlete ever, female athlete, to retain the

Olympic 10,000-metre title. She won in Beijing, and again, in great

stars, in London. For a surprise in the 5,000 metres. Not the great

double. Two Olympic champions, 10,000 metres and the marathon,

coming together at the classic half In the Olympic year. The elite

field in the Great North Run, setting off on what promises to

beat an enthralling race. Tirunesh Dibaba, in her first ever half

marathon, can she bring her brilliant pedigree on to the road.

Sheikh is a good road runner, a good history of performances. After

her exploits at the Olympic Games, would it be victory at the end of a

long season. Barbara macro, Edna Kiplagat, Tiki Gelana and -- Dibaba.

Brendon? I know you'll be looking forward to see what she is capable

It is great to see the world's most successful female athlete ever,

moving from the track, three-times Olympic champion, four times world

champion, four times world cross- country champion. Jo Pavey is

setting the pace. The world of athletics is waiting to see what

Tirunesh Dibaba can do, she says she will move through to the

marathon. She will be the most successful athlete ever to step up

from the track to the marathon. The future of rubber and running could

be in her hands, she has been such an outstanding distance runner. She

runs like this on the track, settling down, beside Jessica

Augusto, who run the London Marathon. Just behind, Freya Murray,

Britain's first fissure in the marathon. Jo Pavey, she had a

fantastic Olympic Games. Sheikh is very happy here today, after that

track season, and to go back to what she wants to do in the future,

marathons and half marathons. If you're not so familiar with the

Great North Run course, they start on the central motorway in

Newcastle. They use both sides of the motorway. The elite women are

on what would normally be the carriageway where traffic would be

going against them in direction. They drop down on to the Tyne

Bridge. Into Gateshead, up through Heworth. They turn at the White

Mare Pool. And on to the seafront, finishing in front of us, in

Whiteleas. Where there is already a big crowd gathering. A word on

conditions today. An easterly direction they are running in, and

easterly breeze behind them. Pretty good running conditions. 16 degrees

of today. Maybe a shower later on. A breeze following them all the way,

conditions perfect. For everyone taking part. That is my morning

weather forecast! The bags! The BBC weather service

will be happy with that -- thanks! Did you not mean westerly wind?

Blowing in an easterly direction! We won't worry about that. Jo Pavey.

She knows she has some class athletes. She knows it is going to

be quick in parks. She wants a quick time. She was third in couple

of years ago. -- a couple of years go. One of the iconic sides of this

side are the red arrows roaring over the Tyne Bridge, to inspire

the runners. At the finish, they provide everyone with one of their

spectacular displays. For one lady running the Great North Run, these

will be moments steeped in emotion. Her husband tragically lost his

life a year ago during an air Emma. We all know it has been a

difficult year for you. You have got behind the trust you have

started in your husband's name, has but helped? Absolutely. It has been

a tough year. I have -- I have had the support of so many wonderful

people. And there have been fantastic, the team has been

fantastic. So many people connected to his life have come forward and

supported me to set up the trust. We have come such a long way.

have raised a lot of money. He was an inspirational person who wanted

to help youngsters. What has happened? We have developed a

program in Lincolnshire. We have worked with young people from

disadvantaged backgrounds to give them access to inspirational people.

And to accredited training, going towards them exams. That will be

rolled out to other areas of the country. There is so much potential.

We hope to develop this youth programme countrywide. You do so

much to raise money for this trust. Is it still very difficult, to see

the red arrows? Yes, whenever I see the team flying in the skies, I am

immensely proud. I will always miss my wonderful husband. Being here,

running at an iconic, fantastic event, running it together, seeing

them fly-past in a few minutes, and at the end, you can't help but have

your spirits raised. They flew over last year, they will do the Tyne

Bridge, and at the finish. One of the pilots will take part in the

race. What will he do? David, I'm not sure what the plant is. He will

do the fly past. Go to the start- line, run the whole race. And meet

up at the end. He will be wearing his flying suit. Red 8. Watch out

for him. It is all to raise money, to talk about the trust. He is also

running for the RAF Benevolent Fund. Great causes. Are you looking

forward to this? I am immensely proud to be running here today, for

this fantastic course, I can't wait to get started. Are you going to

run in formation? It may not last very long! Good luck, I will see

you at the finish. Time to take their place. The

runners are going through their warm-up. They have been doing the

Mobot, Mo Farah has been leading them in that. Denise is with a few

of them. I have been joined by some amazing

guys raising money for help for heroes. We have done the Gateshead

10 K. This is our last, to raise money. We are looking forward to it.

We wish you all the best. The atmosphere has been so exciting.

am so nervous and excited as well. We can't believe we are doing this

on a Sunday morning. We are running for really good charities. I can't

wait. Ladies, enjoyed the race. You are back running at the Great

North Run. A couple of years ago, you had a tragic accident.

I was involved in a rocket propelled grenade attack in

Afghanistan and a loss by right arm. Last year, I ran it in under two

hours, so I want to beat my personal best. What time are you

after? 1:40 would be great. I have found a couple of boys from

The Only Way Is Essex. Have you ever been North before? Never for

this kind of hard work! We are not looking forward to it, to be honest.

Our first half marathon. The most I have trained for it is 6,000.

George will be carrying the across the line. Who are you running for?

Diabetes UK, the nominated charity for beeper, quite an honour for us.

-- BUPA. It is such a good cause. We haven't trained as much as we

would like. We have a history of diabetes in our family, so it is

something we wanted to help. It is a worthy cause. We are more than

willing to do it for them. Don't go off too fast, and finished strong.

What if we can't start or finish? Canadian, way out in the lead, in

the wheelchair event. We thought there might have been a problem

earlier on. It seems as if his transponder which signals when he

has gone through certain points on the course, the transponder doesn't

seem to be working. Nevertheless, those distinctive wheels,

unmistakable. The defending champion going very strongly. Way

ahead of Simon Lawson and Phil Hogg. And he is going well.

Back in the women's elite race, they are taking their left-hand

turn, on to the bypass which runs through Gateshead and which will

take them past Gateshead Stadium. Just past two miles. Fairly

undulating, through the central motorway, climbing up from the Tyne

Bridge. It is really about the three-mile point they will settle

down. Pretty quick running so far. Inside 67 minute pace. Jo Pavey

setting a good pace. We can see Freya married and Gemma Steel,

noticed Jessica Augusto, former champion, at the back. Gemma Steel

from Great Britain is there. Edgars Klavins seems pretty intent on

keeping it at a good, steady pace. The first two miles, solid running

from Jo Pavey. That group contains the athletes we thought it would.

Looking at barbara macro, settling in at the back of the group. --

action. A steady pace. The Olympic marathon champion, Tiki Gelana,

around her, she is an interesting at least, when she moves through

from the track. She has been distinguished and the track, four

times at the Olympic Games over the years, a fantastic record, and I

was talking to were yesterday, she says she has not got her thoughts

and eyes on Rio and the marathon. She looks a good, she looks

comfortable, she has been a great Rio?! After everything that

happened in London, any athlete, no matter how long they have been

involved, they will be thinking, yeah, I want a little bit more of

that, please. For the women, particularly on the roads, age is

not the same sort of barrier that it is on the track, so no reason

that Jo couldn't keep going and the part of the marathon team. She

missed out on the marathon, and that is probably a good thing for

her in the end, she ran really well on the track in the 10,000 metres

and the 5,000 metres, but setting a good pace here. They are just

passing Gateshead stadium now, if they took a left turn, they would

be turning into the stadium, that is on their left hand side as they

approached three miles in a couple of hundred yards. Freya Murray, she

was the one who stepped in at the last moment, when Paula Radcliffe

had to pull out with their injury problems. I am sure she thoroughly

enjoyed the Olympic experience, if it came a little bit late. There is

the stadium. The scene of so many great athletic events over the

years, and next year it will be the European team championships being

held at Gateshead Stadium, and just reminding myself! That will be

great for Team GB, an unjust reminded that Brendan said that,

sorry, I was listening, I promise I was listening to you! Jo looking

good, as they go through the Three Mile point, a rough time of about

15:45, keeping the pace solid, she will want a good position, but also

a good time, and she knows these are good conditions for running,

Great conditions for distance running overall. She has got good

athletes around her, but she looks really happy to be leading. A

recent training will have been done at a faster ace than this, so she

will find the first few miles pretty steady, pretty easy. -- a

faster pace. That is the split for the first five kilometres, Jessica

Augusto has dropped off the back. We are just noticing that right in

the shut, just at the very back you can see the tiny figure of Freya

Murray, another mile in the 5:12, so she is really taking it to them.

That is the back of the leading group, Gemma Steel at the back of

that group, then a few yards behind we will save Freya Murray, who was

getting married in a few weeks' time. She has had a marvellous year,

a terrific performance to be the first British finisher in the

Olympic marathon. Jo Pavey was the first European finisher in the

5,000 metres at 10,000 metres, and she looks happy to be stretching

along, another mile at 5:12, a solid opening. Edna Kiplagat

comfortable, Tirunesh Dibaba comfortable, getting ready to go

and move a little bit closer. a comfortable pace, that Jo is

happy to set, and the others will be quite pleased, it is not caused

record pace at all, but there are quicker miles later on, and they

will speed up a bit. Anything around 5:10, you would not want to

go much lower than that, A4e different opinions from the elite

athletes, it is a fast course, and I chat to one or two people, the

Great North Run, it is a hilly course, and it is a little

undulating at times, but overall it is a quick course. People were

asking me, is it a personal best course? I said that Paula Radcliffe

ran the first ever half-marathon, so it must be all right. They look

at the Mark, it is a bit hilly, there is a steep downhill at the

finish, but it starts in the City and finishes at the seaside, and Jo

Pavey is getting steadily into her running, looking relaxed and

comfortable. Jelena Prokopcuka on the outside, Gemma Steel in 4th

place. Well, the women are well on their way through five kilometres,

and back down on the Central Motorway, well, tens of thousands

are getting ready for their turn, and of course the elite men right

at the very front. Let's have a look at the ones to watch. A broken

bone in his back would not stop Chris Thompson from completing his

Olympic dream over 10,000 metres in London. He says he is in better

shape for today's race. Kenya's Micah Kogo won and Olympic bronze

in Beijing over 10,000 metres, and he is a former 10,000 metres world

record holder on the road. Ethiopia's Imane Merga hopes to

find the fire he has at the finish on the track, something he had

shown on the Diamond League circuit. But Kenya's Wilson Kipsang starts

as favourite. He won the London Marathon this year and followed

that with marathon bronze at the arriving at 7:30am, even earlier,

and others made their way, as we did, leaving cars and relatives in

South Shields, jumping on the Metro, timing it very well these days. And

all done with military precision. Many have been here so many times

before, many doing this for the very first time, and as ever

waiting for the wonderful spectacle that the Red Arrows provide, with

immaculate timing, flying overhead at the start. See your eyes peeled,

because here come the Red Arrows explanation that here they go, the

red white and blue which has been do best, clearing the stage for all

of our runners to show what they can do. We will be seen the Red

Arrows, of course, a little later on, they would give us a five

passed over the Tyne Bridge and as ever a wonderful display at South

Shields. -- a fly past. That is the signal that we're just a minute or

two away from the start. The elite rap athletes are ready, the

celebrities have been corralled behind them, the clever celebrities

will turn and go in the opposite direction! They were not want to

start as quick as these guys. Representing Great Britain at 5,000

readers, a local boy Nick McCormick! -- 5,000 metres. A local

Northumbrian latter was proud to make the Olympic team. He made it.

Chris Thompson, a great friend and training partner of Mo Farah over

the years, the two of them have followed each other's careers step

by step, a silver medal behind Mo at the Europeans. Micah Kogo, a

Olympic bronze medallist at 10,000 metres in Beijing, a very good

athlete indeed, I think he could go well today, former world record

holder on the roads over 10 kilometres. The world cross-country

champion in 2011, the world bronze medallist behind Mo Farah at last

year in Daegu, Imane Merga of Ethiopia. It was a bronze medal at

the Olympic Games, not the medal he would have liked, he had a brave

effort to try to win the Olympic marathon, Wilson Kipsang, the

winner of the Lunn -- of the London Marathon back in April. It is his

first time at the Great North Run. So the countdown begins. And the

nerves just starts to jangle a little, and what a day for all of

our competitors to have the Olympic champions setting them on their

way! Greg Rutherford, Mo Farah, Ellie Simmonds, fantastic and then

here in this great sporting year, and the Great North Run, as ever,

one of our biggest and best events, and one which the elite are joined

by thousands and thousands of others with her own special

challenges, their own medals that they will collect at the end. So

many stories which we will be telling you about over the next

couple of hours. And this might just take a little while, because I

am not sure that, when all of these people signed up to take part in

the 2012 Great North Run, that they could have imagined they would be

standing on the rostrum, the gold medals, the success of Team GB at

the Olympic Games, and I'm sure, well, I know how much it has meant

to the nation as a whole. Now they of course an event which started

out with very much a local theme, it has retained that since those

early days back in the early 80s, but it is very much an

international events now, people coming from all over the world to

sample the atmosphere of the Great be sold by the end of today! --

hands are going to be sought. Do you know, when your medals at the

Olympic Games, the Paralympic Games, that is what you dream about, you

do not realise that all this stuff comes with it as well. It is a

lovely bonus to have. It is a tiring bonus to have, telling as

how difficult and tiring it has been, but how much fun it has been

as the runners, probably about 40,000, just a few more, will be

starting. The start director getting them away. He reckons it

will take about 45 minutes to get the whole number of starters across

the line. You are seeing men queuing patiently, but they are a

bit like you, they always know in the commentary box. Oh, you are

taking your cap lob, Brendan was sporting his Team GB cap this

morning, styling it well! At least you did not turn the heat around to

the back, Brendan. That would have been odd. The Central Motorway,

look at all the people still making their way to the back end of the

field. They know that they are starting at the back, and they can

take their time to cross the line. But to get all these tens of

thousands across the start line, we will give you a figure once they

have all crossed the line as to how many have started this year's race.

The vast majority of them will get to the end, a really small

percentage will unfortunately drop out due to injury or whatever

reason. The vast majority will be welcomed here at South Shields in

two, 3, four, maybe even five hours' time. It is about 1,000

metres from the back here to the start line, it is 13.1 miles for

some of them, most of them, plus about 1,000 metres for the rest of

them. And that is the distance ahead of them as they wind their

way along to the Tyne Bridge. We are back to the women's league,

they have been going through five miles out, and Jelena Prokopcuka

are flat rear has taken over from Jo Pavey, Jo just settling. -- of

Latvia. Then Tirunesh Dibaba, who is doing it like she does on the

track, following, getting the distance behind her. Gemma Steel of

Great Britain in the red vest, just behind Jo Pavey, is running well,

too, then Edna Kiplagat, the world marathon champion. Great to see

that the British athletes are in that group. Yeah, a bit surprising

that the group is breaking up, Brendan. They have at the two

slowest miles, the 4th is normally the slowest, they have just

followed it with 5:33, and that is normally a fairly quick mile, and

certainly miles 6 and 7 they tend to speed up a little bit, so I am

surprised the group is breaking up. Maybe Jelena Prokopcuka or deciding

happened, she decided Jo Pavey was getting tired of reading, and

injected a bit of pace. -- tired of leading. Josh Cassidy, meanwhile,

is way ahead of everybody else. He looks as though he will join our

esteemed list of multiple winners, David Weir among them. Josh casting

it is certainly the man to beat and looks as if he will win for the

men start on the left hand carriageway. They get there quicker

run through the first mile. Not super-fast, but a decent pace. 4:28.

Last year, Martin Mathathi, he ran the fastest I have ever seen, he

was four seconds slower in the first mile. Then, they will wind

their way through the city centre area, on to the Tyne Bridge. Which

will fail and fail -- fill and fill. Yesterday, we had the Great City

Games yesterday, thousands came to watch Mo Farah. The US team won the

team event. The athletes had a Wallis Spearman. He was leading the

singing. For many a track athletes, that was the last event of the year.

One or two sore heads this morning, Across the Tyne Bridge. It will

slowly fill up. That leading group. Looking down the group, the field,

we are looking for Chris Thompson, there he is in the green vest, on

the outside of that group. Nick McCormack who ran in the 5,000

metres in the Olympic Games, just beside him. The crowd is starting

to come through, lining both sides of the Tyne Bridge. Eventually they

will be greeted on the flyover, by the Red Arrows. Jo Pavey is

sticking with it. We have just noticed Gemma Steel of Great

Britain, who was doing well, just drifting. Jo Pavey has to knuckle

down, through the six mile. Macro. This as looking as if Tirunesh

Dibaba is staying close, the marathon champion Tiki Gelana,

second place. The Olympic 10,000 metres champion, bar bow macro, the

athlete who has won so many events in her career -- Dibaba. Jo Pavey

is in extremely good company. She is good at hanging in there.

You have to remember, there is Gemma Steel, a little further back.

She set off with real intent. A good, steady pace. Not bad running

at all. When you think about even Jo Pavey's best. They are operating

well inside that. Gemma Steel, Sheikh is now going to have a long

race. Having to concentrate. Jelena Prokopcuka it is trying to push

things on a little bit. They have gone through five minutes for that

six miles. You may wonder why I say that.

Meanwhile, back at the start, Mo year that he has had. All of the

things that have happened to him since the Olympics, and I no doubt

think will continue to happen. It started really well. When he won

�250,000 for his charity. At the Olympics, a couple of guys in the

hotel said, has he got any chance? His mates said, of course he has,

has turned to gold. In this little group, you have Micah Kogo,

Emmanuel Bett, and these three know each other really well. They

realise Wilson Kipsang and Imane Merga are very good athlete. These

three men are in good form. Emmanuel Bett won the 10,000 metres

in Brussels just last week. Just under 27 minutes. He looked very

strong. These three I know where were hoping to set a decent pace.

It will be interesting to see their split. Quicker than the pace being

set last year where we had a course record. They have started very

that the others have realised it is too quick, they cannot run 60

minute pace. Quite a few athletes in the second group, we saw Collace

is the race favourite, happy, content, to be at the back of this

elite group. If you were with us earlier on, you

will have seen this man. Tony has been running this course every

single day for the last 29 days, this is his 30th a tent, carrying a

fridge on his back, what an effort! He joins David Weir, as multiple

winner of the Great North Run. That will make up for it disappointing

Paralympic Games for the Canadian. He didn't get in among the medals,

The women's race is being forced along by Jelena Prokopcuka. You can

see Jo Pavey struggling to keep up with this pace. Bar bow macro and

Edna Kiplagat happy to keep up -- Dibaba. Maintaining a very good

pace. Heading for the 67th minute range. Jo Pavey set off with intent

at a good pace, personal best case. She has to work hard to stay with

them. She is still running a personal best pace. She is running

well. You would hope she can run the same personal best today. The

former New York Marathon winner is keeping the pace up. And, the three

Africans, around her. It must make you pretty nervous. Jelena

Prokopcuka is an experienced distance runner. Running well again,

it is obvious from that. Running towards her personal best. Here we

are, back at the start line again. The crowds getting ready. Moving

through. All sorts of strange addresses. We have seen a fridge.

The pacemakers are helping them. Everyone is there to help. The

crowds are moving towards the start start line already, probably 4,000

these three are working together. It is plain to see. Training

partners, they know each other well, they lived together. Wilson Kipsang

and Imane Merga are locked together, and this is a concerted, early

effort. Talking to Vicki Sims who looks after these guys, he said

they were planning to go through in 28.10, which is super-fast for them.

They have gone through, I think, a bit too quick. Given it is up and

down. Wilson Kipsang it in the Olympic marathon, he took off, and

put paid to his chances of winning that race. At the half point of

that race, his fastest ever split, in that race in the marathon. He

wasn't really running with a clever plan. This group are going pretty

quick, but not excessively quick, which is really sensible. Wilson

Kipsang at the back, just doing competitor to cross the finish line.

Some way behind Josh Cassidy, such a brilliant race Josh Kirsty had

this morning. Simon Lawson, on his, think they should have held it a

little bit. You may think, what's the difference? 10 seconds off your

pace in the first 5,000 kilometres, you will pay for that further down

the line. It will be interesting to see. They are tried to run 58

minutes here. Or they will pay for it at some point. These men are in

shape to run under one hour. You really want to save something, you

have to be strong in the last Prokopcuka has forced the pace, and

that has meant Jo Pavey has fallen away. You can see Jo is about 40

metres behind at least of these four, and she is having a cracking

race, Jelena Prokopcuka or, resurrecting days of old, and she

has done at last eight-mile in exactly five minutes, and that his

way Jo Pavey has struggled to stay with this. It is very good running.

If you think, confirmation of that, her best goes back to 2005, 68:11,

and she is running inside that sort of time. If he were to maintain

this pace, not only is she giving the big names a run for their money,

she could be heading for a personal best. A long way to go, of course,

but good running so far. The New York Marathon winner, Jelena

Prokopcuka, really stretching, but looking at the Olympic champion,

she is keen to get on terms. The great Tirunesh Dibaba following

just a few yards behind, and then Edna Kiplagat, the world champion,

and Jo has not been able to stay with them on the last three miles.

If she keeps at it, she has got a really good chance. She has run a

good, solid opening part of the race, and now she has to work

harder. She is the end concentration, T Bennett, Jo Pavey

getting good support from the crowd. -- a deep Ian Evatt. They have

watched their and admired her for many years. We saw her finish third

here a few years ago, she plans to run a marathon later this year, but

for the moment she has to work hard. She could go close to her personal

best, but the race up front is a little bit quicker than that. Good

to see her digging in. That is the leader, Jelena Prokopcuka with

three champions behind her, and in kick champions, world champions,

world cross-country champions. -- the Olympic champions. Tiki Gelana,

a fantastic performance to win the marathon in London, she looks as if

she really wants to get on with his race, because she knows how good

Tirunesh Dibaba is in the later Rutherford, could 100 metres

sprinter, I am not sure he would fancy a half-marathon. Maybe one

day, who knows? So many colours, of course, many of them, most of them

wearing the vests and T-shirts are the various charities that they are

running for. More of their stories later on, of course. For the

meantime, though, concentrating on the elite field, and the men are

maintaining a very good pace here. The women, a solid pace, more

impressive from the men. The elite group of five, there is a big gap

there, just going through five miles. A little downhill section

year. These next two or three miles are the quick miles, and if they

maintain their ace through here, we could be in for something special.

-- pace. There is enough talent, if Kipsang can stay with them, we

could be on for something quite quick in the men's race. Well, they

have settled down a little, Kipsang has moved to the group. Looking

good there, the Olympic bronze medallists, Merga, the world cross-

country champion, just behind him, heads down, concentration. They are

settling into the undulating course. The times will vary a little, but

when you look at it, you'll see fast miles and then slow miles, and

that is because of the gradient they are climbing. But this is now

they drop down. When they turn approaching the sixth mile point at

White Mare Court, they are downhill and then flat and down for a couple

of miles. -- pool. It is at a mile eight when they go pretty quick

then slow down again at John Reid Road. Conditions really good Today

much all way to start chilled. Here comes the Red Arrows once more,

over the top of the Tyne Bridge, one of the sights of the Great

we had a wonderful view of their blue plume of smoke that they have

left behind drifting to the right up your picture, and that is the

direction of South Shields. When all of these runners take their

left turn and heads towards the coast, as I said, a nice breeze on

their backs, so they could be quite a few personal bests at there today.

Maybe a few inspired by all of the great achievements of our Olympic

athletes' oath and indeed at the Paralympics. None more so than

Mickey Bushell. Yes, the Paralympic champion has found the half-

marathon distance a little bit harder, blown quite heavily, but

absolutely delighted to see Mickey Bushell here in South Shields. He

is going to finish in sixth place. Josh Cassidy, of course, the

champion, then Simon Lawson, Phil Kogo Arkan yet managing to pull his

team-mates clear of the dangerous figure of Imane Merga or, right in

the middle, the world cross-country champion, at the world 10,000

metres champion, just pulling a few yards ahead. That is Kipsang, the

world champion, the man who many thought could win the Olympic Games

if he had judged his pace better. He does not have to do anything

special today, just stay in contention with his team-mates. The

first British athlete, Chris Thompson, running strongly. He says

he is in better shape. He was obviously disappointed with the

Olympic Games. He is ahead of Collis Birmingham, there he is, who

ran against Mo Farah, tested Mo Farah a lot of the way in the Great

CityGames yesterday, but that is the concentrated vigour of Chris

Thompson. Thankfully back from his injury and on his way to running

men's race, because Merga is starting to struggle, dropping up

the pace. It has been an indifferent year for world cross-

country championships. He did not make the team for the Olympic Games,

Merga just dropping away now. We are down to four men, and the pace

has dropped a little through the six miles. They are approaching the

10 kilometres point. There you go, they have slowed a little bit, but

still inside their targets. They were planning to go through 10 k

Ind 28:20, so they are still in time for something good. Brendan,

that is pretty quick. I am just watching the men's group there,

running together. Back to the women, and it is still Jelena Prokopcuka

really sticking to her task. She said she was in good shape, she

avoided the Olympic Games because she did nothing she was running a

good enough Marathon next to the champion, but he is now taking them

on today, and here comes Edna Kiplagat, moving closer. Tirunesh

Dibaba or, through the 10 kilometres point, the 10 mile point

there, that is interesting, 3.1 miles to go, and still the Olympic

10,000 metres champion, three times the Olympic champion in her own

right, Tirunesh Dibaba, she still looks relaxed and comfortable as

the crowds are still crossing the start line. We have that at least

at 10 miles, we have got athletes just coming through the start, so

the whole of Tyneside is now covered by people running, across

the Tyne Bridge, heading to the South Shields coastline here, and

the crowd is filling up. These shots will be busy for the next

half-hour or so, as they all get going. 20,000 now have started,

there is another 20,000 or so to go. We can see the sage Gateshead in

the background. The crowds are lining the route here. These

athletes coming across the iconic look what has happened, Merga,

somehow has got himself back to the group. It was not exactly a slow

last mile. And Merga must have put a really big effort in to come back

to the group, because he must have been at 20 or 30 metres adrift.

that was the fastest mile of the old race so far, 4:19, so that is a

surprise. A change in the women's race, three champions from Africa

now being led by the world marathon champion, Edna Kiplagat. Jelena

Prokopcuka coming under a bit of pressure. Tiki Gelana, the Olympic

marathon champion alongside the world marathon champion, where she

has been all the time. She is a clever Ray Say, Tirunesh Dibaba or,

and that is pretty obvious, you do not become three-times Olympic or

four times world champion and less you are clever. She had the whole

of 2011 away from injury. Jo Pavey, who has had a fantastic year so far,

really doing what she does best, running on her own, working hard.

She knows there is a pricier for her, she knows she can run well, go

close to her personal best, but this is really strenuous distance

running, and this is the concentration that you need, and Jo

Pavey has shown it over many, many years. It has been a privilege to

watch her, she has been brilliant. In the men's race, slightly

different, still five of them together, and they are still racing.

I am just trying to keep an eye... Every time there is a bit of a rise,

Micah Kogo in particular pushes things on a little bit, Merga

struggles. On the downhill section, Merga comes back. They have just

wrested another rise in the area of York Avenue, I have passed that

garage a few times and my running career! You have ran along this

road a few times. I certainly did! This is just about half a mile back

from there, the seven-mile mark, Collis Birmingham has come back on

to Chris Thompson. He is in great form, Collis Birmingham, the Aussie,

a redoubtable competitor. He will have a real tussle with Chris, I am

sure. At the front, just dropping down past the Robin Hood pub,

heading up to the Lindisfarne roundabout, N John Reid Road, and

that is, I think, where the race can take on the complexion of the

race can change. That is a 4:11 mile they have just completed, that

is a pretty quick section, but that is fast none the less. If I tell

you that it compares to when the record run last year, they went

through that in 4:19, so they went through at eight seconds quicker

than last year's winner. In the women's race, we expected

Prokopcuka could not stay with the big three, and they are pushing on,

close to 67 minutes, just outside or just inside, depending on how

they finish, heading for around 66 or 67.5 at the moment. Because

there's so much talent and ability in Ladbroke, we might see a good,

strong finish to this half-marathon. -- in that group. There is Jelena

Prokopcuka, who has really made it a fast race. She is running strong,

she could be close to her personal best, which you would deserve. She

is planning on running a marathon later this year, planning are

running quick, and she looks as though she is back to her very best.

It could be a personal best, 68:11, she will have to stick close to it,

but she is sticking to the task in 4th place. The world champion leads

with the Olympic champion alongside there, three-times Olympic champion

giving them a bit our space, letting them do what they want to

do. The speed that she possesses, you are able to run like that,

because she knows that if everything is OK, she can outspend

anybody in the world. Now they are heading towards the sea front. The

men's race, a little bit of late change there, Kipsang and Kogo have

opened up a bit of a gap, they must be running quicker, because that

last mile of 4:11 was outstanding, and this will be equally quick.

Those gaps are opening really suddenly. The others are now yards

here, then in 300 metres, they will turn. That is always a tough on

mile. The women have already completed it, you are climbing for

one-and-a-half. You can smell the north Sea at this point. Once they

crest this little rise, they will drop down. A steep, downhill

section, then a left turn, with almost a mile, to the finish.

Edna Kiplagat is starting to push things along a little bit. She ran

her first half but then in 2006. 69.30, in her debut. She has only

ever run a little bit quicker than that, in New York. So she is

heading for a personal best. She is really forcing the issue, the

Olympic marathon champion alongside her. Tirunesh Dibaba, starting to

struggle. The strong Kenyan athletes. Wilson

Kipsang, winner of the London Marathon this year. Issie heading

for the double? He looks comfortable. Micah Kogo, an

accomplished 10,000-metre runner. I wonder it is he back to form? As

they head towards the seafront in South Shields. The men's race is

getting competitive. Here are the followers. Imane Merga. The world

cross country champion. Emmanuel Bett, the fastest 10,000-metre run-

up in the world this year. You can see the way they have got their

head down, the wind is blowing This is becoming competitive. Can

Micah Kogo take on one of the best bowdon runners ever? -- marathon

runners. Every time he has the chance to force it, on an incline,

he does so. Wilson Kipsang looks as if he is struggling. Micah Kogo has

10 seconds outside a course record pace here. -- I can tell you. Last

year, Martin Mathathi was pretty much on his own. If Micah Kogo can

keep pushing on, who knows? This is where they are going to drop down

steeply. You can't tell from that helicopter shot. It needs to be

negotiated well, a sharp left-hand turn.

All of these, the world marathon champion Edna Kiplagat, Olympic

marathon champion Tiki Gelana. The three-times Olympic champion at

50101000 metres, Tirunesh Dibaba. Are we seeing the future of

marathon running being revealed here? You can sense she is gauging

her position. Tiki Gelana, looking over her shoulder. She knows she is

in the presence of greatness, with Tirunesh Dibaba. All she wants to

do it shelter behind these two. Along the seafront. A powerful race.

Can they run the finish out of Tirunesh Dibaba? This is really

interesting to see. Personal bests all round today. Who will prevail?

Really interesting. Tiki Gelana was almost the same to Tirunesh Dibaba,

tucked in here. -- almost saying. It is raining now. Having to really

concentrate. Edna Kiplagat doing her best to press on. Tirunesh

Dibaba has never been more than a couple of strides away.

When it gets to the latter stages, surely, she will unleash a kick.

When you run 13 vials, it's not as easy to find as on the track. She

has to stay close and hope she still has that pace in her legs

right at the very end. Edna Kiplagat is doing her very best.

Hasn't she got a sprint finish at the end of a half-brother no? She

hasn't run one before. Two of the best marathon runners in the world,

taking on the best female distance runner of all time. The most

successful female athlete active in the sport, three-times Olympic

champion, four times world champion. Tirunesh Dibaba is poised. Moving

on to the outside. She is not worried about the wind at the

moment. Stretching out now. She always goes from about 600 metres,

she doesn't wait for the last 100. For the first time, Tirunesh Dibaba

hits the front. Marathon runners around the world better be careful.

This looks to make as if the transition from the track, at the

end of a hard season, is she going to be strong enough? Has she got

the finish we have seen her used on the track over this distance? We

will find out in seconds. Derek early, Brendan. -- Very early. Tiki

Gelana has gone ahead. Edna Kiplagat realises that Barbara --

Tirunesh Dibaba might have mistimed that. She looks around as if to say,

by team-mate has gone, let us see what you have got? Sheet is looking

for the distance signs. The 400 metres mark. That was a temporary

misjudgment. Was it a major misjudgment? Look at the ability of

Tirunesh Dibaba, she is a racer overall. She keeps looking behind.

The Olympic 10,000-metre champion, defending that had also been only

in London, tried to win her first ever half marathon. Edna Kiplagat

looks behind, no danger behind. It is between these two. The crowd can

now see them. 400 metres away. We can see them for the first time.

Tirunesh Dibaba must be thinking, where it is this finish line?

first sign of weakness from Edna Kiplagat, she looks behind her

shoulders, the first time she has done that. Tirunesh Dibaba, in her

abilities own. She has the finish in sight. -- ability zone. In full

flow, there is nobody better than Tirunesh Dibaba. She possesses such

speed, strength and endurance. An amazing competitive spirit. Perhaps

the greatest distance runner, certainly on the track, and who

knows now, on the roads, in the future, over the marathon distance.

Today, in the Great North Run, her debut over the half marathon

distance, she has shown she has got what it takes to get to the top of

this event as well. Tirunesh Dibaba. The Olympic champion, she takes the

title in the Great North Run, in the Olympic year. A superb victory

for the Ethiopian. Edna Kiplagat takes second place in a new

personal best. The Olympic marathon champion coming through. Also a

personal best, in third place. Three great athletes, giving us a

played her part. Jelena Prokopcuka has run so well today. She will be

delighted with that. Just inside, maybe by a second or two, a

personal best, which goes all the feel the same, cannot wait to see

Tirunesh Dibaba. She has had a great year it on the track. When

she turns her attention to the marathon, who knows what she will

be capable of. A great race by Jo Pavey. Jo Pavey is running very

close to her personal best. Once again, Jo Pavey, ever have reliable,

ever consistent, a marvellous year behind her. Her personal best of 68

minutes and 53 seconds, can she get close to that? Looking at the clock

now. Just over 69 minutes, just outside her personal best. A

marvellous year on the track and now on the road. Well done. They

all love her. She is always, over these years, always been reliable,

always consistent, a great runner in her own right. A think we have

seen the future of marathon running here today, the greatest ever track

runner, now stepping onto the roads. I am sure we will see some

marvellous exploits from her in the marathon. A little bit more rain

coming down. Still good running conditions. A great race on, in the

men's race. Micah Kogo. Alongside him, Wilson Kipsang. Two Nigel --

Kenyans. Wilson Kipsang was the Prix race favourite, the winner of

the Olympic Raven. Micah Kogo, attempting this. -- the Olympic

marathon. He has just slowed down a running at 59.5 minute pace. Who

knows what they can do it in the last few miles. This is the battle

for third. Kigen alongside Imane Merga. Emmanuel Bett seems to have

dropped off. Rather dramatically. Unless he is between these two and

the leading two. These are the section. Driving down here this

morning, the preparations being made, a big order station coming up

here. It hasn't been that for, so the elite athletes will have taken

on the odd bit of water here and there. It hasn't been a major

didn't particularly enjoy the London Marathon course, I think. He

said, afterwards, it was a warm day. Twisting and turning. This one is a

little bit different. Plenty of straight running. Just below us,

watching Freya Murray finish. Here we are, in the east South Shields

area. The athletes are working hard together, competitively. We have

had personal bests in the women's race. Wilson Kipsang, the London

Marathon winner. Micah Kogo, who tried to get up close, tried to get

away on the hill, through the 11 mile point. They are running about

59, just over. Two miles to go in the men's race. Two Kenyan athletes

together. Two Olympic bronze- medallists together. Who will

started. We are back at the start line. The Olympians are still

greeting these people. They have been doing it for 50 minutes. There

is the Olympic torch on the route. Fund-raisers. Groups of people

running together. All joining themselves together over the start

line. There is the Olympic torch. A fantastic summer we have had with

the Olympics and still Mo Farah still happy to shake hands. Don't

worry, Mo, you've nearly finished shaking hands. Ellie Simmons gives

them an encouraging word. Now the ordinary people can set off and do

extraordinary things on this half marathon. A mile and a half or so

down the road, at the Tyne Bridge, they're still streaming across.

Remember, way back in the very first running of this, Bren, and I

think both you and had a tootle around. You aren't going to tell

the story about how you beat me. you took off like a scared rabbit

and it took me ten miles to catch you. I did catch up with you and

then you wouldn't let me run with you. It was such an unusual thing

then to have so many people run across the Tyne Bridge. That itself

was the thing which everyone took home with them and of course that

became the famous shot of the race that people saw all around the

world. And it is probably a good thing it comes so early in the race

- everyone can still look good. Well they're racing now. Less than

two miles to go in the men's race and the Olympic bronze medallist at

the marathon. I saw him in the Olympics and I thought he was

running fantastic in that marathon. I thought his pace work was silly,

I don't know why he did what he did. He came back strongly and finished

third. But he ran such a fast race, here is Kipsang over the half

marathon distance with the 10,000 metre bronze medallist. Now we have

got a real race in the men's event. It is going to be a quick one. It

is going to be under the hour. We have got two athletes with pedigree.

But who will prevail? We have a competitive race, they may be

friends and training partners, but when the gun starts the race and

they get going, it is a competition. Well Kipsang had his first real

break through at the Delhi half marathon. He ran subone hour. And

then the year after that he ran 58. 59. He was the fourth man to run

under 59 minutes. Although that may have slipped by them today, it just

slipped away from the possibility of running under 59 minutes. But

certainly it will be under the hour. But this sois fast it hurts your

legs. Kipsang's free running, letting himself go. Kogo is holding

himself back. And then the gap appears and Kipsang has used that

hill well and that gap I think will only build. Is that the move that

makes the victory for the London marathon winner? 12 miles completed.

He is now going to lead. But we have seen him in the lead before

and we have seen him surrender the lead on several occasions during

the Olympics and Micah Kogo, who took it easier down the hill is

closing again. So the tactics of Wilson Kipsang don't look like they

have worked. Micah Kogo closes the gap and gets right in behind Wilson

Kipsang. What looked like a move that would win the race now looks

like a move that has tired his legs and Micah Kogo has come down the

hill and he is fresher. Well Micah Kogo goes better uphill than down

hill. Kipsang's pace judgment isn't his strength. His running ability

is his strength. He has to work had. That gap, there was a significant

gap. He knew he had a gap. Kogo didn't panic and he is back in

front. And coaches say when you catch somebody, they always say, go

past them if you have got the momentum. Now two rejoined in

battle. Just less than a mile to go. Less than five minutes of running.

In the rain here it is just drizzling. Conditions are

prosecutey good for quick running. -- pretty good for quick running.

But who is going to win? Kogo and Kipsang. Well Micah Kogo, Olympic

bronze medallist at 10,000 metres, held the best time for 10,000

metres on the road a few years ago. Now Wilson Kipsang, who is the

second fastest marathon runner ever, is in a position you might want to

be. He is just on the shoulder of the leader. He probably ran too

quickly down the hill. Now this is the key point. Can Kogo pull away

from Kipsang or can Kipsang keep him in his sight and then we will

find out who is the fastest finisher. Kipsang is a winner, he

has won the London marathon this year. It would be a great one for

him to add this Great North Run to his events that he has won in the

UK. He was disappointing in London. He was fabulous in the London

marathon. He was fantastic last year in Frankfurt, now which kind

of performance are we going to see? Imane Merga, the world cross

country champion, the athlete they were scared of and Micah Kogo

glances over his shoulder and just a few yards, but not quite enough

yet. We have still got a race. It is going to be fast in the last

part of the race and it will end up in a quicker time than it looked

like at the half way point. But now the two Kenyans are battling it out

for victory. They can sense the finish, the crowds pilding either

side of them. -- building either side of them. But this race is not

over yet. Kogo trying to force the issue. Kipsang trying to hang on

and see if he can find something in the last 200 metres. Two or three

metres between the two of them. No more than that. Kogo not renowned

for his sprint finish. I'm not sure Kipsang is either. They always talk

about that little elastic band keeping you close and in tufplt 400

metres to go. Kogo hasn't got enough. Who will it be? Who is the

fastest sprinter? You want to see Kipsang move alongside him. That is

the move. That is inside the last 400 metres. Can he catch Kogo and

sprint like the 10,000 metre runner? Micah Kogo is stretching.

Kip Stang's racing him. They are coming down to a fast finish. Is

either got anything left. Kogo takes another look. Kipsang looks

as though he is broken. It will be Micah Kogo. He has 100 metres to go

and here comes Kipsang again. We're going to see a great finish.

Kipsang comes again and Kipsang takes it on the line! Wow! What a

finish from those two! The -- one of the best finishes we have seen

at the Great North Run. Kipsang left it so late. We will wait for

official confirmation, but may well be the second fastest ever Great

North Run. Very close do the time from 2005. It wasn't a course

record. That was last year. But what a race from these two. Kogo

must have thought he had it won. He kept looking behind. And couldn't

really see him getting beat 50 metres out and then all of a sudden

Kipsang raised his game. Merga's has had a good strong finish and

will take third. The Ethiopian finishing his season with a good

performance, rung under an hour in his debut at the half marathon.

Kigen is coming through in fourth place. He has ran under an hour in

the past. Chris Thompson finishing vongly as well. -- strongly as well.

I think he will be in fifth place. I can see him approaching the

finish. There he is. Chris has been running strongly. His best goes

back to earlier on this year. He may catch him. Thompson is about 30

metres behind him. There he is. Running strongly here. He has got

one of the best sprint finishes. It has been a good performance and

Chris Thompson will run a big personal best in sixth. A great run

from Chris. Just around 61 minutes. You might see the official time.

Paul Evans and Mo Farah and maybe Steve Jones has run 60 minutes.

That moves him up the British all time list. Collis Birmingham, the

Aussie, couldn't quite stay with them. That is a big personal best

for the Australian as well. Taking a couple of minutes off his best

half marathon time. Plenty of drama there at the end, Brendan? Well the