This weekend’s Great North Run will still go ahead, organisers have confirmed, following the sad news of Queen Elizabeth II’s passing on Thursday 8 September.
Following a meeting of council leaders, organisers, broadcasters and others involved in staging the huge event, which is expected to raise millions of pounds for charities, bosses confirmed that the main run will continue as planned.
Describing the event as a ‘fitting tribute’ to Queen Elizabeth II, they added that some elements would be more subdued out of respect to the Royal Family, reports The Manc.
The Great North 5K, originally due to take place on Friday evening, and the Junior and Mini Great North Run have both been cancelled.
Sir Brendan Foster, Founder of the Great North Run, said: “We have considered the staging of the Great North Run on Sunday, and are confident that we can continue in a way that will remain respectful of the Queen and the Royal Family and mindful of the mood of intense sadness which is being felt across the country.
“There will be an appropriate tribute made and whilst we want runners to enjoy the day we will be encouraging everyone to be aware of the very sad and very special circumstances in which the event will be taking place.
“We would encourage runners to communicate their respect for the Queen in any way they feel appropriate, and look forward to welcoming runners from all over the UK and the world to the North East this weekend.
“We will endeavour to ensure the event runs smoothly but we will do so ever mindful that the nation has lost someone whose death is a defining moment for all of us, and who will be in our hearts and minds not just today and tomorrow, but long into the future.”
Feature image – Public Domain images /Commons Wikimedia
