Thousands take part in children’s race

Thousands of children have taken part in the Great North Run’s Junior and Mini races.

More than 12,000 children aged between three and 16 signed up to the race on the roads surrounding Newcastle’s Quayside, the run’s organisers said.

BBC Gladiators Sabre, Apollo, Bionic and Athena rang the starting bell for what organisers have described as “probably the biggest event of its type in the country”.

Aimed at promoting a healthy lifestyle, it is the precursor to Sunday’s Great North Run – a half-marathon from Newcastle to South Shields.

The mini run was a 1.2km (0.7 mile) dash for those aged between three and eight years old, accompanied by a parent or guardian.

Children aged between nine and 16 tackled a 4km (2.5 mile) sprint.

The day also featured the Mini 50 – a flat 50m (164ft) course towards the finish line for children with additional needs, supported by their families and carers.

A spokesperson for Gladiators, who started the races, said: “Inspiring a love for sports and staying active in young people is at the heart of our mission and something we deeply care about.”

Paul Foster, chief executive of the Great Run Company, said: “I remember running it myself as a kid many many years ago.

“It has really grown up over the years, and to have 12,000 kids taking part makes it one of the biggest running events in the country.”

Among those running was six-year-old Margot, who was diagnosed with a brain tumour in 2024 and finished treatment in May this year.

She started the first mini wave alongside the Gladiators before completing the course with older sister Delilah.

Her parents are also taking part in Sunday’s Great North Run as part of their Miles for Margot campaign.

This has been fundraising for Children’s Cancer North and Great North Children’s Hospital Foundation, which have supported them during Margot’s illness.

More than £30,000 has been raised by family and friends completing various charity challenges throughout the year.