This article is from the source 'bbc' and was first published or seen on . It last changed over 40 days ago and won't be checked again for changes.

You can find the current article at its original source at http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-tyne-24081957

The article has changed 10 times. There is an RSS feed of changes available.

Version 3 Version 4
Great North Run: 33rd event gets under way Great North Run: 33rd event gets under way
(35 minutes later)
The 33rd Great North Run is under way on Tyneside, with more than 55,000 people taking part despite wet and windy weather. Almost 56,000 people have taken to the streets of Tyneside to take part in the 33rd Great North Run.
World and Olympic champion Mo Farah narrowly missed out on becoming the first UK runner in 25 years to win the elite men's race in a thrilling finish.
Ethiopian Kenenisa Bekele held off Farah to finish first in South Shields after the 13.1 mile half marathon.
World 400m champion Christine Ohuruogu and England cricketer Graeme Swann started the event.World 400m champion Christine Ohuruogu and England cricketer Graeme Swann started the event.
Thousands are running the 13.1-mile course from Newcastle to South Shields for charity and crowds are lining the route to cheer them on.
And double Olympic and world champion Mo Farah is among the elite runners.
Among the celebrities taking part are former Spice Girl Mel C and presenter Radio 2 presenter Jo Wiley.Among the celebrities taking part are former Spice Girl Mel C and presenter Radio 2 presenter Jo Wiley.
Thousands gathered at the start line and along the route to cheer wheelchair racers and the elite women runners, who were the first to go.Thousands gathered at the start line and along the route to cheer wheelchair racers and the elite women runners, who were the first to go.
'Tail wind'
The main group of runners got off on time at 10:40 BST.The main group of runners got off on time at 10:40 BST.
BBC weather forecaster Jay Wynne said: "It will be quite cold at the start of the race, particularly standing around in the wind. With hundreds of charities being represented by the runners, an estimated £24m is expected to be raised.
"There will probably be around 5mm of rain during the race and maybe some heavier bursts. During the race it is estimated that over 82,000 litres of water will be drunk by parched runners.
"It will be windy as well and there will probably be gusts of 30-40mph, maybe a little bit higher.
"For the main bit of the race down to South Shields the wind should be with them as a cross tail wind and a blustery cross wind when they run along the coast."
Double world and Olympic gold medalist Farah will be aiming to win the men's event against a world-class field including Haile Gebrselassie and Kenenisa Bekele, while London 2012 Paralympic sensation David Weir is favourite for the wheelchair race.
British athlete Gemma Steel is taking part in the race, from Newcastle to South Shields, alongside other elite female runners including the Ethiopian pair of Tirunesh Dibaba and Meseret Defar.
From just 12,000 runners at the first run in 1981, the event has now grown to more than 55,000 accepted entrants from more than 100,000 applicants.From just 12,000 runners at the first run in 1981, the event has now grown to more than 55,000 accepted entrants from more than 100,000 applicants.
The Bupa Great North Run will be live on BBC One and BBC One HD on Sunday morning from 09:30 with a highlights programme at 16:50 on BBC Two. BBC Tyne and Wear will also have live updates between 08:00 and 16:00.
If you are going to be at the event, please send us your pictures.If you are going to be at the event, please send us your pictures.
Send your pictures and videos to yourpics@bbc.co.uk or text them to 61124 (UK) or +44 7624 800 100 (International). If you have a large file you can upload here.Send your pictures and videos to yourpics@bbc.co.uk or text them to 61124 (UK) or +44 7624 800 100 (International). If you have a large file you can upload here.
Read the terms and conditionsRead the terms and conditions