Big Dan Burn to start 45th Great North Run
The Newcastle captain has been revealed as the starter for this year's Great North Run
The 2026 AJ Bell Great North Run official starter on Sunday 13th September will be England star and Newcastle United Club Captain, Dan Burn
Heralding from Blyth, Burn joins a veritable roll call of local heroes who have performed official starting duties at the world’s greatest half marathon since it first began in 1981 including Sting, Ant and Dec, Sir Bobby Robson, Alan Shearer, Mark Knopfler, Jill Scott and Steph Houghton.
After helping England reach the semi-finals of this summer's World Cup, Burn is representing not only Newcastle United but England on the iconic starters platform and will be responsible for setting 63,000 runners on their way, marking the biggest Great North Run in the event’s 45 year history.
Sir Brendan Foster, Founder of the Great North Run and President of The Great Run Company, said:
“This year for us is huge in so many ways – it’s our 45th anniversary and the biggest ever Great North Run with 63,000 runners taking on the famous course from city to sea. We needed someone big for this big moment, so we made a big signing… Big Dan Burn!
"The Great North Run is about regional pride, ordinary people doing extraordinary things, and a shared love and passion for the region. Dan epitomises all of this. Since the first event, we’ve seen countless special moments.
"Kevin Keegan, as England Captain, was our first celebrity runner back in 1981, running the course in a split shirt representing both Newcastle United and Sunderland FC.
"It seemed also a fitting tribute to Kevin by inviting Newcastle United, and Dan as current captain, to start the race this year as we remember Kevin’s impact on the game across the region.”
Dan Burn, England star and Newcastle United captain, said:
“It's an honour to be starting the Great North Run on the milestone 45th occasion. I’m so excited to see all 63,000 of you on Sunday. I’d like to wish everyone running all the best of luck!”
The weekend of running will kick start with the AJ Bell Great North Run 5K race on Friday 11th September, and what will be the 40th edition of the Junior and Mini events on Saturday 12th September.
Ahead of the running action this weekend, tens of thousands of people have already entered the September Ballot for the 2027 Great North Run.
The Ballot for the Great North Run 2027 is open until the 20th of September.