Andy Burnham becomes first UK Prime Minister to take on Great North Run
Thousands have taken part in this year's Great North Run, from Newcastle to South Shields
Last updated 13th Sep 2026
The sun was shining, the crowds were cheering, as the Great North Run 2026 has taken place in the North East today.
The months of training are at an end - and the medals will soon be on display.
This year saw Newcastle United captain Dan Burn officially start the race this morning, handing out high-fives to thousands of excited starters.
But he wasn't the only big name in Newcastle today, as Andy Burnham became the first ever sitting UK Prime Minister to run half-marathon.
Mr Burnham is something of a GNR veteran - and managed to complete the run in under 2 hours.
Wearing a Number 10 bib, he was raising money for the charity Changing Lives, which he visited last month to launch a national drive to end rough sleeping.
He said the run between Newcastle and South Shields was a “fantastic event”, adding it “gives you such a belief in the people of this country”.
Wearing a pink running shirt and a number 10 race bib, Mr Burnham joked: “When I’m doing my job, I can hardly give up halfway round, can I?”
Speaking near the start line, he added: “I’ve been doing a bit of training, as people might have seen, even in the newspapers.
“But the dodgy running shorts have definitely been left at home in Manchester.
“I couldn’t offend all of the great people of the North East.
“So they’re at home, and I bought some new ones.”
Mr Burnham donated 15% of his first month’s salary as prime minister to Changing Lives, after promising to give a share of his wages to charity each month.
Stephen Bell, Changing Lives chief executive, said: “We’re delighted that Andy is running for Changing Lives and grateful to everyone who gets behind him.
“When he visited our service in Newcastle, he heard directly from people about their experiences of homelessness and the support that has helped them move forward.
“A safe place to stay is the start.
“People also need someone they can trust, practical help and support that continues as they rebuild their lives. Our colleagues provide that support every day.
“By donating to Changing Lives, you can help fund this work and be there for people facing homelessness.
“Thank you to Andy and to everyone running, donating and cheering on our team.”
Meanwhile, we also know the winners of today's event,
Brigid Kosgei won the women's Elite race comfortably, after Eilish McColgan had to drop out due to injury.
The Kenyan, who is an Olympic silver medallist and former London marathon winner, finished in one hour, six minutes and 15 seconds.
American Zouhair Talbi won the Elite Men's Race, becoming the first US competitor to do so, in 59:47.
Britain's David Weir won his 10th Great North Run title in the men's wheelchair race as he finished in 43:06, while Melanie Woods was the women's winner in 50:19.
Meanwhile hundreds of thousands of pounds is raised for charities all over the world every year during the Great North Run, with people of all running abilities crossing the finish line in South Shields.
If you feel inspired to get involved, the ballot for 2027 is still open, and you have a week to get your name in.