大象传媒

Sue Barker introduces coverage of the world's most popular half marathon, which is being held for the 30th time.

A record 54,000 people take to the course from Newcastle to South Shields, and for the first time the elite field will include the legendary Haile Gebrselassie, arguably the world's greatest-ever distance runner. The Ethiopian was forced to withdraw from the Great North Run a decade ago due to injury, and he makes his belated bow in an event won for the second time last year by Martin Lel of Kenya.

In the women's event, Mara Yamauchi is aiming to become the first British winner since Paula Radcliffe in 2003. Yamauchi will have to do it the hard way as she faces former Great North Run winners Berhane Adere and Susan Chepkemei, and defending champion Jessica Augusto of Portugal.

Many of the non-elite runners are raising money for charity, and among the host of celebrities taking part are X-Factor winner Joe McElderry, chef Gordon Ramsey and Radio 1 DJ Scott Mills.

Steve Cram, Brendan Foster and Paul Dickenson are the commentators.