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Tony Blair starts Great North Run Tony Blair starts Great North Run
(about 1 hour later)
Former prime minister Tony Blair and three Beijing gold medallists sounded the starting hooters for the 28th annual Great North Run on Tyneside. Thousands of people are crossing the finish line of the 28th annual Great North Run on Tyneside.
A record 52,000 runners have set off on the half marathon between Newcastle and South Shields. A record 52,000 runners were set on their way when former prime minister Tony Blair and three Beijing gold medallists sounded starting hooters.
Some 30,000 spectators are lining the route to cheer on the participants. Some 30,000 spectators lined the route, between Newcastle and South Shields, to cheer on the participants.
Mr Blair was joined by the Olympic swimmer Rebecca Adlington, the Olympic cyclist Chris Hoy and the Paralympian swimmer Ellie Simmons. This year's half-marathon runners are raising an estimated £10m for local and national charities.
The former prime minister congratulated race founder Brendan Foster on making the event a success. Mr Blair was joined by Olympic swimmer Rebecca Adlington, Olympic cyclist Chris Hoy and Paralympian swimmer Ellie Simmons.
Celebrity runnersCelebrity runners
The former prime minister congratulated race founder Brendan Foster on making the event a success.
He said: "Brendan has done the most amazing job and the Great North Run is now one of the big events worldwide.He said: "Brendan has done the most amazing job and the Great North Run is now one of the big events worldwide.
"There is thousands of people running and I think they are going to raise about £10m for charity, which is utterly incredible.""There is thousands of people running and I think they are going to raise about £10m for charity, which is utterly incredible."
Celebrity runners this year include model Nell McAndrew, Apprentice winner Lee McQueen and former champion jockey Richard Dunwoody.Celebrity runners this year include model Nell McAndrew, Apprentice winner Lee McQueen and former champion jockey Richard Dunwoody.
Ethiopia's Gete Wami claimed victory in the elite women's race as Britain's Jo Pavey finished in third place.Ethiopia's Gete Wami claimed victory in the elite women's race as Britain's Jo Pavey finished in third place.
Tsegay Kebede made it a double triumph for Ethiopia as he won the men's race with a dominant display.Tsegay Kebede made it a double triumph for Ethiopia as he won the men's race with a dominant display.


Are you going to watch the Great North Run?Are you going to watch the Great North Run?
Send your pictures and video to yourpics@bbc.co.uk or text them to 61124. If you have a large file you can upload here.Send your pictures and video to yourpics@bbc.co.uk or text them to 61124. If you have a large file you can upload here.
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At no time should you endanger yourself or others, take any unnecessary risks or infringe any laws.At no time should you endanger yourself or others, take any unnecessary risks or infringe any laws.