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Thousands gear up for Great Run Thousands take part in Great Run
(20 minutes later)
Tens of thousands of people have arrived on Tyneside ahead of the 27th annual Great North Run. Tens of thousands of people have arrived on Tyneside to take part in the 27th annual Great North Run.
About 50,000 runners are taking part in the famous race between Newcastle and South Shields on Sunday. About 50,000 runners are taking part in the famous half-marathon between Newcastle and South Shields.
A further 30,000 spectators will line the route to cheer the participants to the finish line. An estimated 30,000 spectators are lining the 13.1 mile route to cheer participants to the finish.
The former Newcastle United and England manager Sir Bobby Robson is to fire the starting pistol for what is Europe's biggest road race. Former Newcastle United and England manager Sir Bobby Robson is firing the starting pistol for what is Europe's biggest road race.
The event starts with the wheelchair athletes at 1010 BST. Sir Bobby, speaking before the race, said: "This is part of the sporting fabric of the North East.
This is followed by the elite women, including Paula Radcliffe returning to competition for the first time in 21 months, at 1015 BST. Celebrity runners
"It is a special day and the fantastic thing is the runners make millions and millions of pounds for charity."
England football coach Steve McClaren is running this year's event to raise cash for Macmillan Cancer Support.
Celebrities taking part include TV presenters Carol Vorderman and Ben Fogle, and Olympic rowing champion James Cracknell.
The event started with the wheelchair athletes at 1010 BST.
This was followed by the elite women, including Paula Radcliffe returning to competition for the first time in 21 months, at 1015 BST.
The mass runners follow the elite men at 1040 BST.The mass runners follow the elite men at 1040 BST.
Extra public transport has been laid on for the race and several roads have been closed.Extra public transport has been laid on for the race and several roads have been closed.