This article is from the source 'bbc' and was first published or seen on . It will not be checked again for changes.

You can find the current article at its original source at http://news.bbc.co.uk/go/rss/-/1/hi/england/tyne/7020498.stm

The article has changed 7 times. There is an RSS feed of changes available.

Version 2 Version 3
Thousands take part in Great Run Thousands take part in Great Run
(about 1 hour later)
Tens of thousands of people are pounding the streets of Tyneside in the 27th annual Great North Run.Tens of thousands of people are pounding the streets of Tyneside in the 27th annual Great North Run.
About 50,000 runners are taking part in the famous half-marathon between Newcastle and South Shields.About 50,000 runners are taking part in the famous half-marathon between Newcastle and South Shields.
An estimated 30,000 spectators are lining the 13.1 mile route to cheer participants to the finish.An estimated 30,000 spectators are lining the 13.1 mile route to cheer participants to the finish.
Former Newcastle United and England manager Sir Bobby Robson fired the starting pistol for what is Europe's biggest road race.Former Newcastle United and England manager Sir Bobby Robson fired the starting pistol for what is Europe's biggest road race.
Sir Bobby, speaking before the race, said: "This is part of the sporting fabric of the North East.Sir Bobby, speaking before the race, said: "This is part of the sporting fabric of the North East.
Celebrity runnersCelebrity runners
"It is a special day and the fantastic thing is the runners make millions and millions of pounds for charity.""It is a special day and the fantastic thing is the runners make millions and millions of pounds for charity."
Up to 350 charities are represented at this year's race.Up to 350 charities are represented at this year's race.
England football coach Steve McClaren is running the event to raise cash for Macmillan Cancer Support.England football coach Steve McClaren is running the 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.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. In the elite women's race, American Kara Goucher triumphed over second placed Paula Radcliffe, who was returning to competition for the first time in 21 months.
London Marathon winner Martin Lel burst clear of fellow Kenyan and world half-marathon record holder Sammy Wanjiru to win the men's race by eight seconds.
Medical back-upMedical back-up
This was followed by the elite women, including Paula Radcliffe returning to competition for the first time in 21 months, at 1015 BST. In the wheelchair races South African Ernst Van Dyk beat Kurt Fearnley of Canada, while Britain's Shelly Woods cruised to victory ahead of Italian Francesca Porcellato in the women's event.
The mass runners followed the elite men at 1040 BST. The mass runners started the race at 1040 BST.
About 500 medics are positioned along the route tending to the weary runners.About 500 medics are positioned along the route tending to the weary runners.
The medical back-up includes consultants and cardiac specialists.The medical back-up includes consultants and cardiac specialists.
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.