A giant mural is being painted alongside the River Tyne to celebrate the Great North Run’s 45th anniversary, as the event counts down to its “biggest year ever”.
The 13-mile race, which takes participants from Newcastle to South Shields, was first held in 1981 and an extra 3,000 places allocated for the next edition on 13 September will take the total number of runners to 63,000.
The new mural, which stretches 90m along Newcastle’s Quayside, was created by local artist Alex Mulholland – known as Mul – who described the commission as a “true honour”.
Founder and president Sir Brendan Foster said about 1.4m people had previously completed the route, with million raised for charities.
He said: “To know my artwork will form part of The Great North Run’s history is a genuine bucket-list moment and something as an artist that I’m very proud of.”
Foster said: “Mul’s street art is designed to be accessible to everyone and his Running Heart character personifies our event and everyone who takes part to raise money for many great causes, in memory of loved ones or purely for the love of running.”
“Over the years we’ve had countless special moments, incredible feats, records and world firsts, but we’re focused on the future.”
Stephen Patterson, CEO of Newcastle’s business improvement district NE1, said the Run was “part of the fabric of the city”.
“It has put Newcastle and the wider North East on the national and international map, attracting millions of visitors over the years to enjoy the event, its associated festivities and everything the city and the region have to offer,” he said.
“This new artwork will be a fitting tribute to its incredible legacy.”
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