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Red Arrows to make Great North Run return

Getty Images Close-up image of four Red Arrows planes during the 2016 Great North Run. There are plumes of red and blue smoke in the sky.Getty Images
The Red Arrows have been a regular feature of the Great North Run since 2002

The Red Arrows are to return as part of this year's Great North Run, organisers have confirmed.

The display team has become closely associated with its flyovers as thousands of runners cross the Tyne Bridge.

The planes will also perform a display over the sea at the event's finish in South Shields.

Having first been involved in 2002, they were absent from last year's event due to commitments in North America and also missed 2021 and 2022 during the Covid-19 pandemic.

Announcing their return on 7 September, Great North Run founder Sir Brendan Foster said: "The roar of the Red Arrows overhead is a truly special moment.

"It's a spectacle to see them soar over the Tyne Bridge, leaving vibrant streaks of red, white and blue in their wake before they head to the coast."

Getty Images The Red Arrows flying over thousands of people crossing the Tyne Bridge during the 2023 Great North Run. There are nine planes in the display, each leaving a red, white or blue trail in the bright sky.Getty Images
The Red Arrows last performed at the half-marathon in 2023

About 60,000 people are set to take on the 13.1-mile (21km) course this year, according to the company behind the event, raising millions of pounds for charities.

Last year's run - the 43rd - was held in showery conditions with famous faces including Sara Davies from the TV series Dragon's Den.

The poor weather failed to deter hoards of spectators who lined the route from Newcastle's Central Motorway, through Gateshead and into South Tyneside.

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