The 2010 Bupa Great North Run marked the 30th anniversary of the world's largest half-marathon that sees participants run between Newcastle upon Tyne and South Shields in England.

The run, which was devised by former Olympic 10,000 metre bronze medallist and BBC Sport commentator Brendan Foster, began in 1981 where Britain's Mike McLeod took victory in the elite men's race, while his compatriot Karen Goldhawk claimed gold in the women's event.

Last year's run saw 54,000 people take part to create a total economic impact of £22 million ($35 million/€25 million) for businesses and charities across the region according to independent research.

This figure is an increase of 26 per cent over the £17.6million ($27.8 million/€20.2 million) generated by the 2005 event, which was the last time the total economic impact of the event was measured.

Of the 2010 runners, 73 per cent came from outside the North East and 80 per cent of these visitors spent at least one night in the city over the Bupa Great North Run weekend, with nearly 15,000 staying in paid for accommodation such as hotels or guesthouses.

In addition, 55 per cent enjoyed a meal out in the area, while many visiting runners also brought supporters with them to the North East.

Local participants persuaded friends and family from outside the region to come and cheer them on so there was an average of 2.45 spectators per person who each spent a further £111.62 ($176.27/€127.99).

More than 500 overseas runners came to the North East from as far afield as Australia - spending an average of nearly £500 ($790/€573) each - while the junior events, staged the day before the adult race, were tackled by almost 5000 children aged between three and 16.

A third of the child entrants were visitors from outside the region and were accompanied on average by four or more supporters each.

As well as contributing to the financial impact of the Great North Run, visitors gave positive feedback on the North East as 92 per cent rated the region as a good or excellent place to visit, with over half saying they were more likely to visit again and 48 per cent stating that their view of the area had changed for the better.

Along with the senior race and the junior events, the Bupa Great North Run featured a programme of satellite events including the Great North CityGames street athletics competition and a sports and fitness exhibition, showcasing the city to over 25,000 spectators.

A combined audience of 2.7 million watched the events live on BBC television, with the race itself attracting 1.8 million viewers, while the Great CityGames had a reach of 973,000.

David Newton, managing director of Nova International who organise the Great North Run, said: "We are delighted by the positive impact that the Great North Run has had on the local economy and we are hoping for a similar effect this year."

The 2011 Great North Run will be staged on September 18, with the men's elite and mass race starting at 10.40am, while the Great North CityGames, featuring Great Britain versus the USA, will take place on September 17 from 1pm to 2.30pm.


The 2010 Bupa Great North Run saw an Ethiopian long-distance legend Haile Gebrselassie (pictured) take victory in the men's race, while his fellow countrywoman Berhane Adere won the women's race.

The wheelchair races saw British success as Paralympic medallists David Weir and Shelly Woods claimed victories in the men's and women's races respectively.

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