Sun shines on Great North Run

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Tony Blair joined paralympic heroine Ellie Simmons, the winner of two swimming golds, triple Olympic cycling gold medallist Chris Hoy and double swimming gold medallist Rachel Adlington to cheer the competitors on their way.

Cheered on by a noisy, happy crowd, they set off from Newcastle's Central Motorway and crossed the Tyne Bridge heading for South Shields, 13-and-a-half miles away, in what is now the world's biggest half marathon.

Event organiser David Hart said the run had become world famous.

"We've had a fantastic day," he said.

"We've seen a world class race with runners from the top of their field; with a terrific finish in the women's race and a sub-hour finish in the men's.

"The Great North Run is now Britain's biggest running event and is the world's biggest half marathon.

"It's standing is such that the race has gained international significance.

"We have had good running conditions too; it was clear and cold with a slight breeze, and it warmed up as the sun came out. It has been spectacular, and a great advert for the North East."

Celebrity runners taking part included model and television presenter Nell McAndrew, former Olympic medallist Kriss Akabusi, BBC newsreader Sophie Raworth, Silent Witness actress Amanda Burton, Radio One DJ Scott Mills, and Hollyoaks bombshell Zoe Lister, who plays Zoe Carpenter.