Thousands of runners have descended on Tyneside for the Great North Run – one of the biggest half marathons in the world.

It is the 44th staging of the race, which starts in Newcastle, heads through Gateshead and South Tyneside before finishing in South Shields.

About 60,00 runners have entered, and will be cheered on by more than 200,000 supporters lining the 13.1-mile (21km) route.

As is traditional, there will be famous faces at the start line to see off the runners – this year it will be Newcastle United’s Jacob Murphy and Nick Pope.

Among those taking part will be broadcaster and fitness coach Joe Wicks, who was also one of the starters at Saturday’s Junior Great North Run.

The Great North Run’s founder, Sir Brendan Foster, said: “It’s more popular, more famous, more in demand…the whole dimension of the thing is much bigger.

“Interestingly, the age group is changing slightly, with more young people now taking up running.

“The first Great North Run there were 8% of women running, last year 49% of the runners were women.

“I’m just so happy it’s taking place here in the North East, it has become iconic.”

Professionals taking part include Eilish McColgan, who is hoping to follow in her mum’s footsteps with a win.

The elite wheelchair race begins at 10:20 BST, followed by elite women at 10:25, the visually impaired race at 10:27 and elite men and masses at 10:50.

Waves for the masses continue until about 12:00, with many taking part in the race to raise money for charities.