Great North Run error medals listed for £5,000

The official 2025 Great North Run medals incorrectly used an outline of Sunderland and the River Wear

Finisher medals for one of the world's best known half marathons, which showed an image of the wrong route, are being listed for sale as "error collectables" for up to £5,000.

Organisers of the Great North Run (GNR) apologised after it was spotted the medals featured nearby Sunderland and the River Wear, instead of an aerial view of the run's route of Newcastle, Gateshead, South Shields and the River Tyne.

Sellers on shopping site eBay and online marketplace Vinted are asking for as much as £5,000, £3,000 and £925 for the medals, while others are opting for a cheaper price of £35.

The run's organisers said every GNR medal "should be a treasured memento".

One eBay seller said the medal's design was "unbelievable", and offered people the chance to own "the rarest, most unique running medal ever".

Others called it a "rarity" and a collectable, saying it would be a "valuable addition to any sports memorabilia".

Some sellers have been listing the 2025 medal for a price as high as £5,000

Many runners on social media have said they will keep hold of their medals, with one posting on Facebook: "At least when people ask what year did you run the GNR I will be able to say the year they messed up the medal - it will definitely be remembered."

The Great Run Company said: "Every Great North Run medal should be a treasured memento for those taking part to remember their achievement.

"We'd urge anyone considering purchasing one online to be mindful of scammers."

The company has encouraged anyone who wants a GNR medal of their own to enter the ballot for the 2026 event, which is open for applications until Sunday.

"We can promise that the medal for the 45th staging of the event will be just as special as this year's," it said.

The BBC has not seen any evidence to say whether or not medals have been sold at the prices quoted.

The event's founder, Sir Brendan Foster, said he had "spent ages marvelling" at the 2025 designs and "never spotted the mistake", even when they were displayed in the window of city centre department store Fenwick.

He added: "I've lived on the River Tyne my whole life and I should've noticed."

"But if I'd run the Great North Run yesterday, I'd still be wearing my medal with pride," he said.

Medals through the ages

The GNR has been active since 1981, when 12,264 people lined up for the first event in Newcastle on 28 June.

Thousands take part every year to beat a personal milestone or raise money for charity.

Many collect their medals as mementos of their achievements, below are pictures of some throughout the years.