Great North Run: What is it, and why are the Gladiators there?

Pull up your socks, and lace up your trainers...this weekend the Great North Run returns to Newcastle.

While the main event (a half-marathon) for over-17's is on the Sunday, today is reserved for younger runners to have their go.

The event runs a Junior and Mini Great North run for children aged 3-8 and 9-16.

This year it's a little more special because the children's runs will be started by none other than the GLADIATORS.

What is the Mini and Junior Great North Run?

Tyney is the Junior and Mini Great North Run mascot, shown here in 2024

The event takes place on closed roads around the Newcastle Gateshead Quayside.

The mini run is for those aged 3-8, and is a 1.2km dash.

The juniors, for children aged between 9-16, tackle a 4km sprint.

The day also features the Mini 50 – a flat 50m course towards the finish line for children (3-16 yrs) with additional needs, supported by their families and carers.

It's expected that more than 12,000 kids will be taking part - for fun, charity, or as a challenge and of course, to go home with a shiny medal.

Will you be taking part? Let us know if you or anyone you know is running in the comments below.

Why are the Gladiators at the Great North Run?

Gladiators Sabre, Apollo, Bionic and Athena will be attending

Gladiators Sabre, Apollo, Bionic and Athena will be at the event and ringing the starting bell for the races.

They aren't running themselves but they will be on hand to cheer on the young runners.

A spokesperson for Gladiators said: "Inspiring a love for sports and staying active in young people is at the heart of our mission and something we deeply care about."

The main event

Watch out for some of the fancy dress at the run

The first Great North Run race took place in 1981 and that year more than 12,000 runners turned up to compete.

Since then the number of runners who do it has grown massively, this year 60,000 will be taking part.

You can usually spot a couple of famous faces, as well as lots of people in fancy dress.

The run is also known for its huge contribution to charity, with runners raising millions of pounds for charity each year.