The lead group in the elite men's race has thinned out a bit and now comprises of six athletes, still led by Mo Farah.

The British legend is been cheered every step of the way.

Meanwhile, the masses running for charity are well under way. They started at 11:00 BST as well but many of them won't have even crossed the start line by the time Farah and co reach the finish.

Baroness Tanni Grey-Thompson
Six-time London Marathon wheelchair champion on BBC TV

It doesn't impact the wheelchair race in the same way because they are moving so much faster and they feel the wind much more. For the runners further down the field, the weather will be a problem.

Peres Jepchirchir has upped the pace again in the women's race and her lead is now 21 seconds.

That course record is still a very realistic possibility.

Newcastle legend Alan Shearer sent a message to Mo Farah ahead of his final race: "Enjoy the Geordie welcome and the Geordie goodbye. What a man. You're amazing. Thank you and good luck."

Steve Cram
Athletics commentator on BBC One

Mo's not just here to wave goodbye. He will be in contention for a long time and if he's still close 10 miles down then the other athletes will start to get worried.

Just over eight minutes into the elite men's race and who's leading? Mo Farah, of course.

There is a group of nine or 10 athletes at the front but Farah is at the head of the pack. There will be some roar if he is still there coming down the final straight.

Meanwhile, Peres Jepchirchir clocks 31:27 through 10km in the elite women's race and still has a chance of breaking the course record.

Since moving on from track to road, Mo Farah has not enjoyed quite the same success as he has been hampered by injuries.

But he did win the Chicago Marathon in a British record two hours 05:11 minutes in 2018.

The British long-distance legend ran his final London Marathon earlier this year and finished ninth.

Mo Farah spoke to BBC Sport ahead of his final race: "Really nervous today. This is my last time running in the streets of Newcastle. I've taken part so many times but this is it. You have to support the community in Newcastle and this is what the run is about. There's 60,000 people taking part and it's incredible."

Thoughts ahead of race: "Just give it one last push, just go out there and enjoy it. I know this is going to be an emotional day. The last two miles will really hit me, but I need to dig in deep and enjoy it."

Peres Jepchirchir has been threatening to break out on her own in the women's elite race and now she's done so.

She's got a seven-second lead through five miles on fellow Kenyan Sharon Lokedi.

It's hard to see anyone catching Jepchirchir now.

Image source, Getty Images

Although many will be hoping for a dream finale for Mo Farah, there is a very competitive field in the men's race.

Triple world half-marathon champion Geoffrey Kamworor of Kenya and Ethiopia's double world 5,000m champion Muktar Edris are among those hoping to spoil the party.

"I have great respect for Mo," said Edris. "After we raced in the London 2017 World Championships, I named my son after him. I look forward to renewing our friendship and rivalry."

Steve Cram
Athletics commentator on BBC One

We've had some incredible Great North Runs over the years, but this is the one that will be remembered.

Right then, here we go.

The athletes are lined up for the start of the elite men's race.

Mo Farah is among them, ready to begin his final race... and what a great reception for him as his name is read out!

The starting pistol is fired, Eddie Howe rings the bell and they are off...

Britain's Samantha Kinghorn has taken a big lead in the women's elite wheelchair race.

There is clear road behind her now.

It's a similar story in the women's elite race with Peres Jepchirchir and Sharon Lokedi storming clear.

Jepchirchir briefly looked to be trying to kick on from her fellow Kenyan but Lokedi sticks with her and they settle back in alongside one another.

Image source, PA Media

With the Great North Run soon under way, you'll see plenty of funky fancy dress outfits...

Daniel Sidbury made an early break at front of the elite wheelchair race and put a bit of distance between himself and the chasing pack.

David Weir decided the gap was getting slightly too big for his liking, though, and quickly reels him in before waiting on his shoulder.

Steve Cram
Athletics commentator on BBC TV

The elite runners will generally enjoy these conditions. For a half marathon, 19 to 20 degrees with no wind are the type of conditions for a fast race.

Peres Jepchirchir and Sharon Lokedi are continuing to go at quite the pace early in the women's race.

They've got through the second mile in 10:06.

While they're rattling along, Britain's Charlotte Purdue has dropped off a bit. Quite wise so early in the race. She was at 10:23 after two miles.

Image source, Getty Images

Mo Farah's success on the track is unprecedented in British long-distance running.

Between 2011 and 2017, he won an incredible 10 global titles including the double-double - winning gold in the 5,000m and 10,000m at the 2012 and 2016 Olympics.

Who can forget his 10,000m triumph in London in 2012?

"The London Olympics stand out the most, and winning the 10,000m on Super Saturday," adds Farah.

"Honestly, that 45 minute-window was incredible. I still can't quite believe [I was a part of it]. I still just think 'wow'."

Farah bowed out after securing his 10th global gold at a home World Championships in 2017.