BBC News

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Olympic silver medallist Kieran Reilly will be the honorary starter for the Great North Run on Sunday.

Gateshead-born Mr Reilly won silver in the BMX freestyle park at the Paris Olympics in July.

The 23-year-old said the race was "close to his heart" as his father had run it several times and his mother was running it this year.

This will be the 43rd half marathon from Newcastle to South Shields and about 60,000 people are expected to take part.

Mr Reilly said: "I had hoped to run myself this year but I've been a little busy - hopefully next year."

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BBC Sport

Image source, Getty Images

Eilish McColgan bids to win the Great North Run half-marathon for the first time when she lines up alongside 60,000 other runners on Sunday.

The Scot returned from injury to compete for Great Britain at the Paris Olympics, finishing 15th in the 10,000m.

She enters this weekend's race in much better condition having won the Big Half marathon in London last weekend in 69 minutes and 14 seconds.

The 33-year-old British record holder will come up against two-time champion Vivian Cheruiyot, of Kenya, and Ethiopia's Senbere Teferi.

While McColgan's mum Liz won the Great North Run three times, Eilish's best result is second place in 2021.

"Returning from this year's Paris Olympics and on the road back from injury, I'm especially looking forward to the tens of thousands of spectators and supporters lining the streets, as well as the 60,000 runners taking part alongside me," said McColgan.

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BBC Sport

Why get into athletics?

Athletics offers a wide range of sport and the opportunity to throw, run or jump.

Who is it for?

Everyone. The different disciplines suit different body shapes and sizes.

Is there a cheap option?

As long as there is space for a race, you can practise athletics.

Is there a disability option?

The various impairment categories in athletics make the activities widely accessible.

Starting out young

England Athletics Funetics,external, external scheme introduces 4-11 year-olds to the fundamental skills, Scotland Athletics offers Run, Jump, Throw,external, external for ages 5-12, while Welsh Athletics,external, external and Athletics Northern Ireland,external, external have great networks to get you started.

BBC Sport

10:25 BST - elite wheelchair athletes

10:30 BST - elite women

10:32 BST - visually impaired

10:55 BST - elite men and masses start

BBC iPlayer

Watch live on BBC One, BBC iPlayer, BBC Sport website and BBC Sport app from 10:00 BST.

You can also follow live on BBC Radio Newcastle and watch highlights on BBC Two from 18:00 BST.

BBC Sport

The annual 13.1-mile race starts in Newcastle city centre, crosses the River Tyne and goes through Gateshead before finishing by the sea in South Shields.

Runners raise millions of pounds for charity and you can watch comprehensive coverage on BBC One from 10:00 BST on Sunday.