Weir wins men's wheelchair racepublished at 10:52 British Summer Time 9 September 2018

10:52 BST 9 September 2018

Elite Wheelchair Men

That's a seventh win in an unofficial course record of 41:16.

Pop-star Olly Murs has revealed his extraordinary training partner who helped him prepare for this year's Great North Run.

"I started running with Mo Farah, that's kind of how it all started, he's been fantastic and is such a lovely man.

"I remember watching the Great North Run last year and saw how inspiring it was so I rang my sister saying we need to do this and we've been preparing for a year now!"

Image source, Getty Images

The elite men are heading over the Tyne Bridge after completing the first mile in 4:22.

Mo Farah still on the front of a five-man group, which includes Jake Robertson who finished second last year.

It's five Kenyans at the front of the elite women's race including Vivian Cheruiyot and Joyciline Jepkosgei as they near six miles.

Becky Grey
BBC Sport at the Great North Run

The Great North Run is the largest half marathon in the world and it certainly feels like it down at the start line.

About 57,000 people are gathered here ready to race. There are so many people, it takes 20 minutes to walk from the runners on the start line to those in the final pen (I know, I just did it!)

Mo Farah is not hanging around.

He has company from 2017 London Marathon winner Daniel Wanjiru as the pair form an early breakaway group.

Paula Radcliffe
Women's marathon world record holder on BBC TV

Mo Farah is at a completely different stage to where he was last year so I think he will be in better shape.

Mo Farah’s bid to claim an unprecedented fifth consecutive victory in the Great North Run is off and running.

He has a personal best of 59:22, so don't go anywhere for the next hour or so.

And Farah hits the front straight away.

Becky Grey
BBC Sport at the Great North Run

Image source, BBC Sport

The mass-participation runners are getting ready at the start line - not long to go now!

Keep an eye out for BBC news presenter Sophie Raworth.

"I'm taking it easy today, I'm training for a marathon in a couple of months time. I'm going to have fun and enjoy the unbelievable atmosphere," she says.

"I didn't start running until I was 38, I did my first half-marathon here at the Great North Run. I've now done marathons and ultra-marathons. I love it."

Image source, Getty Images

The leading pack are stepping up the pace as they hit the 5km mark with Joyciline Jepkosgei and Vivian Cheruiyot at the front as expected.

Madeleine Still: Sad not to have got a place in this year's Great North Run, but sending wishes for huge amounts of luck and fun to all the runners today.

James Wilson: Gutted I'm not taking part in this year's Great North Run but injuries happen. Good luck to all who are taken part and enjoy the day.

Laura Graham: Good luck to everyone taking part in today’s Great North Run. This race will always hold a special place for me! Such an awesome atmosphere and amazing people.

David Weir is flying.

The six-time champion whizzes through the 10km mark and is on pace to challenge his personal best.

Johnboy Smith is just over a minute behind.

The mothers of Liam Curry and Chloe Rutherford are taking part in today's race.

Caroline Curry and Lisa Rutherford say that the couple, who died in the Manchester Arena attack, would be "laughing" at them.

Money raised will go to the Chloe and Liam Together Forever Trust, the charity set up in memory of their children.

Image source, Claire Baxter

A year ago or so, running the Great North Run would be the last thing Claire Baxter would've thought she would be doing.

But, as she begun to lose eight stone in a year with a dieting group, she also joined the Knaresborough Striders in their 'Zero to Hero, external' programme.

After increasing her distances and completing a few 10K races she is now taking part in her first half marathon.

Image source, Claire Baxter

Two groups have emerged as they head through the first mile in a rather pedestrian 5:26 just ahead of the Tyne Bridge.

Kathrine Switzer has shared her story of how her determination changed running for women.

"I signed up with my initials so they thought I was a guy, this got me through entry and I officially became the first female to run the Boston Marathon.

"The race co-ordinator was so angry that he tried to throw me out. This ended up with my boyfriend throwing him out and I went on to finish the race.

"It's great to see half the people on the route today are women."

Image source, Getty Images

David Weir leads the men's elite wheelchair race by around 30 seconds from Johnboy Smith as he seeks a seventh win in the race.

Caroline Foster: Bruiser is ready for the Great North Run!

Image source, @cfoster1010