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The aerial view on the medals incorrectly used an outline of Sunderland and the River Wear
Great North Run organisers have apologised after medals given to participants in this year’s event featured the wrong city and river.
About 60,000 people completed the 13.1m (21km) half-marathon on Sunday with each of them handed a medal incorporating an image of what was supposed to be an aerial view of Newcastle, Gateshead, South Shields and the River Tyne.
However, acknowledging the items actually showed nearby Sunderland and the River Wear which have no involvement in the event, the Great Run Company admitted it had “made a mistake”.
In a humorous response, organisers said “Wear sorry!” and that “eagle-eyed” people had spotted the error, which also featured on clothing.
They claimed it made it “the most unique T-shirt and medal in Great North Run history, a keepsake that we’ll be talking about in 44 years’ time”.
With grounds about 12 miles (19km) apart, Newcastle and Sunderland have long had a fierce footballing rivalry.
On social media, some posters asked whether Sunderland fan – and BBC athletics commentator – Steve Cram had designed the medals, and noted “even the ribbon is red and white” like the club’s colours.
In a statement, the Great Run Company said: “To answer the rumours that this was the route reveal for next year… sorry to disappoint, it’s a mistake.
“Lots of people looked very closely at the designs and none of us picked it up.
“We had Newcastle United stars on the start line and the Stadium of Light on the medal.
“The Great North Run is truly a celebration of the region, even more so than we had planned.”
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About 60,000 people were given medals when they reached the finish line in South Shields
The event’s founder, Sir Brendan Foster, said he had “spent ages marvelling” at the 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.
“Thanks to everyone who took part in an amazing event yesterday and all the supporters who came out to cheer on the runners.
“It was a fantastic Great North Run, and we’re already looking forward to 2026 after we’ve brushed up on our geography.”
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