RED-FACED Great North Run bosses have apologised after they used a map of Sunderland instead of Newcastle on the race medals.
An engraved map of Tyneside shows the route yesterday’s half-marathon passed through, starting in Newcastle before heading through Gateshead and finishing in South Shields.
Some 60,000 runners took to the streets of Newcastle and South Shields on Sunday in the world’s largest half-marathon[/caption]
But the bungling medal designers used a map of Sunderland instead of Newcastle.
It triggered a light-hearted pile-on between the two fierce footie rivals, with Mackems from Sunderland poking fun at Magpie fans from Newcastle.
One Black Cats fan said on social media: “If the Mags could read, they’d be very angry right now.”
A Geordie replied: “It’s nice to include Sunderland now and then, throw them a bone.”
One baffled runner said on an online forum: “That’s definitely not a map of Newcastle, Gateshead and South Shields”.
Another said: “Great North Run are trolling people by putting a map of Sunderland on the medals.”
Tom Moore added: “Yep, without a shadow of a doubt. Well played.”
When asked about the error by The Sun, Great North Run organisers, including founder and athletics legend Sir Brendan Foster, 77, held their hands up.
He said: “I loved the designs for the medal and t-shirt, spent ages marvelling at them, and never spotted the mistake, even when we hung it in Fenwick’s window.
“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.”
A spokesman for the race – the biggest half-marathon in the world – said: “As the eagle-eyed have already spotted, the shape of the river on this year’s finisher t-shirt & medal is indeed the River Wear.
“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.
“For the 60,000 who ran yesterday, you’ve got the most unique t-shirt & medal in Great North Run history, a keepsake that we’ll be talking about in 44 years’ time.”
This year’s medals were designed by Newcastle-based artist Howard Lee.
Launching the prize last month, he said Newcastle “has everything really – the people, the atmosphere, the culture, landscape, art, architecture, food.”
He added: “I feel very lucky to have found myself here.”
Around 200,000 spectators packed the streets to watch celebs, elite athletes and ordinary folk complete the 13.1-mile course.
Boxer and reality TV star Tommy Fury, 26, was delighted with his time of one hour and 34 minutes while fitness guru Joe Wicks, 39, said after crossing the line: “It’s one of the greatest and most enjoyable running races on earth.”
Olympic legend Dame Kelly Holmes and Dragons’ Den TV star Sara Davies also competed.
Sheila Chepkirui, 34, from Kenya, won the women’s elite race and Jacob Kenya’s Alex Mutiso, 28, grabbed first in the men’s competition as the Red Arrows entertained the crowds.
Joe Wicks was among those running[/caption]
The route on the medal was six miles away from the actual route, above[/caption]
