(Image: Supplied)
Great North Run organisers have revealed a specially designed 45th anniversary finisher medal, a year after thousands of runners received medals featuring the wrong North East landmark in a mistake that made national headlines.
The 2026 medal marks a fresh start after last year’s error, which saw this year’s medals, while having place names for Newcastle, Gateshead, and South Shields, in fact featured a map of Sunderland and the River Wear.
It was designed by Newcastle street artist Mul (Alex Mulholland) and features his signature Running Heart character alongside the Tyne Bridge.
Great North Run organisers have revealed a specially designed 45th anniversary finisher medal
(Image: Supplied)
A 2.5-metre replica of the medal is now on display at the base of Grey’s Monument in Newcastle City Centre as part of an art installation celebrating the event’s 45th year.
Sir Brendan Foster, founder of the Great North Run, said: "The Great North Run is about regional pride, ordinary people doing extraordinary things, and about our shared love of the region.
"Since the first event in 1981, we’ve seen countless special moments and incredible feats, so we had to celebrate the 45th anniversary in style.
"What better way than with a giant medal that everyone can enjoy, right in the heart of the city at probably one of the most famous meeting points.
Great North Run organisers have revealed a specially designed 45th anniversary finisher medal
(Image: Supplied)
"As the city comes alive across the Great North Run weekend, I can’t wait to see people’s reaction to this rather unique piece of art."
The art installation, which covers all four sides of the monument’s base, was created by Mul in the same style as his mural on the Newcastle Quayside.
It will remain in place until after the Great North Run weekend, offering a photo opportunity for runners and visitors.
Mul said: "This year’s medal represents the beating hearts of everyone taking part in the 45th edition of the Great North Run.
"It’s been a privilege to put my own spin on the iconic Tyne Bridge, a landmark that has become synonymous with this legendary event.
"The design celebrates every person taking part, the stories behind each runner, and the incredible causes that inspire so many people to take on the Great North Run."
The 2026 AJ Bell Great North Run will take place on Sunday, September 13, and will be broadcast live on BBC One in the UK and to over 170 countries world-wide.
The event will see some of the world’s top athletes compete in elite men’s, women’s, and wheelchair races before 63,000 runners take on the 13.1-mile route from city to sea.
More than 200,000 spectators are expected to line the streets to cheer on the participants, making it one of the largest mass participation events in the world.
The running festivities will begin on Friday, September 11, with the AJ Bell Great North 5K, followed by the 40th edition of the Junior and Mini Great North Run events on Saturday, September 12.
Last year’s medal mishap led to an apology from organisers after runners noticed the design featured the wrong river and city.
Sir Brendan said at the time that even he had not spotted the mistake despite spending time admiring the medal and t-shirt designs.
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.
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"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."
This year’s medal aims to capture the spirit of the North East and the stories of the thousands who take part each year.