ORGANISERS of the region's largest sporting event have announced that it is unlikely to go ahead this year.

The Great North Run, which is due to take place on September 13, has not yet been cancelled, but organisers are preparing for the likeliehood of no sporting events this year due to Covid-19.

More than 50,000 runners have signed up to to take on the infamous course from Newcastle to South Shields.

A statement on the event's website said: "The latest Government guidelines indicate that social distancing will remain part of our lives for quite some time, and this obviously impacts the form that mass participation events will be able to take.

"Unfortunately, it isn’t as simple as making a quick decision to postpone or cancel and we are working in close consultation with our medical, planning teams and all key stakeholders whilst following the latest advice from the UK government.

"The Great North Run is a special event for every one of us, and even more special on this occasion as it’s the 40th celebration. We want to ensure that we take our time to get this right as any decision hugely impacts our charity partners and the economic impact to the region.

"But central to the run is the runners, so please know that your welfare will be central to our thinking and decisions, and that we will keep you informed. We will endeavour to make a decision with our stakeholders about the staging of the event in good time."

Organisers have been supporting a number of fundraising invitiatives, including the 2.6 campaign and #GreatRunSolo, which has seen over 2,500 participants raise £20,000 for the NHS Charities Together Covid-19 Urgent Appeal.