Andy Burnham makes history with Great North Run time

The Prime Minister took part in the Great North Run at the weekend before the death of his dad, Roy

What you need to know about Andy Burnham's historic Great North Run

Prime Minister Andy Burnham made history by becoming the first sitting PM to complete the Great North Run. He joined thousands of runners on the 13.1-mile course stretching from Newcastle to the seafront in South Shields.

The 56-year-old completed the half-marathon in a impressive time of 1:57:34. This official chip time was just a few minutes shy of his personal record of 1:55:24 set two years prior.

Swapping his usual Everton FC shirt for an official Number 10 bib, the Prime Minister ran to raise funds for homelessness charity Changing Lives. He stated after the race he was determined to keep participating in the annual event despite his high-profile duties in government.

Speaking after receiving his finisher's medal, Mr Burnham praised the electric atmosphere and called it the best sporting event on the British calendar. He expressed his deep affection for how the run brings tens of thousands of people together in a genuinely connected environment.

The Prime Minister lightheartedly joked about running alongside former football manager Peter Reid during the event. He teased that running with Reid helped distract potential heckles from Newcastle United supporters along the route.

Spectators lined the streets in massive numbers while the RAF Red Arrows provided a spectacular aerial display overhead for participants. Elite competition highlights included Zouhair Talbi securing the men's title and Brigid Kosgei taking victory in the women's division.

Organised as the world's largest half-marathon, the event once again drew around 65,000 participants to the North East. Chief executive Paul Foster commended the incredible crowds and the massive charity fundraising efforts seen throughout the day.

Organisers confirmed the Great North Run will return next year on Sunday, September 12, 2027. Runners hoping to participate will learn if they have been successful in securing a place when the initial ballot results are drawn on Monday, September 21.

Read the full story: Andy Burnham's Great North Run time as Prime Minister makes history

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