Elite International Races Kick Off Weekend of Running

This year’s AJ Bell Great North 5k was once again the curtain raiser to a weekend of running, with some of the fastest runners from the UK and abroad competing around Newcastle and Gateshead’s Quayside in the Elite International 5k Races.

The much anticipated events drew in a strong local crowd who saw Thailand’s Kieran Tuntivate victorious in a time of 00:14:01, after a close fought sprint for the finish, pipping North East duo from Morperth Harriers, Scott Beattie (00:14:02) and Rory Leonard (00:14:02) to the winners tape in the elite men’s 5k race.

In the elite women’s competition it was Lisa Rooms (Belgium) who crossed the line in first place in 00:15.59 followed by Katie Axford (Belgrave Harriers) in second place in 00:16:00 and India Weir (Thames Valley Harriers) in third, after completing three laps of the fast and flat one mile course.

The elite 5k events were closely followed by the mass participation race. Closing the first day of the 44th AJ Bell Great North Run weekend, the sold out event saw 2000 runners take on the Quayside course. The field featured 300 runners from Nissan Sunderland, as well as 350 participating from Northumbria University, with both groups returning to the event after participating in 2024.

Top three men were Michael Hedsley (Tyne Bridge Harriers) in a time of 00:15:33, followed Liviu Ionita (North East Project) in second place in 00:15:47 and Owen Burn in third in a time of 00:16:22. In the women’s race Jessica Easton (Tyne Bridge Harriers) recorded the fastest time in 00:17:45, with Grace Carroll (Sunderland Harriers & AC) second in 00:18:11, and Olivia Clark (Washington Running Club) in third place in 00:19:30. The Quayside buzzed as friends and family cheered on the runners in the home straight and towards their finishers medal and exclusive 2025 finisher t-shirts.

Paul Foster, Chief Executive, The Great Run Company, said: “The Great North 5K is always a great start to our annual festival of running. To be able to bring both elite runners and those who run for leisure and fitness together really showcases the incredible running talent out there at all levels. I’m sure it won’t be long before we see some of the runners who recorded the fastest times in the mass 5K event lining up on the startline in the elite races.”

Super Earlybird Entries for the 2026 Great North 5K on Friday 11 September 2026 are now open. Sign up here.