Runners Ready? Gladiators, Ready? Stars of BBC’s Gladiators return

The AJ Bell Great North Run looks set to take over North East again this Septembers as runners of all abilities and ages taking part in a weekend long festival of running action and celebrations.

Joining the fun and ramping up the excitement on Saturday 6th September will be stars of BBC’s Gladiators, who will the official race starters of the UK’s biggest children’s running event – the AJ Bell Junior & Mini Great North Run.

Sheli McCoy (Sabre) and Alex Gray (Apollo) who both attended the event in 2024 (pictured below), and will be joined this year by Matty Campbell (Bionic) and Karenjeet Kaur Bains (Athena), said

‘We’re delighted to be returning to the UK’s biggest kids running event at the AJ Bell Junior and Mini Great North Run this September. Inspiring a love for sports and staying active in young people is at the heart of our mission and something we deeply care about. It was a true joy to see so many young runners enjoying themselves last year and we can’t wait to ring that bell again to set runners on their way before and cheering them across the finish line!”

With over 12,000 children signed up to take part in the sold-out event the 2025 AJ Bell Junior & Mini Great North Run is the BIGGEST yet.

Minis aged 3-8 take on a fun and energetic 1.2km, while Juniors aged 9-16 will run an impressive 4km route around the Quayside, before receiving a very special and well-earned medal for their efforts. They day also features the Mini 50 – a flat 50m course towards the finish line for children (3-16 yrs) with specific needs, Supported by their families and carers, the Mini 50 ensures that every youngster can enjoy fun of the Great North Run and take home a medal.

You can find out more about the AJ Bell Great North Run here, and the AJ Bell Junior and Mini Great North Run here.