The Great North Run will go ahead following the death of Queen Elizabeth II yesterday, it has been confirmed.
The monarch died aged 96 at Balmoral on Thursday afternoon, with tributes pouring in from across the world for Her Majesty as Britain now enters days of official mourning. Many major events have been cancelled in the coming days, including football matches, TV programming, and awards ceremonies.
The Great North Run is due to take place on Sunday, 11 September, with some 60,000 runners set to take part in the North East's biggest event. In light of Thursday's sad news organisers said that they were assessing plans for the weekend, but have since taken the decision that the race will go ahead as planned.
READ MORE: Double rainbow appears over Buckingham Palace as crowds gather to mourn Queen
The Great North 5k and the UK Athletics 5k Road Championships, which were both due to take place today, Friday 9 September, were cancelled following news of Her Majesty's passing. Runners have been standing by for an update since the announcement, with many having booked travel and accommodation for the event.
A statement from the Great North Run team said: "Sunday’s Great North Run will go ahead as planned. The event has traditionally been a celebration of the extraordinary achievements of ordinary people, this year it will be an opportunity for us to come together and express our condolences, while celebrating the life of our extraordinary Queen.
"The thousands of runners taking part are expected to raise an estimated £25 million pounds in much needed charitable donations, a fitting tribute to the Queen, who lived her life in the service of our country and its people.
"Elements of the runner and spectator experience will be more subdued out of respect to the Royal Family. Whilst we want runners to enjoy the day, we will be encouraging everyone to be mindful of the very sad and very special circumstances in which the event will be taking place, and encourage them to communicate their respect in whichever way they feel appropriate.
"Details of all changes will be directly communicated to participants across the weekend in due course."
The Queen's death was confirmed by the Palace yesterday evening, with a statement reading: "The Queen died peacefully at Balmoral this afternoon. The King and The Queen Consort will remain at Balmoral this evening and will return to London tomorrow.”
Following Her Majesty's passing, the Government issued advice for the public and businesses on the period of National Mourning that is in place until the day of the state funeral. The advice stated that there is "no obligation to cancel or postpone events and sporting fixtures" within this period, adding that this was at the discretion of individual organisations.
King Charles III paid tribute to his mother yesterday, writing: "The death of my beloved mother, Her Majesty The Queen, is a moment of the greatest sadness for me and all members of my family.
"We mourn profoundly the passing of a cherished sovereign and a much-loved mother. I know her loss will be deeply felt throughout the country, the Realms and the Commonwealth, and by countless people around the world.
"During this period of mourning and change, my family and I will be comforted and sustained by our knowledge of the respect and deep affection in which the Queen was so widely held."
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