Runners usually cross the finish line in South Shields, but it has been confirmed this year’s event, scheduled to be held on September 12, will start and end in Newcastle.

Paul Foster, chief executive of the Great North Run Company, which organises the race, claim the changes to the 13.1-mile route will help to reduce the size of crowds and minimise the chances of transmitting COVID-19.

The Great North Run was set for its 40th anniversary edition last year only to be cancelled due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

All coronavirus restrictions are due to be lifted in England on July 19, boosting organisers’ hopes of staging the annual race later this year.

Foster said he was "very confident" the event, which usually attracts more than 60,000 runners, would go ahead as planned in September.

"We have tens of thousands of runners training and fundraising ahead of the event, and so we need to take every step to ensure the race can take place," said Foster.

"We would normally welcome huge crowds at the Great North Run, but this year is a bit different, and we want to make sure that the race is staged responsibly and safely.

"By changing the route and adapting the timetable we can reduce the crowds at the event and on public transport, minimising the risk of transmission of COVID.

"In turn this creates a more resilient event plan and helps to ensure that the race will go ahead on September 12.

"We have been working in close consultation with our partners in Newcastle, Gateshead and South Tyneside Councils, with local public health directors, transport providers, local NHS and other stakeholders, and we thank them all for their strong support for the Great North Run.

"These changes are a direct response to the pandemic, and we look forward to returning to South Shields next year".

Runners are set to cross the Tyne Bridge twice before going through the city centre on the return leg and finishing on the Great North Road with the finishers village being built on the Town Moor.

Organisers said they were "looking forward to returning to South Shields again in the future".

"Planning the Great North Run takes many months, and we need to commit to a plan," said race director Nigel Gough.

"Even as most restrictions are lifted, it makes sense to plan carefully to minimise the risk of transmission and ensure that this event can go ahead.

"After careful consultation with a wide range of national and local stakeholders, it is clear these adaptations provide that".

Coronavirus cases are soaring in the United Kingdom with more than 32,000 new infections reported yesterday.

But the UK Government is set to lift all COVID-19 restrictions in England, claiming the vaccination rollout weakens the link between getting infected and dying from the virus.

More than 34 million people have been fully vaccinated against coronavirus which equates to 51.3 per cent of the UK’s population, while 68.4 per cent have received at least one dose of a COVID-19 vaccine.