The Prime Minister made history by taking part in the half-marathon on Sunday, raising money for Changing Lives
Andy Burnham made history as the first Prime Minister to take part in the Great North Run 2026.(Image: Newcastle Chronicle)
Andy Burnham stunned the nation by taking part in the Great North Run this year, becoming the first serving Prime Minister to do so. He was among the 63,000 runners who took on the famous half-marathon from Newcastle to South Shields on Sunday and was full of praise for the North East.
He was raising money for Changing Lives, a charity that supports homeless people. Mr Burnham, who has participated in the run before, clocked a finish time of 1:57:34.
Now, it appears he plans to return again next year. North East Mayor Kim McGuinness, who also took part in the half-marathon herself, shared a message on social media, saying the PM had made “a clear commitment” to run again in 2027.
She wrote: “I love the North East so much and it’s great to hear PM Andy Burnham agree. We were both carried over the Great North Run finish line yesterday by the amazing people of the region.
“To the runners, spectators, charities and those working on or around the event. Thank you. We could not be more proud.
Andy Burnham having much needed water at the end of the Great North Run(Image: Craig Connor/ChronicleLive)
“But, on a serious note – we won’t be overlooked anymore. I’ll make sure of that and the PM has made a clear commitment not just to that, but to running again next year.”
The post was accompanied by a video in which the North East Mayor is chatting to the Prime Minister after finishing the run on Sunday and she asks him how it went. He says: “It was a bit tough but you must be so proud of your region. Look at the people out there.”
She responds: “Is it not the best place in the world? Can you say that?” Mr Burnham, former mayor of Manchester, laughingly says: “Second best place in the world.”
He then adds: “I love the North East and you know what, let me be honest, I’m going to say this as Prime Minister, the North East of England sometimes is neglected isn’t it by the powers that be. And it shouldn’t be because it’s just got so much going for it but particularly the people. They were amazing today, they were absolutely brilliant.”
Towards the end of the conversation, Ms McGuinness says: “Thank you so much for coming up, thank you for doing it, and I’ll see you on the start line next year?”
The PM responds by saying: “If you’ll have me. I’ll be here but look at this, the North East at its best, the sea out there, the people, the sun – absolutely brilliant. Well done Sir Brendan, a wonderful Great North Run 45th version.”
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