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The North East celebrates the 30th Great North Run

54,000 runners will flock to the region this weekend in preparation for the 30th Bupa Great North Run, the worlds biggest half-marathon.

The 13 mile route will take participants from Newcastle to South Shields, passing local landmarks and well-wishers along the way.

As well as raising millions for charitable causes, last years event had a massive impact on the local economy, bringing in £22.1 million for businesses in the North East, with researchers predicting the figure will be even higher this September.

73 percent of runners in 2010 came from outside of the region, of which 80 percent spent a night in a hotel, and over half enjoyed a meal out. There was also an average of 2.45 spectators per person, each of whom spent a further £111.62.

This years spend is now set to be even higher, with hotel occupancies currently standing at 88 percent this weekend.

Sarah Stewart, chief executive of destination marketing agency NewcastleGateshead Initiative has stressed the importance of the event for the region.

She commented: “For more than 30 years the attention of audiences from across the globe ha annually turned to NewcastleGateshead during the BUPA Great North Run, a truly iconic event.

“The destination swells with many thousands of runners both professional, and those taking part for charity and for fun, from across the world and this has a significant impact on the local visitor economy.”

Alongside the Great North Run, the Great North CityGames will also take place this weekend, where UK and Ireland’s athletes face their American counterparts on the athletics field.

Will you be running this weekend? If so is it your first GNR or are you a seasoned pro? Tell us your thoughts and experiences using the below comments box.

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Ruth Mitchell .