Great North Run mural unveiled by Sir Brendan Foster

Great North Run founder Sir Brendan Foster helped put the finishing touches to the colourful mural which brings a fresh burst of colour to the Quayside and is just one of several art installations planned as the city counts down to the 2026 event.

Sir Brendan said: “This Sunday we celebrate a big milestone, the 45th birthday of the Great North Run. In that time, we’ve had over 1.4 million finishers and helped raise hundreds of millions of pounds for charity.

A new mural celebrating the 45th anniversary of the AJ Bell Great North Run has been unveiled on Newcastle Quayside by race founder Sir Brendan Foster (Image: North News & Pictures)

“Over the years we’ve had countless special moments, incredible feats, records & world firsts but we’re focused on the future, and we’ve kept this a secret until now, but we’re gearing up for the biggest ever Great North Run in 2026.

“An additional 3,000 places were allocated for this year’s event meaning there will be are 63,000 runners on Sunday 13th September.

“The popularity of the Great North Run continues to grow with ballot entries to secure a much coveted place increasing year on year, so we’re delighted to be able to offer even more runners the chance to participate this year.”

A new mural celebrating the 45th anniversary of the AJ Bell Great North Run has been unveiled on Newcastle Quayside by race founder Sir Brendan Foster (Image: North News & Pictures)

The mural, designed and painted by Newcastle-based street artist Mul (Alex Mulholland), stretches 90 metres along the Quayside and features his signature Running Heart character, which has become part of this year’s GNR45 branding.

Mul’s artwork will be seen on this year’s finisher t-shirts and medals, and the mural’s location ties it firmly to the event’s celebrations over the Great North Run weekend.

On Friday, September 11, the Quayside will host the Great North Run 5k, followed by the 40th edition of the Great North Junior and Mini events on Saturday, September 12.

A new mural celebrating the 45th anniversary of the AJ Bell Great North Run has been unveiled on Newcastle Quayside by race founder Sir Brendan Foster, pictured with street artist Mul (Image: North News & Pictures)

Sir Brendan said: “We’re gathered on the Quayside to see the starting touches on a giant floor mural which is part of the GNR45 celebrations.

“The Great North Run has always been a real celebration of the North East and this is the first of several exciting city installations which will pop up over the coming weeks.

“The Quayside is the perfect location for this installation as it is home to many of our running celebrations across the Great North Run weekend.

Sir Brendan Foster and street artist Mul, who created the mural (Image: North News & Pictures)

“Mul’s street art is designed to be accessible to everyone and his Running Heart personifies our event and everyone who takes part to raise money for many great causes, in memory of loved ones, or purely for the love of running.”

Mul said it was a career highlight to be involved.

He said: “It’s a true honour to have been invited by The Great Run team to contribute to the legacy of such an iconic North East institution.

A new mural celebrating the 45th anniversary of the AJ Bell Great North Run has been unveiled on Newcastle Quayside by race founder Sir Brendan Foster (Image: North News & Pictures)

“To know my artwork will form part of The Great North Run’s history is a genuine bucket-list moment and something as an artist, I’m very proud of.”

The mural was delivered in partnership with NE1, Newcastle city centre’s Business Improvement District company.

Stephen Patterson, CEO of NE1 Ltd, said: “We are extremely proud to host the world’s favourite and largest half marathon here in Newcastle and we are delighted to play our part in the Great North Run’s 45th anniversary celebrations.

A new mural celebrating the 45th anniversary of the AJ Bell Great North Run has been unveiled on Newcastle Quayside by race founder Sir Brendan Foster (Image: North News & Pictures)

“The Great North Run is part of the fabric of the city.

“It has put Newcastle and the wider North East on the national and international map attracting millions of visitors over the years to enjoy the event, its associated festivities and everything the city and the region have to offer.

“The event delivers a huge economic boost to the city and its businesses and creates an amazing atmosphere that we look forward to each year.”

He said: “This new artwork will be a fitting tribute to the incredible legacy of the Great North Run and the impact it has on Newcastle.”

A new mural celebrating the 45th anniversary of the AJ Bell Great North Run has been unveiled on Newcastle Quayside by race founder Sir Brendan Foster (Image: North News & Pictures)

A new mural celebrating the 45th anniversary of the AJ Bell Great North Run has been unveiled on Newcastle Quayside by race founder Sir Brendan Foster (Image: North News & Pictures)

A new mural celebrating the 45th anniversary of the AJ Bell Great North Run has been unveiled on Newcastle Quayside by race founder Sir Brendan Foster (Image: North News & Pictures)