NEWCASTLE â Two runners, both aged 25, died after collapsing during the Great North Run, organisers have confirmed, with the cause of their deaths still unknown.
The two men, both from the North East, were taking part in Sunday’s 13.1-mile race from Newcastle to South Shields when they collapsed during the event.
Two men aged 25 died during the Great North Runhttps://t.co/s8tY6qYXka
— Sky News (@SkyNews) September 14, 2026
Medical teams responded, but the men died despite what organisers described as their âvery best effortsâ. Their identities have not been released.
The deaths came during the biggest Great North Run in the event’s history, with around 63,000 runners taking part on Sunday, September 13.
What happened to the two Great North Run runners?
The Great Run Company confirmed both runners were 25 and from the North East, but organisers have not disclosed where along the course they collapsed or what happened immediately before the medical emergencies.
Crucially, no cause of death has yet been determined.
There is currently no confirmed evidence linking either death to a specific medical condition, the weather, dehydration or another race-day factor. Any suggestion about what caused the two men to collapse would therefore remain speculation unless supported by official medical findings.
Organisers also said no further personal information about the men would be released at this stage out of respect for their families.
âEveryone involved in organising the Great North Run extends their heartfelt condolences to the family and friends of the two participants.â
The Great Run Company added:
âWe are continuing to support their families during this incredibly difficult time, and our thoughts and sympathies are with all those who loved and knew them.â
The fact that both men were just 25 has drawn particular attention following the announcement. However, their ages alone do not provide an explanation for what happened.
Record 63,000 runners took part in Great North Run
The deaths occurred during the 45th staging of the Great North Run, which organisers described as the largest edition of the event to date.
According to the official Great Run website, around 63,000 runners took part, while more than 200,000 spectators were expected along the route.
The half marathon starts in Newcastle upon Tyne and takes runners through Gateshead before finishing beside the coast at South Shields. The race covers 13.1 miles, or approximately 21.1 kilometres.
The Great North Run tragedy comes during a busy period for major road-running events around the world. Earlier coverage of the Sydney Marathon 2026 also highlighted the scale and endurance demands involved when tens of thousands of runners take part in major races.
The Great North Run has recorded more than 1.4 million finishers since the event was first staged in 1981, according to organisers.
News of Sunday’s deaths has also prompted messages of sympathy online, particularly from runners and people who followed the race. Many reactions have focused on the young ages of the two men and condolences for their families.
However, discussion about why the runners died should be treated cautiously. Organisers have not announced a medical explanation and have not linked the deaths to race conditions or any other particular factor.
Officials are continuing to support the families of both men. Further information may emerge once the causes of death have been formally established, but organisers have asked that the families’ privacy be respected.
This is a developing story and will be updated if organisers or relevant authorities release further confirmed information.
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