An impressive 90-metre mural celebrating the 45th anniversary of the Great North Run has been completed on Newcastle Quayside. The artwork, created by local street artist Mul (real name Alex Mulholland), spans the riverside area and features the iconic Running Heart character alongside the Tyne Bridge.
Mural Marks Major Milestone
The mural commemorates the 45th anniversary of the Great North Run, which began on June 28, 1982. Over the years, the half marathon has grown into the largest event of its kind in the world. Sir Brendan Foster, founder and president of the event, recently visited the city centre to check on the mural's progress.
According to Sir Brendan Foster, "This year we are celebrating 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." He added that the Quayside is the perfect location for the installation as it hosts many running celebrations during the Great North Run weekend.
2026 Event to Be Largest Ever
The 2026 Great North Run, scheduled for Sunday, September 13, is set to be the largest event yet. An additional 3,000 spaces have been allocated, bringing the total number of runners to 63,000. Many participants will have the opportunity to view the mural along the River Tyne before race day.
Mul expressed his pride in contributing to the event's legacy, stating, "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. 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."
Artwork Accessible to All
The mural is designed to be accessible to everyone, reflecting Mul's street art style. The Running Heart character is a recurring motif in his work, symbolising the spirit of the event and its participants. The mural is strategically positioned near the Millennium Bridge, offering a striking visual for visitors and runners alike.
