Runners in the Great North Run were forced to walk home after flash flooding caused significant disruption to public transport as the 42nd race concluded on Sunday afternoon.
Torrential downpours flooded roads and the Tyne and Wear Metro system, leaving thousands of participants and spectators queuing in South Shields while services were suspended. The South Shields bus and Metro interchange was flooded internally, breaking lifts and escalators, and rail services between Bede and South Shields were halted for more than an hour due to water on the line at Tyne Dock.
The Metro station in South Shields was temporarily closed while water was cleared, with reports of queues stretching over a mile. Some runners said on social media they had to walk seven miles to reach their cars. Local resident Paul Dix described a 'continuous' stream of people passing his home near Tyne Dock, adding that he and neighbours spent about an hour and a half directing them around the flood.
By approximately 20:30 BST, Metro operator Nexus said all services had been restored, though some delays remained. Huw Lewis, Nexus customer services director, apologised to those affected, saying: 'My heart goes out to the runners... we did everything possible, and we did get everybody home.'
South Tyneside Council said Tyne Dock, one of the borough's lowest points, was among the worst-hit areas. Roads were closed and wagons deployed to clear water, with all affected areas reopened by 18:30 BST. The Met Office had issued a yellow weather warning for thunderstorms and heavy rain in the region.
Sunday's race also marked Sir Mo Farah's final professional outing, with the four-time Olympic champion finishing in fourth place.
