Organisers of the Great North Run have apologised after thousands of finishers were handed medals featuring a map of Sunderland rather than Newcastle.
More than 60,000 runners completed the world-famous half marathon on Sunday, September 7, covering the 13.1-mile route from Newcastle city centre through Gateshead and down to South Shields.
They were cheered on by an estimated 200,000 spectators before crossing the line to receive their 2025 finisher’s medal and t-shirt.
But within hours of the race ending, participants noticed something unusual.
The t-shirt from the 2025 Great North Run also featured a mistake
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Instead of showing the River Tyne and the traditional course area, the designs displayed the River Wear and landmarks associated with Sunderland—located around 10 miles south of the actual route.
While the medal did include the names of Newcastle, Gateshead and South Shields, its background map clearly outlined Sunderland.
The finisher t-shirts also carried the outline of the Wear rather than the Tyne.
The error quickly spread on social media, with runners posting pictures of their medals and joking about whether the race had secretly been rerouted.
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Some speculated it was a teaser for a future course change.
In response, organisers confirmed it was a simple mistake.
A spokesperson said: “Wear sorry! As the eagle-eyed have already spotted, the shape of the river on this year’s finisher t-shirt and medal is indeed the River Wear.
"To answer the rumours that this was the route reveal for next year… sorry to disappoint, it’s a mistake.
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Over 60,000 runners took part in the Great North Run on Sunday
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"Lots of people looked very closely at the designs, and none of us picked it up.
“We had Newcastle United stars on the start line and the Stadium of Light on the medal. The Great North Run is truly a celebration of the region, even more so than we had planned.
"For the 60,000 who ran yesterday, you’ve got the most unique t-shirt and medal in Great North Run history, a keepsake that we’ll be talking about in 44 years’ time.”
Founder Sir Brendan Foster admitted he too had failed to spot the geographical slip.
“I loved the designs for the medal and t-shirt, spent ages marvelling at them, and never spotted the mistake, even when we hung it in Fenwick’s window,” he said.
“I’ve lived on the River Tyne my whole life, and I should’ve noticed, but if I’d run the Great North Run yesterday, I’d still be wearing my medal with pride.
"Thanks to everyone who took part in an amazing event yesterday, and all the supporters who came out to cheer on the runners.
"It was a fantastic Great North Run, and we’re already looking forward to 2026—after we’ve brushed up on our geography.”
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Despite the mix-up, many participants embraced the gaffe, describing their medal as a quirky collector’s item.
For some, the blunder adds a unique twist to the race’s long history, which began in 1981 and has grown into the largest half marathon in the world.