BBC Sport has extended its broadcast rights for the Great North Run and Great Manchester Run.
The deal with The Great Run Company will mean events will air on the BBC live network, iPlayer and BBC Sport website and social channels. This year, for the first time, BBC Sport will offer a dedicated digital stream, capturing the emotional moments as participants cross the finish line.
This new feature is intended to help viewers follow the progress of individual runners.
“The BBC’s commitment to the Great North Run and Great Manchester Run goes back decades, and over that time almost 2m people have taken part in these events,” explained Paul Foster, CEO of the Great Run Company.
“Our events celebrate people and communities, and the BBC brings their stories to the nation. In partnership with BBC Sport, we will continue to celebrate our participants’ achievements, inspiring new runners, and amplifying the positive impacts of running on people’s lives.”
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BBC Morning Live and the Great Run Company have also partnered up on a new 5K race as part of the Manchester events
After championing the NHS/BBC Sport Couch to 5K programme since the start of the year, Dr Punam, alongside other members of the Morning Live team will be running the race, for a film to broadcast on Morning Live on Monday 19 May.
“BBC Sport not only tells stories of elite sport, but it’s also to inspire people to get involved. We’re proud to showcase the Great North Run and the Great Manchester Run,” said Alex Kay-Jelski, Director of BBC Sport.
“They are more than just races; they are powerful celebrations of determination, resilience and inspirational homegrown stories that bring people together.”
