Sunday's Great North Run will go ahead as planned, the event's organisers have confirmed. 

The flagship event was cast in doubt after organisers cancelled its 5k sister event scheduled for Friday.

The announcement left many participants urging the run's organisers to carry on due to the amount of money already spent, and the detrimental circumstances it would have on the hundreds of charities represented by runners. 

In a statement released on Friday afternoon, the organsiers said: "The event has traditionally been a celebration of the extraordinary achievements of ordinary people.

"This year, it will be an opportunity for us to come together and express our condolences while celebrating the life of our extraordinary queen.

"The thousands of runners taking part are expected to raise an estimated £25 million pounds in much-needed charitable donations - a fitting tribute to the queen who lived her life in the service of our country and its people."

Elements of the runner and spectator experience will be subdued out of respect to the Royal Family, the Great North company also said. 

"Whilst we want runners to enjoy the day, we encourage everyone to be mindful of the very special circumstances in which the event will be taking place," the statement added.

Darlington and Stockton Times:

More than 60,000 people are signed up to take part in the half marathon on Sunday morning.

And participants revelled in the good news after the announcement. One runner said: "The Great North Run is an event which stands for community, togetherness, dedication - it’s people brought together for sometimes sad and sometimes beautiful reasons & it’s an affirmation of good. So pleased it’s going ahead."

However, the Junior and Mini Great North Run due to take place on Saturday, has been postponed.

"We are actively looking at alternative dates to stage the JuniorMiniGNR in the coming weeks, and will be in touch with participants directly," a statement added.