Sting to perform starter honours

Sting says it will be an honour to fire the starter piston

Musician Sting will return to his native Tyneside to act as an honorary starter in the 29th Great North Run.

Alongside Durham and England cricketer Steve Harmison, he will be setting a record 54,000 runners on their way from Newcastle to South Shields.

Sunday will be the 29th staging of the half marathon, which has become one of the most prestigious in the world.

Additional Metro trains and shuttle buses will be laid on for those travelling to the event.

Gordon Sumner, better known as Sting, said: "The Bupa Great North Run is a real success story for the region.

"I'm delighted to have been given the honour of firing the starter's gun at such a wonderful event."

Steve Harmison added: "It's been a great summer.

"Winning the Ashes and the County Championship, and now starting the run with none other than Sting - fantastic."

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