Racecourse campsite for runners

Hundreds of Great North Run participants are expected to pitch up tents on the centre of a County Durham racecourse ahead of Sunday's event.

Sedgefield Racecourse is being opened up as a campsite from Friday to cater for competitors struggling to find accommodation on Tyneside.

A pasta dinner will be provided on the eve of the race and coaches will take people to the start in Newcastle.

A record 54,000 people will run in the 29th staging of the half-marathon.

Jill Williamson, general manager of Sedgefield Racecourse, said: "We are delighted to be hosting the Great North Run campers, and it shows once again the versatility of the racecourse when the horses aren't running.

"Events are an increasingly important part of our business, and we will be pleased to welcome the runners and spectators here."

Musician Sting and Durham and England cricketer Steve Harmison will acts as an honorary starters for the race from the city to the finish at South Shields.

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