Countdown's Carol Vorderman is 'Walking for Whiteley' in memory of the show's former presenter Richard Whiteley

Ingrid Tarrant enjoys the atmosphere at the start line as she joins 50,000 runners in the world's biggest half marathon

Olympic rowing gold medalist James Cracknell hopes for a quick time as he competes with wife Beverley Turner

The event in Newcastle attracts a host of stars including 79-year-old Sir Jimmy Saville and his trademark cigar

England manager Steve McLaren starts the race and vows to compete alongside the runners in next year's event

The Red Arrows provide a colourful backdrop as thousands of competitors stream over the Tyne Bridge in Newcastle

The undulating 13.1 mile course provides plenty of challenges for elite athletes and many thousands of fun runners

The wheelchair races are highly competitive affairs with the warm sunshine providing a further challenge

Ethiopia's Berhane Adere claims victory in the women's race in a time of one hour, 10 minutes and one second

Britain's Jo Pavey struggles in the closing stages of her half marathon debut but still finishes fourth with a time of 1:10.41

In the men's race South Africa's Hendrick Ramaala romps to a convincing victory and a third men's title

In fine sunny conditions, wheelchair competitor Shaho Qadir elects to cross the finish line on his hands

Cancer survivor Findlay Young crosses the line to complete an incredible 24 half marathons in 24 consecutive days