Summary
Medals from the 2025 Great North Run mistakenly featured an image of the wrong location and are being sold online as rare collectibles for high prices. The Great Run Company apologized for the mistake and warned potential buyers about scams. They encouraged people who want a medal to participate in the 2026 race.
Key Facts
- The 2025 Great North Run medals showed an outline of Sunderland and the River Wear instead of the correct Newcastle, Gateshead, South Shields, and River Tyne route.
- Some medals are listed for sale online for as much as £5,000, with other prices as low as £35.
- The Great North Run organizers apologized for the error and emphasized that each medal should be a meaningful memento for participants.
- The organization warned people to be cautious of potential scams when buying the medals online.
- People interested in obtaining a Great North Run medal are encouraged to apply for the 2026 event, which is open for applications.
- The Great Run Company promises future medals will have special designs.
- The error was notably not noticed by the event’s founder, Sir Brendan Foster, who admired the designs.
- The Great North Run has been held annually since 1981, drawing thousands of participants each year.
