Tyne Bridge, England

© Glenn Gibson/iStock/Getty Image

'Tyne' to shine. Great North Run

Today, the streets of Newcastle will transform into a sea of runners, joggers and walkers all headed in one direction—south. The Great North Run, the world's largest half marathon, is back. Founded in 1981 by former Olympic 10,000-metre bronze medallist Brendan Foster, this annual event started with humble beginnings. Just over 12,000 runners took part in the inaugural race, but it quickly grew into a phenomenon. Today, the race attracts around 60,000 participants each year, from elite athletes to charity fundraisers dressed as giant bananas.

The 13.1-mile course is a scenic tour of the northeast, beginning in the heart of Newcastle and crossing the iconic Tyne Bridge, featured in today's image. Along the course, you'll find locals offering everything from cheers to jelly sweets, and let's not forget the famous 'Oggy, Oggy, Oggy' chant echoing through the streets. The finish line at South Shields is where the real celebration begins. And if you've made it this far, you deserve a medal—and maybe a pint or two.