Great North Run organizers apologize for medal: it featured a map of a neighboring city.

Faulty medal design at the Great North Run

According to The Sun: The organizers of the Great North Run have apologized after it was discovered that the medals for participants featured a map of Sunderland instead of Newcastle.

The medals had an engraved map of Tyneside, showing the route of the half marathon that took place yesterday, starting in Newcastle, through Gateshead, and finishing in South Shields.

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This year, about 60,000 people participated in the run in Newcastle and South Shields, making it the largest half marathon in the world.

The medal received by 60,000 participants who completed the race

However, the design mistake led to the medals featuring a map of Sunderland.

This prompted ridicule among fans of the two rival football teams, as Sunderland fans began mocking Newcastle supporters.

“If the megas could read, they would be very angry right now,” wrote one Sunderland Black Cats fan on social media.

“Nice to see Sunderland included sometimes, throw them a bone,” replied a Geordie.

One forum participant noted: “This is definitely not a map of Newcastle, Gateshead, and South Shields.”

Another added: “Great North Run is trolling people by putting a map of Sunderland on the medals.”

Tom Moore added: “Yes, without a doubt. Excellent play.”

In response to questions about the error, the organizers of the Great North Run, including founding member and athletics legend Lord Brendan Foster, admitted their guilt.

“I really liked the medal and t-shirt designs, I admired them for a long time and never noticed the mistake, even when we hung them in the Fenwick window,” he said.

“I have lived by the River Tyne my whole life and should have noticed, but if I had run in the Great North Run yesterday, I would still wear my medal with pride.”

“Thank you to everyone who participated in yesterday's incredible event, and to all the supporters who came out to cheer on the athletes,” he added.

60,000 participants, including Tommy Fury, took part in the run on SundayNorth News and Pictures

Organizers' comments

A representative of the run, the largest half marathon in the world, noted: “As attentive individuals have already noticed, the shape of the river on this year's t-shirt and medal is indeed the River Wear.”

“To confirm the rumors that this is an announcement for next year's route – sorry, it’s a mistake. Many people have closely reviewed the designs, and none of us noticed it.”

“At the start were stars from Newcastle United and the Stadium of Light on the medals. The Great North Run is a true celebration of the region, even more than we planned.”

“For the 60,000 who ran yesterday, you have the most unique t-shirt and medal in the history of the Great North Run, a souvenir we will be talking about for 44 years.”

This year's medals were designed by Newcastle artist Howard Lee.

“Newcastle has everything – the people, the atmosphere, the culture, the landscape, the art, the architecture, the food,” he said, presenting the prize last month.

“I feel very happy to be here.”

Approximately 200,000 spectators filled the streets to watch the stars, elite athletes, and ordinary people complete the 13.1-mile distance.

Boxer and reality show star Tommy Fury was pleased with his time of one hour and 34 minutes, while fitness guru Joe Wicks said after finishing: “This is one of the greatest and most enjoyable events on earth.”

Olympic legend Lady Kelly Holmes and Dragons’ Den star Sara Davies also took part in the run.

Sheila Chepkiry, 34, from Kenya, won the women's elite race, while Alex Mutiso from Kenya came first in the men's competition as red arrows entertained the crowd.

Splash Splash The coincidence of this event with such a mistake only highlights the human factor in organizing large-scale events. Nevertheless, the sponsorship, support from fans, and all participants who completed the distance made the Great North Run a true celebration of sport and community, which will undoubtedly leave its special memories in the hearts of all participants.