The Great North Run has grown to become the biggest half marathon in the world and an event that captures hearts and minds. As final preparations are made to stage the thirtieth run, Olympic and world champion runner Michael Johnson travels to the North East to find out why we have such a love affair with the event.

Michael feels the buzz as veterans, fun runners and fundraisers talk of the pain and pleasure of taking part. One of the greatest long distance runners of all time, Haile Gebrselassie, tells him of his pride at taking part this year for the first time.

Michael also shares the intimate and sometimes heart-rending stories of those who have benefited from the millions the run raises for charity. Show less