BBC Sport extends free broadcast rights for Great North and Manchester Runs

BBC Sport and The Great Run Company have agreed a new deal to keep the iconic Great North Run and Great Manchester Run, free-to-air for audiences across the UK. Audiences can continue to enjoy comprehensive and inspiring coverage of these events on BBC live network TV, iPlayer, and BBC Sport’s website and social channels.  

The Great Manchester Run will be broadcast across BBC Sport platforms with this year’s event taking place this Sunday with more than 35,000 runners coming together to celebrate Manchester’s vibrant community spirit. Coverage will air live on BBC Two and BBC iPlayer from 11am. 

For the first time, BBC Sport will also offer a dedicated digital stream across iPlayer and the BBC Sport website and app, capturing the emotional moments as participants cross the finish line. This new feature will allow viewers to follow the progress of individual runners and share in their personal victories. 

BBC Morning Live and the Great Run Company have also teamed up to give audiences the opportunity to run a bespoke 5K race as part of the Great Manchester Run. After championing the NHS/BBC Sport Couch to 5K programme since the start of the year, Dr Punam, alongside other members of the Morning Live team will be running the race, for a film to broadcast on Morning Live on Monday 19 May. You can also listen to Dr Punam on the brand new Couch to 5K Podcast on 19 May. 

BBC Sport will continue its long-standing coverage of the Great North Run, broadcasting the iconic event from 2025 through 2028. A cornerstone of the North East’s sporting calendar, the Great North Run brings powerful stories and unforgettable moments to viewers across the UK.  This year’s race takes place on Sunday, 7 September. Broadcast details will be confirmed closer to the event. 

Alex Kay-Jelski, Director of BBC Sport, says: “BBC Sport not only tells stories of elite sport, but it’s also to inspire people to get involved.  We’re proud to showcase the Great North Run and the Great Manchester Run. They are more than just races; they are powerful celebrations of determination, resilience and inspirational homegrown stories that bring people together.” 

Paul Foster, CEO of the Great Run Company says: “The BBC’s commitment to the Great North Run and Great Manchester Run goes back decades, and over that time almost 2m people have taken part in these events. Our events celebrate people and communities, and the BBC brings their stories to the nation. In partnership with BBC Sport, we will continue to celebrate our participants’ achievements, inspiring new runners, and amplifying the positive impacts of running on people’s lives.”

BBC Sport’s extensive athletics rights portfolio includes the Olympic Games, European Athletics Championships, World Athletics Championships, international Diamond League events and London Marathon Events to 2030. 

CF