This year’s Great North Run finishers t-shirt will be designed by renowned Geordie artist James Dixon.
Born in Newcastle and now living in Northumberland, James has developed a style famous for his intricate, illustrated prints of his favourite places in the North East.
He plans to incorporate the lads, lasses and landmarks of the world’s favourite half marathon into a bespoke artwork in his signature style.
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Even organisers want James’ new commission to help celebrate the Great North Run’s return to its iconic route after a historic break due to the pandemic.
James, 33, said: “This is such an exciting commission and it’s amazing for me personally to have the opportunity to celebrate an event that means so much to so many in the region and beyond.
“I’m a local lad from Northumberland and I’ve taken part in the Great North Run many times in memory of my grandad, who passed away very young. I know how special all of the little elements are that make up the day.
“I hope this artwork will make runners smile and provide a keepsake that reminds them of the biggest celebration in the North East calendar every time they put it on.”
Marketing Director at The Great Run Company, Catherine Foster, said, “Working with James on our finishers t-shirt this year is incredibly exciting.
“His work is synonymous with the region and we hope the finished product will be a brilliant keepsake for runners to remember how special it was to return to our finish line home in South Shields for the first time since 2019.”
James said his designs began as a hobby but have proved a hit with the public and celebrities alike.
With Little Mix superstar Jade Thirlwall, James created a limited edition community shirt for South Shields FC to raise cash for charity. Jade is the club's honorary president.
James, who is now working on the design, said: "There's a bit of extra pressure on this commission because it's the Great North Run. It's a huge event and means so much to the North East.
"I'm going to run it again too, it'll be my 10th time, so I know there are certain things that happen. Like there's jelly beans offered to runners and always an Elvis impersonator taking part. There's got to be a an Elvis impersonator on the t-shirt.
"I want people to be able to wear the t-shirt and also look at the design and say, I remember that happening."
The ballot into this year’s Great North Run closed on Monday 21 February.
