Great North Run organisers say they urgently need Government support to hold this year's event

The Great North Run are lobbying the Government, after concerns over not being able to get cancellation coverage could cause issues for the event.

The Great Run Company had to cancel last year’s event due to coronavirus restrictions, but so far they say they're 'optimistic' that it will go ahead in September - which will be the 40th anniversary.

The event organisers are now calling on the Government, and the insurance industry to help them with cancellation coverage - so that in the event of any more restrictions, they aren't left out of pocket. The company say without this coverage, cancelling the event would be 'disastrous'.

A spokesperson from the Great Run Company said, "We’re planning for the 40th Great North Run to go ahead on 12th September, in line with the Government’s road map."

ITV News Tyne Tees contacted the Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport for a response.

A government spokesperson said: