Six-year-old Bradley Lowery, whose fight with cancer touched thousands of people around the world, has died.
The schoolboy, from Blackhall Colliery, County Durham, died on Friday with his family by his side.
A minute's applause has been held in memory of Bradley Lowery ahead of the Gateshead 10k.
The six-year-old, whose fight with cancer inspired people around the world, died on Friday.
Up to 5,000 runners are expected to take part in the biggest North East 10k run along the quayside today.
They gathered at the start line and showed their support for Bradley and his family through applause, before setting off on the run at 10am.
Read More: Brave Bradley loses his battle with cancer
His family have spoken of his funeral details on Facebook, announcing the theme of "cancer has no colours".
A look back at Bradley Lowery's short, but inspirational life in pictures, following his death from cancer at the age of six.
The friendship between Bradley Lowery and Jermain Defoe brought joy to the six-year-old through his battle with terminal cancer.