Wednesday 24 Sep 2014
Sue Barker introduces live coverage of the world's most popular half-marathon, which is being held for the 30th time.
A record 54,000 people will take to the course from Newcastle to South Shields and, for the first time, the elite field will include the legendary Haile Gebrselassie, arguably the world's greatest-ever distance runner. The Ethiopian was forced to withdraw from the Great North Run a decade ago due to injury, and he makes his belated bow in an event won for the second time last year by Martin Lel of Kenya.
In the women's event, Mara Yamauchi is aiming to become the first British winner since Paula Radcliffe seven years ago. Yamauchi will have to do it the hard way as she faces former Great North Run winners Berhane Adere and Susan Chepkemei and defending champion Jessica Augusto of Portugal.
Many of the non-elite runners are raising money for charity and among the host of celebrities taking part are X-Factor winner Joe McElderry, chef Gordon Ramsay and ³ÉÈËÂÛ̳ Radio 1 DJ Scott Mills.
Steve Cram, Brendan Foster and Paul Dickenson are the commentators.
SB4
Seventy years ago a savage battle raged in the skies over Britain. Now Ewan McGregor and his RAF pilot brother, Colin, embark on a personal journey to find out what it was like to live and fight through the most significant air battle in British history. As part of the ³ÉÈËÂÛ̳'s Battle Of Britain season, they discover how a handful of determined young RAF pilots saved Britain from invasion by the most powerful war machine in the world – the Nazi Luftwaffe.
Both brothers have a passion for aircraft and flying. Colin is an RAF veteran of 20 years' service, and Ewan, star of the big screen, is a fledgling pilot himself. Together they present a timeline of events during the height of the battle, honouring the heroes of 1940 both on the ground and in the air, bringing the story of the Battle of Britain to life for a new generation. Both are extremely proud to be able to pay tribute to their childhood heroes who saved Britain from the brink of defeat.
Flying across the skies of England, the brothers get hands-on experience of the fighter aircraft of the time, sampling the excitement, pressures and strains of air combat. For Colin, it's a chance to see if his modern jet fighter training compares to the seat-of-the-pants skills needed to master a Spitfire.
They also explore the technology, tactics and strategy that led to victory. Along the way they meet some of the heroes who fought in the battle and reveal the inspiring personal stories of the few who were there and those still with us today.
Battle Of Britain is simulcast on the ³ÉÈËÂÛ̳ HD channel – the ³ÉÈËÂÛ̳'s High Definition channel, available through Freesat 108, Freeview 50, Sky 143 and Virgin 108.
CD4
More than 80,000 worshippers are expected at Cofton Park in Birmingham today for the Beatification Mass of British Roman Catholic Cardinal John Henry Newman (1801-1890). ³ÉÈËÂÛ̳ Two Daytime provides full coverage of the Mass of Beatification, where Pope Benedict will declare Cardinal Newman "Blessed".
Huw Edwards presents the programme and Edward Stourton leads the commentary. ³ÉÈËÂÛ̳ Radio 4's Sunday Programme and a special edition of Sunday Worship will both also broadcast live from the scene in the lead-up to the main ceremony.
JP2
Jennie Gow presents live coverage of the Aragon Grand Prix, with Spain's Jorge Lorenzo guaranteed a rapturous homecoming as he seeks to extend his championship lead.
Yamaha rider Lorenzo is closing on a first world title, having built up a huge points advantage over fellow Spaniard Dani Pedrosa. The chance for both of them to perform in their home country this weekend is a bonus as the race was originally scheduled for Hungary until a delay in construction work prompted the change of venue.
Commentary comes from Charlie Cox, Steve Parrish and Matt Roberts.
LW
Colin Murray and guests look back at the day's Premier League matches and provide the last word on the rest of the weekend's action. Title challengers Manchester United and Chelsea were both playing today, with United hosting arch rivals Liverpool and Chelsea welcoming newly promoted Blackpool.
A highly charged atmosphere was guaranteed at Old Trafford as the two most successful clubs in England went head to head. Park Ji-Sung's winner for Manchester United in the corresponding fixture last season ended a run of three straight defeats by Liverpool, although United were ultimately unable to surpass Liverpool's 18 league titles.
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