The Great North Run will celebrate its 40th anniversary in 2020.
Founded by North East Olympian Brendan Foster and a small group of friends, just 11,000 runners took part in the inaugural event on June 28, 1981.
Now, the Great North Run is considered the world's biggest half-marathon with 57,000 people of all ages and abilities taking on the 13.1 mile course from Newcastle to South Shields on September 8.
To commemorate the 40th anniversary in 2020, The Great Run Company is making a film to celebrate the history of one of the North East's most famous events.
And organisers are looking for participants and spectators past and present to get involved to showcase the importance of the race to the region.
Great North Run founder Brendan Foster said: "When we first started out, we could never have imagined where this journey would take us. 40 years is a very special milestone and we can’t wait to celebrate with our runners, incredible volunteers, first rate spectators and the rest of the region.
“We know so many people have brilliant memories of the event. Wherever I go, people stop me to tell me about their own Great North Run experiences and what it means to them.
"It will be a privilege to capture some of these memories forever in this film and share them with the next generation.”
Filmmakers are also looking to speak with local charities who benefit from race donations, supporters who come out every year to cheer runners on, and people who remember the very first race in 1981.
Personal photos and video footage from years gone by will also be welcomed.
Anyone who would like to get involved should email GNR40@greatrun.org, and don’t forget to leave a name and phone number.
