© Beat Streuli.

As the thousands of runners who participate in the Great North Run this year sprint, jog, or walk past the The Sage in Gateshead, they may well see some familiar faces on its glass façade.

Images from last yea'rs run taken by artist Beat Streuli have recently been mounted on the new Tyneside landmark.

The route of the Great North Run, which this year takes place on Sunday October 5, passes the building, where the photographs have been on display since September 19 2008 as part of a special exhibition organised by the Great North Run Cultural Programme.

This is the fourth year the Great North Run Cultural Programme has commissioned contemporary art to be displayed on the route of the world’s largest half marathon, linking the world of art and sport in an unique and innovative way.

© Beat Streuli.

"Having always been a great admirer of Lord Norman Foster's architecture, I was thrilled to be able to work on the facade of his iconic building in Gateshead,” said Beat Streuli. “To install images of people participating in the BUPA Great North Run in such a prominent location, in the middle of all the action, is ideal.”

The artist went along to the 2007 run to create images of people taking part. Streuli’s aim was to capture runners and spectators alike in their natural state, often unaware of the camera. His images show expressions joy, tension and relief and make a refreshing change from staged shots of the run.

The programme will also be exhibiting Streuli’s Elite Runner/South Shields ’07 in BALTIC, Centre for Contemporary Arts until October 26 2008.

The programme is part of the NewcastleGateshead Initiative and funded by Newcastle City Council, Gateshead Metropolitan Borough Council and the Arts Council England, North East.

For more information about The Great North Run Cultural Programme see: www.greatnorthrunculture.org

Find out more about the Sage Gateshead at: www.thesagegateshead.org