The six-time Paralympic champion received the honour during a special charity dinner held at the Newcastle Gateshead Hilton.

Weir becomes only the second wheelchair athlete to be inducted into the Hall of Fame, joining Baroness Tanni Grey-Thompson who was elected at the first awards ceremony in 2007.

Weir captured his first Bupa Great North Run title in 2003 and followed up with another victory two years later.

In 2009 he posted a course record of 41min 34sec on the 13.1-mile course from South Shields to Newcaslte, before scoring another success a year later.

"If the wind's blowing the right way, it's a fast race," said Weir, who is due to compete in this year's race on September 15.

"I still hold the course record and I'd like to beat it in 2013.

"It's Britain's biggest running event and to be associated with it is great."

Brendan Foster, the 1976 Olympic 10,000 metres bronze medallist who is now the chairman of Great North Run organisers Nova International, welcomed Weir into the Hall of Fame.

"Last summer [at London 2012] was a landmark in the worldwide development and acceptance of disability sport, and David was a key motivator in its elevation to rank alongside the Olympic Games," he said.

"His four victories in a period of eight days were of the highest calibre and thrilled the sell-out crowds packed into the Olympic Stadium.

"More importantly, it finally opened the door to total acceptance of disabled sport, and David deserves much of the credit for this.

"I am delighted he has accepted inauguration into the Bupa Great North Run Hall of Fame.

"He has thrilled us with his past victories, and I am sure there will be huge crowds lining the route in September to watch him chase a fifth win."

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