Great North Run
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AJ Bell Great North Run : 13 September 2026
The AJ Bell Great North Run on 13 September 2026 is a half marathon of 13.1 miles. The event uses a point-to-point route that starts on the A167 close to Claremont Road in Newcastle upon Tyne and finishes in South Shields after a final mile-long seafront stretch. The event typically accommodates 60,000 participants.
Entry, course and event services
Entries are open to runners aged 17 or older on the day. The September ballot has been drawn; unsuccessful applicants can enter a January ballot or seek a charity place. Great North Run Members skip the ballot and are offered membership benefits including a technical training top and discounts. A booking fee of £3.00 is applied per entry.
Race numbers with timing chips are posted 1-2 weeks before the run; if a number does not arrive it can be collected from information points with ID. Baggage buses operate from the Runners Hub and bags are collected at the finish using the race number. The route includes mainly downhill sections (miles 1-2, 5-8 and 12-13.1) and an uphill stretch around miles 8-12. Road closures will be in place on the route and surrounding areas. Every finisher receives a medal; official photos are available and the free Great Run event app provides runner tracking. Organisers recommend planning travel home in advance and suggest using the Metro from South Shields where possible. Optional finisher tee choices can be declined in favour of a donation to the National Trust Woodlands Appeal, with an approximate committed donation of £20,000. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.