Great North Run
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About the race
The AJ Bell Great North Run is a long‑standing half marathon first held in 1981. The event follows the iconic route from Newcastle upon Tyne to South Shields and covers 13.1 miles. It attracts around 60,000 runners and, over its history, has involved more than 1.4 million participants.
The course includes both downhill and uphill sections; miles 1–2, 5–8 and 12–13.1 are mainly downhill while miles 8–12 include notable uphill stretches. The final mile is along the South Shields seafront. Organisers operate wave starts based on estimated times; entrants may assemble with a slower wave but cannot move to a faster wave.
Practical arrangements include mailed race numbers containing timing chips, which are dispatched about four weeks before the event, plus information points for collection if needed. Baggage buses are provided in the Runners Hub and bags are reclaimed at the finish using the race number. Road closures affect the route and surrounding areas, and public transport is typically very busy after the race.
Every finisher receives a medal. Event photography and a free event app with live tracking and results are available. Minimum entry age is 17. Charity and membership places for the 2026 event are sold out. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.
