Great North Run
Always double-check with the organizer's website! This page may contain affiliate links.
About the race
The AJ Bell Great North Run is an annual half marathon that takes place in North East England, attracting 60,000 participants. The 13.1 mile route begins on the A167 in the heart of Newcastle upon Tyne and concludes at South Shields. The course follows a point-to-point path, featuring a final mile-long stretch along the seafront. Runners encounter a varied elevation profile with downhill sections in the first two miles, between miles five and eight, and during the final stretch. The segment from miles eight to twelve is predominantly uphill.
Registration is open to individuals aged 17 and over on the day of the event. While many entries are allocated via a ballot system, charity places are available through various organizations. Participants are organized into waves based on their estimated finishing times. Standard event services include baggage buses located at the start, with bags transported to the finish area for collection. An event village at South Shields contains entertainment, food vendors, and exhibitors for post-race activities.
The event features several distinct categories:
- Half Marathon (13.1 miles)
- Elite Wheelchair athletes
- Elite Women
- Elite Men and masses
- Visually impaired (VI) participants
The atmosphere includes music and entertainment points throughout the route. Finisher rewards include a medal and access to professional action photography. Transportation on race day is supported by the local Metro system, though services are heavily utilized. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.
