Great North Run
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Event details
The AJ Bell Great North Run takes place on 13 September 2026 and is a half marathon of 13.1 miles. The event typically attracts 60,000 participants and is open to runners aged 17 and over on race day. A booking fee of £3.00 is applied per entry. Great North Run Membership holders skip the ballot; new 2026-2027 membership places are sold out.
Course and logistics
The race 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 route has both uphill and downhill sections: miles 1-2, 5-8 and 12-13.1 are mainly downhill, while miles 8-12 include several uphill sections. Road closures will be in place on the route and surrounding areas.
Race numbers, which contain the timing chip, are posted 1-2 weeks before the event; if a number does not arrive it can be collected at an information point the day before or on the morning of the event (photo ID required). Baggage buses are located in the Runners Hub and bags are reclaimed at the finish using the race number. Waves are allocated by estimated time; runners may assemble with a slower wave but cannot move to a faster one.
Services and rewards
Every finisher receives a medal. Official event photographers provide action photos. A free event app is available for runner tracking and race-day information. Optional finisher tees are offered at entry; choosing not to receive a tee triggers a donation to the National Trust Woodlands Appeal, with an approximate committed donation of £20,000. Transport is very busy after the race and organisers advise planning the journey home in advance. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.
