Great North Run
Sun 10 Sep 2023

Great North Run

Take part in the world's biggest half marathon and experience the buzz, unrivalled local support and cheerful crowds of this historic event. Charity places now available for 2023.

Get charity place
Rethink Mental Illness
Sign up for £20 Fundraise £350

Rethink Mental Illness

Help transform the lives of people severely affected by mental illness by running for Team Rethink. Secure your place on the start line today and make a huge difference to yourself and others!

Royal British Legion
Sign up for £25 Fundraise £350

Royal British Legion

Run for the UK's leading Armed Forces charity in this phenomenal half marathon and enjoy dedicated support throughout your journey. Get a place on Team RBL today!

WaterAid
Sign up for FREE Fundraise £300

WaterAid

All WaterAid runners will receive a special training package from the experts at RunningWithUs featuring a bespoke training plan, ask-a-coach helpline and webinars - plus a WaterAid running vest!

  • Sun 10 Sep 2023

Great North Run

10:45

FREE-£50

Age 17 & over

Overview

The Great North Run is renowned for being the world's greatest half marathon, attracting 57,000 runners each September to its famous course from Newcastle upon Tyne to the coast at South Shields.

The Red Arrows display above thousands of runners crossing the Tyne Bridge is one of the many sights enjoyed by television viewers around the world.

With 5K and junior events taking place the same weekend, there's a reason for everyone to come and soak up the friendly atmosphere!

Highlights

  • World's greatest half marathon

    The unbeatable atmosphere of 60,000 runners and a warm North East welcome.

  • The Red Arrows and famous Tyne Bridge

    Televised on the BBC for runners and supporters to watch again and again.

  • Bands and entertainment

    To keep you upbeat and motivated throughout the course.

  • weekend of running

    Including a 5K and junior events in addition to the half marathon itself.

This event is part of Great North Run Weekend.

  • All fitness levels
  • Event expo
  • Event village
  • Families
  • Fancy dress
  • Newcomers
  • Spectators
  • Teams
  • Wheelchair users

The Great North Run is the main event of an exciting weekend of running for all ages and abilities, kicking off with a fun and fast 5K on the Friday followed by a schedule of junior events on the Saturday.

Friday

  • Great North Run 5K

Saturday

  • Mini and Junior events

Sunday

  • Great North Run

  • Bag storage
  • Entertainment
  • Music
  • Toilets
  • Urban

Event HQ

The Town Moor
Grandstand Road
Newcastle upon Tyne
Tyne and Wear
UK

  • Distance markers
  • Entertainment
  • First aid
  • Food stations
  • Marshals
  • No cut off time
  • Point to point
  • Sweeper
  • Toilets
  • Traffic free
  • Water stations
  • Wave start

Start

The Great North Run is a point-to-point run starting at Town Moor in Newcastle Town Centre and heading to the coast via the Tyne Bridge, Gateshead town centre and South Tyneside.

Finish

The run finishes in South Shields after a classic mile long run along the coast road.

Route map

The full route is the normal half marathon distance of 13.1 miles or 21 km and usually takes runners anywhere between an hour (for the elites) to several hours for those out enjoying themselves and soaking up the great atmosphere.

Great North Run route map
GREAT NORTH RUN ROUTE MAP 2023 
Classic route from Newcastle centre to South Shields seafront. 

  • Public transport links
  • Recycling
  • Sustainability policy

Joined-up Public transport

Nexus, Stagecoach, Arriva and Go North East have teamed up to offer a simple multi-use travel ticket which will be valid on Metro, any bus service, and the Shields Ferry for the day of the Great North Run. This multi-use ticket includes travel across the entire North East network on the day of the run, including Tyne and Wear, Durham and Northumberland.

This all-day travel ticket will be available to purchase from Metro station ticket machines, as well as on the day of the event. You can also purchase wristbands online until the week before the event.

Sustainability Policy

The Great Run Company is in the process of updating its Sustainability Strategy in light of its collaborative approach and recent survey. Work to minimise the environmental impacts of their events will continue throughout this process, with particular focus on:

  • Reducing plastic
  • Reducing waste
  • Cutting carbon emissions
  • Responsible procurement

 

In addition, they are striving to improve performance even further by making sure that sustainability is embedded at the heart of the organisation and culture.

  • Goody bag
  • Medal
  • Technical t-shirt

The greatest reward in taking part is the sense of achievement as you cross the finish line, but by taking your place on the Great North Run start line, you’re already part of something really special. This event is renowned for being well-organised, safe, and inclusive and the atmosphere and support is always unbelievable.

Included

  • Free event app
  • A huge round of applause as you cross the finish line
  • A shiny new, special edition Great North Run medal
  • An exclusive finishers t-shirt
  • A finisher’s bag filled with goodies
  • Official event day photos available to view and purchase a couple of days after the event
  • Downloadable certificate
  • Your official result ready shortly after you cross the finish line
  • Special partner offers for participants

Event app

The Great Run app is a FREE app, providing live tracking on event day. Family and friends can see your location and track your progress on the interactive map, with times and current pace updated within seconds of crossing each split point. Features include:

  • Live tracking
  • Push notifications
  • Live leader boards
  • Event day updates

  • Fundraising materials
  • Fundraising support

The Great North Run is one of the largest fundraising events in the UK, providing a platform for runners to raise millions of pounds for charity every year.

Taking part in this event for charity is hugely beneficial to the charities and gives the runner advantages too, from supporting a cause that is close to your heart to securing a place in this highly sought-after event and much more.

Benefits of running for charity

Committing to raising money for charity gives you motivation to get outside and run, plus all of these extras which will elevate your event experience:

  • Fundraising support

    Charities know that raising money is all part of the challenge, which is why they provide advice, branded materials and a personalised online fundraising page to help the donations roll in. Think videos for social media, branded imagery and testimonials from previous runners.

  • Training support

    Whether this is your first run or your fifth, you'll need to train for it! You'll receive an in-depth training plan with guidance, plus many charities have access to expert coaches and elite runners too, who can provide exclusive tips for your race preparation. Experts include Runningwithus, Full Potential and Olympic champs.

  • Branded running kit

    When you show up on the day, people need to be able to see clearly that you're supporting a charity. Most charities will give you a branded and personalised t-shirt or vest to run in on the big day, and often a training top too.

  • Support on the day

    When you're partway through your run and your energy is flagging, what you need is a boost from cheering spectators to keep you moving. Many charities set up a cheer station along the route, keeping an eye out for you to send up a huge cheer as you run past!

  • Post-race recovery

    Refreshments and an indulgent post-race sports massage are often provided by charities for their runners. This is the perfect way to recover alongside other people who have run for that cause.

  • Exclusive social groups

    You won't be the only person running for that charity, so it's well worth meeting other runners through the charity's invite-only social media pages! You can organise to meet up for training runs, chat with the charity's expert coaches and share tips and stories with each other to keep the motivation levels running high.

What are charity places?

Charities buy places in this event, then give them to runners who agree to raise money for the charity – these are called charity places. Charity places are a great way to support a good cause and get a place in the event, especially if ballot entries are closed.

The Great North Run and charity fundraising go hand-in-hand - which charity will you run for?

Charity places

These charities have places in the event. To secure your place, select a charity, complete the form and follow the instructions.

Rethink Mental Illness
Featured Mental health

Rethink Mental Illness

Help transform the lives of people severely affected by mental illness by running for Team Rethink. Secure your place on the start line today and make a huge difference to yourself and others!

  • Running vest
  • Fundraising support
  • Fundraising materials
  • Training guide
  • Dedicated contact

Sign up
£20

Fundraise
£350

Royal British Legion
Featured Armed forces

Royal British Legion

Run for the UK's leading Armed Forces charity in this phenomenal half marathon and enjoy dedicated support throughout your journey. Get a place on Team RBL today!

  • Personalised running vest
  • Fundraising support
  • Fundraising materials
  • Training plan
  • Dedicated contact
  • Cheer squad on the day
  • Post-race reception
  • Refreshments
  • Free massage
  • Exclusive social group

Sign up
£25

Fundraise
£350

WaterAid
Featured International

WaterAid

All WaterAid runners will receive a special training package from the experts at RunningWithUs featuring a bespoke training plan, ask-a-coach helpline and webinars - plus a WaterAid running vest!

  • Technical t-shirt
  • Running vest
  • Fundraising support
  • Fundraising materials
  • Bespoke training plan
  • Pro training advice
  • Training guide
  • Online training zone
  • Dedicated contact
  • Cheer squad on the day
  • Post-race reception
  • Refreshments

Sign up
FREE

Fundraise
£300

Free sign up Homelessness

Missing People

The only UK charity that reunites missing children and adults with their loved ones.

  • Technical t-shirt
  • Personalised running vest
  • Fundraising support
  • Fundraising materials
  • Training guide
  • Cheer squad on the day
  • Post-race reception
  • Refreshments
  • Exclusive social group
  • Pre-event training sessions

Sign up
FREE

Fundraise
£350

Health and Medical

Versus Arthritis

All of us against arthritis.

  • Running vest
  • Fundraising support
  • Fundraising materials
  • Training guide
  • Dedicated contact
  • Cheer squad on the day
  • Post-race reception
  • Refreshments
  • Exclusive social group

Sign up
£25

Fundraise
£350

Health and Medical

Epilepsy Society

Transforming the lives of people with epilepsy through world-leading research, advocacy and care.

  • Technical t-shirt
  • Running vest
  • Fundraising support
  • Fundraising materials
  • Training plan
  • Training guide
  • Online training zone
  • Dedicated contact

Sign up
£25

Fundraise
£350

International

CAFOD - Catholic Agency for Overseas Development

CAFOD is there, wherever the need is greatest to ensure that no one is beyond reach.

  • Technical t-shirt
  • Fundraising support
  • Fundraising materials
  • Dedicated contact

Sign up
£20

Fundraise
£400

Animals

Dogs Trust

Running rehoming centres to save over 16,000 abandoned dogs annually.

  • Technical t-shirt
  • Personalised running vest
  • Fundraising support
  • Fundraising materials
  • Cheer squad on the day
  • Post-race reception
  • Refreshments

Sign up
£40

Fundraise
£350

Dementia

Alzheimer Scotland

Supporting people with dementia in Scotland to make sure nobody faces it alone.

  • Running vest
  • Fundraising support
  • Fundraising materials
  • Dedicated contact

Sign up
£20

Fundraise
£300

Free sign up Health and Medical

Max Appeal

Improving the lives of families with the most common chromosome deletion disorder which affects 1 in 2000 births.

  • Technical t-shirt
  • Running vest
  • Fundraising support
  • Fundraising materials
  • Dedicated contact
  • Post-race reception
  • Refreshments

Sign up
FREE

Fundraise
£250

Children

Dreams Come True

Making dreams come true to bring joy to seriously ill children.

  • Personalised running vest
  • Fundraising support
  • Fundraising materials
  • Dedicated contact
  • Certificate

Sign up
£30

Fundraise
£250

Children

Child Bereavement UK

Supporting bereaved children and families to help rebuild their lives.

  • Personalised running vest
  • Fundraising support
  • Fundraising materials
  • Supporter cheer packs
  • Training plan
  • Dedicated contact
  • Cheer squad on the day
  • Exclusive social group

Sign up
£50

Fundraise
£300

Heart

Heart Research UK

Funding pioneering medical research into the prevention, treatment and cure of heart disease.

  • Running vest
  • Fundraising support
  • Fundraising materials
  • Training guide
  • Dedicated contact
  • Cheer squad on the day

Sign up
£25

Fundraise
£300

Health and Medical

Cystic Fibrosis Trust

The only UK-wide charity fighting for a life unlimited, when everyone living with CF can look forward to a long, healthy life.

  • Personalised running vest
  • Fundraising support
  • Fundraising materials
  • Bespoke training plan
  • Pro training advice
  • Online training zone
  • Dedicated contact
  • Cheer squad on the day
  • Exclusive social group

Sign up
£35

Fundraise
£400

Armed forces

Blesma, The Limbless Veterans

Supporting limbless veterans since WWI.

  • Running vest
  • Fundraising support
  • Fundraising materials
  • Dedicated contact
  • Cheer squad on the day
  • Certificate
  • Submit fundraising up to 1 month after event

Sign up
£50

Fundraise
£250

Health and Medical

Scleroderma & Raynaud's UK

Providing support and funding research to improve lives everyday.

  • T-shirt
  • Running vest
  • Fundraising support
  • Fundraising materials
  • Supporter cheer packs
  • Training plan
  • Dedicated contact

Sign up
£20

Fundraise
£400

Children

Rainbow Trust

Supporting families with a seriously ill child.

  • Running vest
  • Fundraising support
  • Fundraising materials
  • Cheer squad on the day
  • Post-race reception
  • Free massage
  • Memento

Sign up
£20

Fundraise
£300

Health and Medical

Diabetes UK

Know Diabetes. Fight Diabetes.

  • Personalised running vest
  • Fundraising support
  • Fundraising materials
  • Supporter cheer packs
  • Training plan
  • Cheer squad on the day
  • Post-race reception
  • Free massage
  • Exclusive social group
  • Certificate
  • Submit fundraising up to 1 month after event
  • Pre-event training sessions

Sign up
£30

Fundraise
£350

Disability

RNIB

Breaking down the barriers faced by people with sight loss.

  • T-shirt
  • Running vest
  • Personalised running vest
  • Fundraising support
  • Fundraising materials
  • Training guide
  • Dedicated contact
  • Cheer squad on the day
  • Post-race reception
  • Refreshments
  • Free massage
  • Certificate

Sign up
£10

Fundraise
£350

Free sign up Health and Medical

Meningitis Research Foundation

Defeating meningitis and septicaemia.

  • Personalised running vest
  • Fundraising support
  • Supporter cheer packs
  • Dedicated contact

Sign up
FREE

Fundraise
£275

Older people

MHA

Helping to eliminate isolation and loneliness, enabling people to live later life well.

  • Running vest
  • Fundraising support
  • Fundraising materials
  • Dedicated contact

Sign up
£30

Fundraise
£350

Dementia

Alzheimer's Research UK

Funding world-class scientific research to make breakthroughs possible.

  • Technical t-shirt
  • Running vest
  • Fundraising support
  • Fundraising materials
  • Supporter cheer packs
  • Training plan
  • Dedicated contact
  • Cheer squad on the day

Sign up
£10

Fundraise
£400

Disability

National Deaf Children's Society

Dedicated to creating a world without barriers for deaf children.

  • Running vest
  • Fundraising support
  • Fundraising materials
  • Dedicated contact

Sign up
£20

Fundraise
£350

Children

Make-A-Wish UK

Creating life-changing wishes for children with critical illnesses.

  • Running vest
  • Fundraising support
  • Fundraising materials
  • Training plan
  • Online training zone
  • Dedicated contact
  • Cheer squad on the day
  • Post-race reception
  • Refreshments
  • Exclusive social group
  • Certificate
  • Submit fundraising up to 1 month after event

Sign up
£25

Fundraise
£350

Hospice

Sue Ryder

Giving people compassion and expert care to help them live the best life they can.

  • Running vest
  • Fundraising support
  • Fundraising materials
  • Training plan
  • Pro training advice
  • Dedicated contact
  • Cheer squad on the day
  • Post-race reception
  • Exclusive social group

Sign up
£10

Fundraise
£300

Heart

Cardiomyopathy UK

Providing information and support to sufferers of this incurable disease which could affect anyone of any age.

  • Running vest
  • Fundraising support
  • Fundraising materials
  • Training plan
  • Training guide
  • Dedicated contact

Sign up
£25

Fundraise
£350

Cancer

Anthony Nolan

Saving the lives of people with blood cancer and blood disorders.

  • Personalised running vest
  • Fundraising support
  • Fundraising materials
  • Pro training advice
  • Dedicated contact
  • Cheer squad on the day
  • Post-race reception
  • Refreshments
  • Free massage

Sign up
£30

Fundraise
£350

Health and Medical

The Christie

Making a real difference to cancer patients, both now and in the future.

  • Running vest
  • Fundraising support
  • Fundraising materials

Sign up
£20

Fundraise
£350

Mental health

SANE

Supporting those affected by mental illness to change mental health for good.

  • Running vest
  • Fundraising support

Sign up
£15

Fundraise
£350

Older people

Independent Age

Advice and support for older age.

  • Running vest
  • Dedicated contact
  • Cheer squad on the day
  • Certificate

Sign up
£20

Fundraise
£300

Health and Medical

MS Society

For a world free from the effects of MS.

  • Personalised running vest
  • Fundraising support
  • Fundraising materials
  • Supporter cheer packs
  • Bespoke training plan
  • Online training zone
  • Dedicated contact
  • Cheer squad on the day
  • Refreshments
  • Free massage
  • Submit fundraising up to 1 month after event

Sign up
£30

Fundraise
£300

Children

NSPCC

Every childhood is worth fighting for.

  • Technical t-shirt
  • Personalised running vest
  • Fundraising support
  • Fundraising materials
  • Fundraising incentives
  • Bespoke training plan
  • Pro training advice
  • Online training zone
  • Dedicated contact
  • Cheer squad on the day
  • Post-race reception
  • Refreshments
  • Free massage
  • Certificate
  • Submit fundraising up to 1 month after event

Sign up
£10

Fundraise
£375

Children

Barnardo's

Transforming the lives of vulnerable children & young people in the UK.

  • Personalised running vest
  • Bespoke training plan
  • Pro training advice
  • Training guide
  • Online training zone
  • Dedicated contact
  • Post-race reception
  • Refreshments
  • Certificate

Sign up
£15

Fundraise
£350

Cancer

Bowel Cancer UK

Beating bowel cancer together.

  • Personalised running vest
  • Fundraising support
  • Fundraising materials
  • Training guide

Sign up
£17.50

Fundraise
£350

International

British Red Cross

Helping people in crisis, whoever and wherever they are.

  • Running vest
  • Fundraising support
  • Fundraising materials
  • Post-race reception
  • Refreshments
  • Exclusive social group

Sign up
£14.50

Fundraise
£400

Health and Medical

JDRF

Improving lives. Curing type 1 diabetes.

  • Personalised running vest
  • Fundraising support
  • Fundraising materials
  • Supporter cheer packs
  • Training guide
  • Cheer squad on the day
  • Post-race reception
  • Refreshments

Sign up
£35

Fundraise
£450

Armed forces

Combat Stress

For veterans' mental health.

  • Technical t-shirt
  • Running vest
  • Personalised running vest
  • Fundraising support
  • Fundraising materials
  • Supporter cheer packs
  • Training plan
  • Dedicated contact

Sign up
£30

Fundraise
£350

Health and Medical

Spinal Research

Every day three people in the UK are paralysed due to spinal cord injury.

  • T-shirt
  • Running vest
  • Fundraising support
  • Fundraising materials
  • Training plan
  • Pro training advice
  • Training guide
  • Online training zone
  • Dedicated contact
  • Submit fundraising up to 1 month after event

Sign up
£25

Fundraise
£275

Cancer

Blood Cancer UK

The blood cancer research charity.

  • Running vest
  • Fundraising support
  • Training plan
  • Cheer squad on the day
  • Post-race reception
  • Refreshments

Sign up
£20

Fundraise
£300

Cancer

Brainstrust

Helping the brain tumour community to feel less alone and more in control.

  • Running vest
  • Fundraising support
  • Fundraising materials
  • Dedicated contact

Sign up
£50

Fundraise
£300

Animals

Cats Protection

For a world where every cat is treated with kindness and an understanding of its needs.

  • Running vest
  • Personalised running vest
  • Fundraising support
  • Fundraising materials
  • Training plan
  • Cheer squad on the day
  • Exclusive social group
  • Certificate
  • Submit fundraising up to 1 month after event

Sign up
£40

Fundraise
£375

Children

Smile Train

Supporting cleft surgery and other forms of essential comprehensive cleft care.

  • Running vest
  • Personalised running vest
  • Fundraising support
  • Fundraising materials
  • Supporter cheer packs
  • Training plan
  • Training guide
  • Online training zone
  • Dedicated contact
  • Exclusive social group
  • Certificate
  • Submit fundraising up to 1 month after event

Sign up
£20

Fundraise
£300

Health and Medical

St John Ambulance

The nation's leading first aid charity, to teach everyone simple, life saving skills.

  • Running vest
  • Fundraising support
  • Fundraising materials
  • Supporter cheer packs
  • Fundraising incentives
  • Training guide
  • Cheer squad on the day
  • Certificate

Sign up
£10

Fundraise
£350

Children

When you wish upon a Star

Granting magical Wishes to children with life threatening illnesses.

  • Running vest
  • Personalised running vest
  • Fundraising support
  • Fundraising materials
  • Supporter cheer packs
  • Certificate

Sign up
£50

Fundraise
£295

Health and Medical

DEBRA

Providing care and support to those affected by the painful genetic skin condition Epidermolysis Bullosa (EB), which could affect any one of us.

  • Running vest
  • Fundraising support
  • Fundraising materials

Sign up
£25

Fundraise
£260

Children

The Children's Society

It’s time to support children in the UK who feel scared, unloved and unable to cope.

  • Personalised running vest
  • Fundraising support
  • Dedicated contact

Sign up
£35

Fundraise
£395

Children

Great Ormond Street Hospital Children's Charity

Helping the hospital offer a better future to seriously ill children across the UK.

  • Running vest
  • Fundraising support
  • Fundraising materials
  • Training plan
  • Pro training advice
  • Dedicated contact
  • Post-race reception
  • Refreshments

Sign up
£30

Fundraise
£350

Cancer

Macmillan Cancer Support

No one should have to face cancer alone.

  • Personalised running vest
  • Fundraising support
  • Fundraising materials
  • Bespoke training plan
  • Pro training advice
  • Online training zone
  • Post-race reception
  • Refreshments
  • Free massage
  • Pre-event training sessions

Sign up
£49

Fundraise
£395

Free sign up Children

WellChild

Care and support for children with a long-term or complex health condition.

  • T-shirt
  • Technical t-shirt
  • Running vest
  • Fundraising support
  • Fundraising materials
  • Supporter cheer packs
  • Dedicated contact
  • Post-race reception
  • Refreshments
  • Free massage
  • Exclusive social group
  • Certificate

Sign up
FREE

Fundraise
£280

Disability

Mencap

Helping people with a learning disability to live their lives as they choose.

  • Personalised running vest
  • Fundraising support
  • Fundraising materials
  • Supporter cheer packs
  • Fundraising incentives
  • Training plan
  • Training guide
  • Cheer squad on the day

Sign up
£25

Fundraise
£395

Health and Medical

Meningitis Now

Saving lives and rebuilding futures by funding research, raising awareness and providing support.

  • Personalised running vest
  • Fundraising support
  • Fundraising materials
  • Online training zone
  • Dedicated contact
  • Post-race reception
  • Refreshments
  • Exclusive social group

Sign up
£12.50

Fundraise
£350

  • Age 17 & over
  • 60000 places
  • Ballot closed
  • Charity entries open
  • Ballot
  • Charity places
  • Enter online
  • Event merch available
  • Race pack by post

How to enter the Great North Run

There are 3 ways to secure your place in this fantastic event:

  • Ballot entry - applications open in early January for a few weeks (from 10am 9th Jan 2023 to 10am 20th Feb 2023)
  • Charity place - join a charity team and raise money for your favourite cause
  • Elite runner - only for eilte runners who meet some fairly strict criteria

Entering the Ballot

Places in the event are allocated using a ballot system which usually takes applications from early January until February. All you need to do is fill in an application form and submit it before the February deadline - you'll get a notification if you've been successful. Don't worry if you're not one of the lucky ones, you'll still be able to join a charity team to secure your place.

Charity places

If you'd prefer to run as part of a charity team or you weren't one of the lucky ballot applications, you can still secure your place at the start line with one of our charity partners. Charities are now taking applications for places for 2023. You can search by name or cause - or just find the cheapest registration fee or lowest fundraising amount. Charity places usually close at the beginning of July.

Best in the world. This event cannot get better.

The spectators made it feel really special and every charity station cheered me on. The medal and goody bag were top notch. I'd highly recommend this race.

Love it, will go back every year. I have done the Great North Run 10 times over many years. It's always a special and different event every year.

The best event ever. My sixth consecutive and I intend to keep going. Everything is superbly organised, it's like a massive family. The volunteers are amazing.

So many wonderful supporters and volunteers made it a fantastic day. Running over the Tyne Bridge with the Red Arrows overhead is something I'll never forget!

Great day. Great weather. Great atmosphere. Great supporters. Great experience. Great time. Great North Run.