Great North Run | 13 reasons to enter the world's biggest half marathon
Since 1981, the Great North Run has been attracting crowds to Newcastle and Gateshead for a half marathon that runs from its vibrant city centre to the coastline.
Over the past 40+ years, the event has grown in popularity to become the world's biggest half marathon, with 60,000 runners taking part in 2024 and thousands more lining the streets to cheer them on. With live TV coverage and a host of famous faces around, it's definitely one of the most famous half marathons on the planet.
If you're looking for a half marathon race to enter, there are plenty of reasons to choose the Great North Run, including electric crowd support, the Tyne Bridge roar and a finish by the sea. Check out our breakdown of the top reasons to get involved, then let us know if you think we've missed anything out!
#1 That Tyne Bridge moment
Newcastle and Gateshead are joined by a collection of famous bridges and crossing the River Tyne over the Tyne Bridge alongside tens of thousands of fellow runners is an unforgettable experience and one of the most iconic moments of the race. Hands up for the cameras!
#2 60,000 runners—one unforgettable start
The spine-tingling moment we stand together, warm up together and set off together - as one. There really is nothing like it.
Ever warmed up with 60,000 others? It's no wonder running is addictive.
#3 Wall-to-wall crowd support
From its packed start on Central Motorway to the final mile along the Coast Road, you'll enjoy a fantastic race atmosphere with thousands of spectators and supporters. As well as charity stations and entertainment zones with energising music, you'll find sections of the course heaving with crowds, including the final stretch to the finish line.
The best part?
Sir Mo Farah is a famous advocate of the Great North Run and claims it has a better atmosphere than London events! So whether it's your first half marathon or your fifth, you can soak up the energy to power you home.
Runners can expect huge support from spectators along the 13.1 mile course!
#4 A coastal finish worth sprinting for
With famous landmarks along the way and popular course segments - like the view to the sea from Prince Edward Road - the route is one of the most appealing aspects of this event and certainly something that attracts runners to return time and again. The finale down to South Shields and along the coast, cheered on by thousands of spectators, is another moment that lives long in the memory of the Great North Run's entrants.
From city to coast, with glory ahead.
#5 Fundraise and make a real impact
Since its inaugural edition in 1981, the Great North Run has raised hundreds of millions of pounds for charity through fundraising, helping a huge range of fantastic causes. Opting to run for charity not only helps to fund the incredible work of these charities, it also provides brilliant motivation for you when the going gets tough.
You'll enjoy dedicated support from that charity before and during the race from their cheer station. What's more, if you miss out on entering the race through the ballot - as it is always over-subscribed - then a charity place will be your only option to join in.
#6 Après Run Zone
The finish line of the Great North Run is pretty spectacular with the introduction of the Après Run Zone! Food and drink stalls are available to help celebrate your achievement, while tunes will be blasted out to keep the energy levels high and the mood ecstatic. After you've recharged on the picnic benches, head over to the charity stalls and merchandise stand to reward yourself on a great run!
#7 Iconic UK race day experience
An iconic moment of the Great North Run - loved by runners, spectators and viewers at home - is the fly-over from the Red Arrows, the RAF's premier display team. As runners embark over the Tyne Bridge, these incredible planes come soaring into view in their classic V formation, coloured smoke streaming behind them. It's a moment to spur on anyone racing and confirm that they are part of a truly special race day.
This iconic moment from the RAF's famous display team is a hugely popular feature of the run.
#8 Big-city logistics, smooth on-course support
Professionally delivered by Great Run, a leading organiser of premium running events across the UK, you can be assured of everything you need for a successful mass event experience including a comprehensive Event Guide, medical support, hydration points, facilities, luggage storage, joined-up public transport services, inspiring entertainment and post-race festivities. Check out the runner reviews - they say it all!
Everyone is invited to enter the world's biggest half marathon.
#9 A medal that means more
Sure, completing the Great North Run and soaking up the atmosphere as you roll up the miles is a reward in itself for all the hard training miles you'll have put in. But you'll also want something more tangible to show off when you get home - we get that. Fortunately, every entrant to the race receives an exclusive medal (a 'Medal Masterpiece' in 2025), a finisher's t-shirt, a goody bag, official race photos and an official result available shortly after you've finished. The real question is how long you'll wear your medal for after the race...
#10 Perfect team challenge
Join your pals, workmates or fellow fundraisers for a brilliant shared experience! Given the massive scale of this event, it's not typically where runners chase personal bests, so reel in the pace and savour the journey alongside like-minded friends.
Completing the Great North Run is something to be celebrated!
#11 North East weekend away
The Great North Run has embedded itself in the culture of the North East, with pretty much everybody in Newcastle and Gateshead either having run it themselves or knowing someone who has.
For many people, though, entering this race will involve travelling to the far north of England, which is a perfect opportunity to explore everything that this vibrant region has to offer. Discover surfing on the North Sea, trail running in Kielder Forest and incredible cafes, bars and restaurants in the city itself.
#12 Join a story bigger than your run
In 2014, the one millionth runner crossed the finish line of the Great North Run, which was the first time this had happened for an organised event anywhere in the world. It was a landmark achievement for a race that has become one of the most popular running events in the world and one that runners are still desperate to join in on.
#13 Make this your half marathon milestone
For many runners, entering a half marathon is a stepping stone on their journey to the ultimate goal of completing a full marathon. Many marathons happen in the autumn very quickly after the Great North Run, making it ideally placed in the running calendar.
Whether you are competing this year or are looking ahead to a future edition of the race, running this half marathon will give you invaluable experience of pacing yourself in a competitive environment and what it feels like to run in the festival atmosphere of a major running event. You can then choose whether to bask in that feeling or look ahead to another event!
The Great North Run takes place in September each year.