Junior & Mini Great North Run
Sat 12 Sep 2026 Newcastle upon Tyne, Tyne and Wear, UK

Junior & Mini Great North Run

Take on the course, feel the Great North atmosphere, and discover your superpower. Run for fun, charity or a personal best at the AJ Bell Junior & Mini Great North Run.

2 races

  • Sat 12 Sep
  • #1 of 2
Quayside, Newcastle upon Tyne

Junior

14:10

Age 9-16

£27

  • 4 km road running
  • Sat 12 Sep
  • #2 of 2
Quayside, Newcastle upon Tyne

Mini

08:45

Age 3-8

£27

  • 1.2 km road running

Event overview

From the Mini (ages 3–8) 1.2km dash to the Junior (9–16) 4km challenge, the AJ Bell Junior & Mini Great North Run is your chance to take on the course, soak up the famous Great North atmosphere, and discover your superpower.

Whether you’re running for fun, raising money for a cause close to your heart, or chasing your personal best, the AJ Bell Junior & Mini Great North Run is the perfect stage.

The Mini 50 is a 50m course for children (3-16 yrs) who wouldn’t ordinarily be able to participate in the Junior and Mini age group events, due to their specific needs.

Mini runners (age 3 – 8) must be accompanied by an adult around the course. Junior runners (age 9-16) have the option of running by themselves, or with an adult. Accompanying adults who are running are required to wear the specific accompanying adult bib, which is attached to the child’s run number.

Highlights

  • Safe and secure route on closed roads
  • T-shirt for kids to run in and a shiny finisher's medal
  • Photo opportunities and official event photos to purchase
  • On-course music and entertainment
  • An unforgettable finish line experience
  • Plenty of cheers and high fives from local supporters
  • Event village with exhibitors, food and drinks to enjoy post-run

Event video

  • All fitness levels
  • Beginner-friendly
  • Event expo
  • Event village
  • Families
  • Spectators
  • Venue accessible

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.

Weekend schedule

Friday

  • Great North Run 5K

Saturday

  • Mini and Junior events

Sunday

  • Great North Run

Timetable

  • 08:45 | Mini Waves Start
  • 13:25 | Mini50 Wave
  • 13:40 | Wheelchair participants
  • 14:10 | Junior Waves

Wheelchair access

The course is suitable for wheelchair users and we will have a dedicated wheelchair start on the 1.2K course. Participants in a self-propelled wheelchair will be automatically allocated to this wave, other wheelchair participants have the option to go into this wave, or take part in the age specific mass waves. The route will involve going over the Millennium Bridge, involving an adverse camber, so those choosing to participate may want to do so accompanied by an adult support runner – all participants should take special care on sections that might be tricky at high speed.

  • Entertainment
  • Music
  • Secure bag storage
  • Toilets

Event HQ

Quayside
Newcastle upon Tyne
Tyne and Wear
NE13DU
UK

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.

The Great North Run was a brilliant experience and a very well-organised event. There was a fantastic atmosphere with incredible support.

Such a friendly and encouraging event and a credit to the region.

The crowds and entertainment that support the run are absolutely outstanding.

  • 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.

Races at event

  • Sat 12 Sep
  • #1 of 2
Quayside, Newcastle upon Tyne
Junior

14:10

Age 9-16

£27

  • 4 km road running
  • Sat 12 Sep
  • #2 of 2
Quayside, Newcastle upon Tyne
Mini

08:45

Age 3-8

£27

  • 1.2 km road running
4 steps to wellbeing
Sleep well

A good night's sleep is an essential foundation for a healthy lifestyle, effective training and weight control.

Train slow

Low-intensity training is easier for you, reduces the risk of injury and helps builds an efficient aerobic system.

Eat natural

Cut out sugar & junk food, reduce carbs, eat natural foods and train your body to burn fat for fuel.

Get outdoors

Fresh air, natural light and reconnecting with nature all help to improve mental and physical wellbeing.