The Great North Run, as the name suggests, is great in every sense. It’s an exhilarating challenge, completing the course is a great achievement and, perhaps most importantly of all, it’s a great way to raise money for a well deserving charity.
It is, without exception, the world's greatest half marathon as you and almost 60,000 others will know as you line up in the centre of Newcastle and head out through Gateshead and South Tyneside before arriving, sufficiently pleased with yourself and, quite probably, exhausted, in South Shields.
Extra motivation and support will come in the form of the many ‘Bands on the Run’ spread along the course, as well as thousands of other runners and the internal desire to reach your goal.
Highlights
- Take part in the WORLD'S GREATEST half marathon
- Join the buzzing atmosphere with almost 60,000 joining you on the classic route
- Watch out for the Red Arrows as you cross Tyne Bridge
- Finish in South Shields with a unforgettable sea view
What others say
"Really good fun. Massive race but really well organised. Seeing Olympic stars was a bonus"
"LOVE this race. Big crowds, celebs, the Red Arrows, televised live on the BBC, fantastic fun whether you're going for a PB or just wanting to do your first half."
Run for a reason
The main way of
securing yourself a place in the Great North Run is to obtain a
charity place. In return for one of these '
guaranteed charity places', runners are guaranteed a place in the event and need to commit to raising an amount of sponsorship for their chosen charity.
Charities depend on the goodwill and effort of their supporters to survive, so make your race day a true cause for celebration by choosing to run and raise money for one of the many worthy causes.
Route
- Electric Newcastle city centre start with thousands of supporters cheering you on
- Cross the iconic Tyne Bridge
- Bands lining the route & the best spectator support through Gateshead
- South Shields coast road & sea view for the finishing mile
Click here to view the 2017 route map
Race-day rewards
As well as an invitation to the UK's biggest pasta party (free for runners), all finishers will collect their pack at the finishing line, which includes:
- A hard-earned medal and t-shirt for all finishers that you can wear with pride
- A range of energy replenishing goodies from all the sponsors involved
Make a weekend of it
Voted as one of the best cities in the UK by Guardian and Observer readers, Newcastle has it all to make your weekend truly great! Put your feet up at one of the ‘Toons’ buzzing bars or delightful restaurants, visit one of the many museums or just relax by taking a stroll along the Quayside.
Also coinciding with the Great North Run are the Great City Games. Get up close and personal with some world class athletes as they take to the streets of Newcastle. Best of all, it’s free for all to spectate.
You’ll also get the chance to take advantage of local offers on race day, just look out for the “Great Runners Welcome Here” sign to receive race day discount.
Also happening that weekend
Great North 5k, 1.5k mini run (age 3-8) & 4k junior run (age 9-16).