Great North Run

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.

Timetable

• 10:25 | Elite Wheelchair start
• 10:30 | Elite women start
• 10:32 | Visually impaired start
• 10:45 | Elite men and masses waves start

Wheelchair entrants

The Great North Run is suitable for wheelchair users. There will be a question on the entry form that asks if you are a wheelchair user and if you will be participating in a self-propelled racing wheelchair, or if you will be participating in a standard wheelchair and will be assisted (pushed).

Event HQ

The Town Moor
Grandstand Road
Newcastle
Tyne and Wear
UK

Overview

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

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.

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.

Optional finisher tees

The organisers have made the decision to introduce optional finisher tees to Great Run events. You can choose to forgo a finisher tee shirt at the point of entry, and in lieu of this they will make a donation to the National Trust Woodlands Appeal. They will donate a portion of the fulfilment costs for each runner who chooses this option to the fund and commit that this donation to be approx. £20,000.

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

• The medal

  Every finisher gets a medal - and it’s big, it’s shiny and it’s perfect for showing off to your pals.

• The app

  Download our free Great Run event app to track runners, make a donation and more - whether spectating or on the start line.

• The discounts

  Enjoy exclusive discounts for 12 months after your Great Run entry. Running feels good, but money off feels even better.

Optional extras

• iTab

  Make your medal personal - order yours today.

• The photos

  Action shots available! The team of photographers are ready and waiting to capture your finest moment.

Event app

The Great Run app is free, 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

How to enter the Great North Run

There are 3 ways to secure your place in this fantastic event in 2025:

• Ballot entry - The first round of ballot applications closed in 2024. The second round of ballot entries closed in January 2025.
• Charity place - join a charity team and raise money for a worthy cause.
• Elite runner - only for elite runners who meet some fairly strict criteria.

Entering the Ballot

Places in the event are allocated using a ballot system. 

Those successful in the ballot will secure an entry into the Great North Run.

Anyone who is unsuccessful with their September ballot application can try again in the January Ballot.

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 weren't one of the lucky ballot applications or you want to skip the ballot hassle or you'd prefer to run as part of a charity team, you can secure your place at the start line with one of our charity partners. Charities are taking entries for 2025 now. 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.

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.