What to Expect Over the AJ Bell Great North Run Weekend
AJ Bell Great North Run weekend – the highlight of every runner’s calendar – is almost here. Rest assured: whether you’re taking part, cheering on a friend or just planning on soaking up the atmosphere, there’s going to be plenty to enjoy.
The action kicks off on Friday 5 September with the perfect curtain raiser: the Great North 5k. On Saturday, our Junior and Mini events put the spotlight on the next generation of runners. And on Sunday, 60k entrants will line up for the main event: the world’s biggest (and best) half-marathon, aka the Great North Run.
The whole weekend promises energy, entertainment and an electric atmosphere. Don’t miss a second of it – read on for your full rundown of what’s happening and how to make the most of an unforgettable weekend.
Events you can be part of
Build the hype with a pre-run event – just make sure you avoid disappointment by signing up.
ON YOUR MARKS: The Great North Run Shakeout Run
When: Thursday 4 September, 6pm | The Cycle Hub, Newcastle
What: Ease into the weekend with a relaxed 5K shakeout run hosted by Mitchum x Collective Run Club. Wondering what a shakeout is? Read more here – but, basically, it’s the perfect way to shake off those pre-race nerves, meet fellow runners, and stretch your legs. There’ll be groups at different paces, and everyone’s welcome.
Get involved: Sign up here.
IN YOUR EARS: Runna podcast live recording
When: Friday 5 September, 6.30pm, Fenwick Newcastle
What: An inspiring evening of conversation, community and race-day motivation. You’ll also have the chance to connect with fellow runners, enjoy complimentary refreshments, and take part in a post-show mingle with the Runna team.
Get involved: Get your free ticket here.
USE YOUR HEAD: A talk from Professor Daniel Lieberman – ‘Born to Run the Great North Run’
When: Friday 5 September, 6.30pm for 7pm, The Common Room, NE1 1SE
What: Could running actually slow ageing and prevent disease? Harvard professor Daniel Lieberman dives into the science behind why humans were born to run. Known for his groundbreaking research on human movement and evolution, Professor Lieberman will unpack how biology can inform modern health and fitness.
Get involved: Get your free ticket here.
Things to do and see
SELFIE SPOT – Friday 5 & Saturday 6 September | Monument, Newcastle City Centre
It’s big, it’s bold and it’s crying out for you to snap a selfie – it’s our city centre GREAT NORTH RUN sign. Look out for it near Monument on Friday and Saturday (you can’t miss it!) or check it out once it moves to Exhibition Park on Sunday. Don’t forget to share your selfie using #GreatNorthRun.
SCREEN ON THE GREEN – Sunday 7 September, 10am–2pm | Old Eldon Square, Newcastle
Catch all the race-day action live on BBC One at NE1’s Screen on the Green. With comfy deckchairs and a dollop of city-centre buzz, it’s the perfect spot to spectate. Find out more here.
BROOKS LIVE STAGE – Sunday 7 September, from 10am | Event village, South Shields
New for the event village in 2025, the Brooks LIVE stage is where the finish line party begins. Expect live DJ sets, interviews with running celebs, live podcasts from RunPod and Runner’s World and BBC One coverage on the big screen. Pick a picnic bench, enjoy some food and soak up the show on the LIVE stage!
Don’t Miss
ELITE 5K RACES – Friday 5 September, 5.00pm onwards | Newcastle Quayside
The Great North 5k opens with the elite women’s and men’s races, featuring top runners from the UK and abroad. Watch them blaze around the flat, fast-paced quayside loop before the mass participation event begins.
- Elite Women: 5.00pm
- Elite Men: 5.20pm
- Mass 5k: 6.10pm
Get more info here.
RED ARROWS – Sunday 7 September | Tyne Bridge at 11:30am, South Shields from 1:45pm
The Red Arrows return! Catch them soaring over the Tyne Bridge at 11:30am and look out for incredible aerobatics in South Shields from 1:45pm. Unmissable and unforgettable.
On the Route
LIVE BANDS AND MUSIC ZONES – From steel pan groups to community choirs, the course is lined with live music acts bringing non-stop energy. The likes of Bangshees, Sax on the Tyne and Gatecrashers are guaranteed to keep spirits high and legs pumping. Check out the full entertainment map here.
SUNDAY FOR SAMMY STAGE – As you cross the Tyne Bridge, you’ll be welcomed by the sound of live performances from emerging artists on the Sunday for Sammy stage. The action kicks off at 10:15 and continues throughout the morning. Find out more about Sunday for Sammy here.
FAMOUS FACES – Our 60,000 runners on Sunday will be rubbing shoulders on the route with a whole host of famous faces including Joe Wicks, Dame Kelly Holmes, Tommy Fury, stars of The Traitors, Gladiator Referee Mark Clattenberg, influencers Joe Sugg and WillNE, reality TV stars Jake Quickenden and Ashley Cain along with TV personalities Sara Davie, Jenni Falconer, Bryony Gorden and Dr Alex George. Who will you spot along the course?
Getting there
Getting to and from the Great North Run has never been easier – or greener. Check out the Great North Run Travel Assistant to find your best route, whether you’re running, supporting or heading to one of our build-up events.
It’ll give you the best public transport options, live travel updates and help you plan your journey. Remember: race weekend requires lots of road closures, which can mean delays if you don’t think ahead.
Take a look and plan your journey here.
More helpful links
Make sure you’ve got everything you need before race weekend arrives.
- Download the Great North Run event day app here to get your official time and photos or track friends and family.
- Get the 2025 Event Guide and read it cover to cover before you get anywhere near the start line.
- Check out our Spectator Guide including the best viewing spots and travel tips.
Watching at home? The AJ Bell Great North Run will be live on BBC One from 10am to 2pm on Sunday 7 September.
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