From our inspirational runners, the competitive elite field, fantastic fundraisers, famous faces and rocking bands, to the outstanding motivational signs and unbeatable crowd support lining the streets – you were, and always are, the greatest!
AJ Bell Great North Run
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Half Marathon
Start
10:50 am
If you’re looking for a bucket list running event with an incredible Geordie welcome, the loudest and most supportive crowds around an epic 13.1 mile course jam-packed with entertainment and music, and a finish line party like no other, then the AJ Bell Great North Run is for you.
Join 60,000 incredible participants in the heart of Newcastle upon Tyne to fundraise, have fun, achieve a fitness goal, and join an amazing running community no matter your experience or ability. From the rush of the Red Arrows flying overhead to the oggy-oggy-oggy chants, Great North Run magic can be hard to understand – until you’ve experienced it for yourself.
If you missed out on a Great North Run place this year, sign up for updates here and we’ll send an email straight to your inbox as soon the September Ballot for the 2026 AJ Bell Great North Run opens.
Great North Run entries are open to runners aged 17+ on the day of the event.
2026 Ballot Reminder
Sign up below for updates and we’ll notify you when the September ballot for the 2026 AJ Bell Great North Run opens. We’ll also provide you with useful running information and guidance, special offers, training advice, top tips and exclusive Great Run Series event updates (you can unsubscribe at any time).
Event Timetable: 7 September 2025
Provisional timetable. Timings are subject to change.
Great North Run Membership
AJ Bell Great North Run Members skip the ballot and guarantee a place on the start line of the Great North Run for 3 years. A Great North Run membership also entitles you to other benefits, including a technical training top. Click here to find out more about what’s included.
New membership places will go on sale later in the year, but places are limited and we expect them to sell out quickly.
Sign up below and we’ll notify you when new Great North Run memberships (2026-2028) go on sale. We’ll also provide you with useful running information and guidance, special offers, training advice, top tips and exclusive Great Run Series event updates (you can unsubscribe at any time).
Event Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Where does the Great North Run start and finish?
The Great North Run starts on the A167 close to Claremont Road. 60,000 runners make their way along the 13.1 mile route to finish at South Shields after a final mile-long seafront stretch. Check out the route map for the full route and elevation profile.
How difficult is the Great North Run?
The Great North Run route has both uphill and downhill sections. Miles 1-2, 5-8 and 12-13.1 are mainly downhill, whereas many runners report that they find miles 8-12 the toughest section - there’s quite a bit of uphill during this four-mile stretch.
But don’t worry - there’s music, entertainment and thousands of supporters at every turn. Know exactly what to expect with some detailed advice on training for your Great North Run route in our training advice (below).
How do I track runners at the Great North Run?
Easy - with the free Great Run event day app. Use our accurate tracking feature to keep tabs on family, friends, celebrities and elites, see professional photos as soon as they’re uploaded and stay up-to-date with race day info and last-minute changes. The Great Run app is free to download from the Apple app store or Google Play.
When will I receive my race number for the Great North Run?
Your race number also contains your timing chip and will arrive 1-2 weeks before the run. If your run number doesn’t arrive, you’ll need to collect your race number from one of the information points the day before, or morning of the event (Bring ID with you).
Information point locations and opening times are also in your Event Guide, which will be emailed approximately one month before the race.
Can I leave my bag at the start of the Great North Run?
Yes. Baggage buses can be found in your Runners Hub. Allow plenty of time for dropping off. Make sure you fill out your baggage label (found on your race number), detach and fasten it securely to your bag before you leave home. At the finish, you’ll need to use your race number to collect your bag at South Shields.
When will I receive pre-event information for the Great North Run?
Keep a lookout for a ‘One Month To Go!’ email from the Great Run team with your Event Guide. It’s also available on the Great Run website (although check again shortly before race day on Sunday 7 September to catch any updates).
Where can I download a training plan for the Great North Run?
We’re glad you asked. No matter your running experience, we’ve got free, easy-to-follow half marathon training plans on our Training Plans page You’ll also find some bespoke information on training for the Great North Run in our training section.
Where can I celebrate after the Great North Run?
The fun doesn’t stop at the finish line. Check out the Great North Run charity village and Après Run Zone with its very own beer and entertainment tent, exhibitors, food and drink outlets, massage zone…the list goes on! There’s also lots of cafés and bars around the local area if you want to soak up the atmosphere before heading home.
How do I get home?
With 60,000 runners plus family and friends supporting them, transport systems are extremely busy after the Great North Run. It’s vital that you plan your route home in advance. We recommend getting the Metro from South Shields, if possible, but be aware that you may have to wait for some time. Although extra services will be running, some Metro stations will be closed or have limited access after the run.
Training Advice
View All Training Articles
Know what to expect – your Great North Run route
The Great North Run requires no introduction – but, just in case, here’s a quick explainer. The Great North Run is the world’s biggest and best half marathon, attracting 60,000 runners each year to its iconic 13.1 mile route. And once you’ve experienced that Great North Run magic, it’s… Read More.
How to train for a half marathon
Congratulations – you’ve taken a big step and committed to a half marathon. You’re in good company – half marathons are a popular distance event, and make a perfect next goal to aim for after hitting your 10k stride. There’s no doubt that running 13.1 miles is a challenge, so… Read More.
A runner’s guide to tapering
The idea of tapering – decreasing your training load in the week or two leading up to a big running event – might sound counter-intuitive, but in this case less really is more. And just about every running authority out there stresses the importance of tapering as a vital part… Read More.
How to hit your perfect half marathon pace
Great Run is proud to partner with Runna – your personalised running coach app. As the official training partner of the AJ Bell Great Run Series, Runna is supporting our runners with comprehensive, expert-approved training content. No matter your experience or ability level, Runna’s tips and hints can… Read More.
Find a running club in the North East
The North East is a friendly place, as anyone who’s ever taken part in the AJ Bell Great North Run would agree. And it’s that trademark North East warmth that makes it a fantastic place to join a running group. In fact, just about every club in the region… Read More.
The super simple runner’s exercise routine
Wherever you are on your running journey, building some simple gym or home exercises into your schedule is guaranteed to maximise your performance. And once you start establishing those routines and seeing those benefits, it’s so much easier to keep your motivation levels high. Read on for a quick and… Read More.
Great Places To Run In And Around Newcastle
Whether you are a local or a runner who wants to explore the area before the Simplyhealth Great North Run, Newcastle has plenty to offer. Read More.
10 things to expect at the Great North Run
It’s the world’s biggest and best half marathon and a North East institution – but if you’ve never taken part in the Great North Run, what can you expect when you line up on that start line? On your marks, get set, let’s find out! An unbeatable start-line atmosphere… Read More.
2024 Highlights
Finish Line Guide
With 60,000 runners and lots of spectators, one thing to be aware of is that the finish area in South Shields is quite big. Take a couple of minutes to have a look at this finish line video and get your bearings ahead of race day.
World Athletics Heritage Award
The AJ Bell Great North Run has been awarded the prestigious World Athletics Heritage Plaque. Launched by World Athletics President Lord Sebastian Coe, the award is in recognition of an outstanding contribution to the worldwide history and development of the sport.
Read More Here
Nirvana, the official travel and accommodation partner of the AJ Bell Great North Run, have a range of hotels and accommodation options available in great locations, fully integrated with start and finish line shuttle and transfer services. Let Nirvana take the stress out of your run logistics!
Our Runners in Action
Find Runner Photos
What You Get
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 Photos
Action shots available! Our team of photographers are ready and waiting to capture your finest moment.
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.
We have made the decision to introduce optional finisher tees to our Great Run events. You can choose to forgo a finisher tee shirt at the point of entry, and in lieu of this we will make a donation to the National Trust Woodlands Appeal. We 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. To view our full Environmental Strategy, please click here.
By taking your place on the AJ Bell Great North Run start line, you’re already part of something really special. Obviously you’ll have bragging rights for the foreseeable, but you’ll also get…
Run for Charity
01
Choose a charity
Join our team of everyday heroes raising millions for charity. Choose your worthy cause from the list below.
List of Charities
02
Secure a Place
Secure a place with your chosen charity by visiting their website and signing up. Your run makes such a difference.
03
Start fundraising
Once you’ve secured your place, start fundraising by setting up a page with Enthuse – and watch the money roll in.
Start Fundraising
04
Fundraising tips
We like to think we know a little about raising money for good causes - let us share our top tips with you.
Get Fundraising Tips
AJ Bell Great North Run
Charities
British Heart Foundation is the official charity of the AJ Bell Great Run series this year and we could not be more proud.
When you run for BHF, you can help us achieve our vision of a world free from the fear of heart and circulatory diseases. You run for the people you love. You run to help us fund lifesaving research and support people affected by heart and circulatory diseases. You run to help keep families together for longer.
It’s because of you, BHF-funded research is possible. Together, we can make the impossible possible. Thank you.
Join forces with the team that will get you to the finish line. We’re the only ones fighting over 200 cancer . Our life-saving work is funded entirely by the generosity of our supporters, so every step we make towards beating cancer relies on every pound, and every runner. One in two people now survive cancer. Together we’ve achieved so much, but we won’t stop until we’ve beaten it altogether. Join the team today and we will beat cancer.
The Bobby Moore Fund was set up in memory legendary footballer Bobby Moore, who sadly died from bowel cancer aged just 51.To date the Bobby Moore Fund has raised over £20 million. The funds are spent on world class bowel cancer research carried out by leading scientists working across the UK. With your support, bowel cancer stands no chance. Let’s make Bobby proud and help beat it sooner. Join the Bobby Moore Fund team today.
By 2025, there will be 1 million people in the UK living with dementia. Alzheimer’s Society are there for everyone living with dementia and their loves ones – wherever they are, whatever they’re going through. We campaign for change, fund life-changing research and give help and hope to those living with dementia. Join team Alzheimer’s Society today.
We’re Blood Cancer UK, a community dedicated to beating blood cancer. We do this by funding research and supporting those affected. Since 1960, we’ve invested over £500 million in blood cancer research, transforming treatments and saving lives. Run with us at the Great North Run and every pound raised will help beat blood cancer, because the finish line’s in sight.
We’re Breast Cancer Now, the charity that’s steered by world-class research and powered by life-changing care. We’re here for anyone affected by breast cancer, the whole way through, providing support for today and hope for the future. Join our team today and you can help us be there for anyone facing breast cancer.
At Guide Dogs we’re here to help people with sight loss live the life they choose. 1 in 5 people will live with sight loss in their lifetime and every day 250 people in the UK start to lose their sight. This is equivalent to one person every six minutes. Our guide dogs give these people the confidence to get out and about safely and we campaign to make sure children and adults with sight loss can live actively, independently and well.
At Macmillan, we give people with cancer everything we’ve got. If you’re diagnosed, your worries are our worries. We will move mountains to help you live life as fully as you can. And we don’t stop there. We’re going all out to find ever better ways to help people with cancer, helping to bring forward the day when everyone gets life-transforming support from day one. We’re doing whatever it takes, but we couldn’t do what we do without you, thank you so much for your support.
We’re Mind. We’re here to fight for mental health. We produce trusted information all about mental health problems. We support people through our helplines and online Side by Side community. We campaign with the government to get a better deal on mental health. And we speak out when something isn’t right, demanding mental health support respects our rights. There’s so much we do – and we couldn’t do it without you, so thank you.
NHS Charities together supports and provides services to our NHS where it is needed most. By signing up for the Great North Run you are helping make a difference to NHS staff, patients, and families over and above what the NHS alone can fund
Join Prostate Cancer UK’s legendary Great North Run team to raise funds for lifesaving research and support services for the most common cancer in men. Run with us and help save men’s lives.
The Stroke Association are the UK’s leading charity dedicated to conquering stroke. We deliver stroke services across the UK, campaign for better stroke care, invest in research and fundraise to expand our reach to as many stroke survivors as possible. There are over 1.2 million stroke survivors in the UK with 100,000 strokes happening in the UK each year. That’s one stroke every five minutes. We believe in life after stroke and rely on your support to change lives and prevent stroke. With your support, together we can conquer stroke. and prevent stroke.
We are the leading charity stopping the heartbreak and devastation of baby loss and making pregnancy and birth safe – for everyone. Half of adults in the UK have experienced baby loss or know someone who has.Tommy’s fund vital research into miscarriage, stillbirth and premature birth, so we can keep saving babies’ lives.
