The SimplyHealth Great North Run

What You Get:

Exclusive Medal And T-Shirt
Goodie-Filled Finisher’S Pack
Timing Chip For Accurate Results
Free Training And Advice
Security Of Closed Roads
Be Part Of The World’S Most Iconic Half Marathon

Starting in Newcastle upon Tyne the 13.1 mile route takes runners through the city centre towards the River Tyne where thousands of people will cross over the iconic Tyne Bridge, where if you’re lucky, you might get a glimpse of the Red Arrows passing overhead.

From there runners will travel through Gateshead while being entertained by our Bands on the Run. The route, lined by thousands of supporters, leads runners to South Shields where at the top of Prince Edward Road the view of the sea is one of the most welcoming sights along the whole course.

From that point there is just over a mile to go and the crowds get louder as runners make their way down the final straight towards the finish line.

Please note: the course may be subject to change.

Top tips for event day success:

Last minute preparation

Get your kit ready the day before to avoid rushing around on the morning of the event and pack clothes appropriate for the potential weather conditions. Run in comfortable kit that you have worn during training. This includes everything from your running shoes and socks to your underwear and top. New kit may cause chafing, blisters or general discomfort.

Don't run on empty

No matter how nervous you feel before an event, don't run on empty. Toast and jam, cereal with milk or even a banana smoothie will fuel your efforts. Eat at least two hours before your event, to allow time for digestion.

Don't overdress

While you don't want to get cold and wet on the start line, avoid the temptation to overdress. Wear a bin liner over your running garb to keep rain off or a top layer that you can peel off and throw away once you warm up (perhaps buy some old gear from a charity shop).

Be lav savvy

Toilet queues are an occupational hazard for runners, so allow plenty of time for your pre-run visit to the loo. But once you've been, try to resist the urge to go again - it's most likely nerves (especially if you don't customarily need to go three times an hour!) The chances are you'll forget all about the urge once you've started running.

Organise your fans!

Try to have as many friends and family out there as possible on the day. Remember to get your name printed on the front of your t-shirt or vest - hearing your name called, even by a total stranger, is hugely motivating. All Great Run events feature your name on your timing chip which you attach to your top – you are more than just a number.

Stick to the familiar

You've probably heard the advice about never doing anything on race day that you haven't tried in training. (That's why you aren't going to set off on race day in a brand spanking new pair of trainers.... promise!) But the rule also applies to food and drink. If you've never eaten mini mars bars, orange segments or bananas on the run, then politely decline them from well-meaning spectators - you just don't know how your body might react.

Keep your head up

As you get tired, you may find that your head drops and you're looking at your feet. This not only tips your torso forward, making your running technique less efficient, it can also sap your spirit, because you aren't making eye contact with fellow runners or spectators. Keeping your head up gives you a much more confidence stance and sends a positive message to your subconscious mind. Once you are on the final few miles, pick out a runner and try to catch them up. Even if you don't manage it, it gives you something to focus on.

Enjoy yourself

Whether you are hell bent on achieving a new personal best time or simply making it to the finish line in one piece, try to enjoy the journey as well as the destination. You've put so much into preparing for this big day, so savour it and be proud of yourself.

Beyond the finish line

When you cross the finish line (and you will!), don't stop suddenly. Keep moving while your heart rate and breathing rate get back to normal. And remember to stretch out your muscles (unless they are very sore and tender, in which case it's best to leave stretching for another day). Eat and drink something within the first half hour of finishing and change into some warm dry clothes and footwear.

How is the ballot drawn?

The ballot is drawn completely randomly; it doesn’t take into account your gender, age or whether or not you have taken part in the event before etc.

I have been unsuccessful in the ballot, how else can I secure a place in the event?

If you have been unsuccessful in the ballot you can still apply for a place via one of the charities that have purchased a charity package.

I have entered the wrong estimated running time on my entry form, how do I change this?

If you would like to amend your estimated running time please send an email to [email protected] clearly stating your full name, postcode, which event you have entered and your new estimated running time. We will then be able to amend this for you.

This is an important safety measure and we ask that you enter an accurate time.

Please ensure you notify Great North Run at least six weeks prior to the event (ten weeks if you have entered the Great North Run or a Marathon event) otherwise we will be unable to amend.

When will I receive my Race Pack?

For the Great North Run and our Marathon events the race packs will be sent out four weeks prior to the event. For all other Great Run events, packs are sent out approximately two weeks prior to the event.

I haven’t received my Race Pack, what should I do?

If your race pack does not arrive please email [email protected] The team will verify your entry and give you details as to how you can collect a replacement pack on race weekend.

Competitor’s information guides can also be downloaded from the webpage of the event you have entered.

What Start Zone/Wave have I been allocated to?

Your starting time and wave allocation will depend on your estimated running time as stated on your entry form.

Runners can determine what wave they have been allocated to by looking at their race number, which is sent out in the race pack. The background colour of the race number and letter will determine which zone runners are in.

Full details of wave assembly points and start times can be found in your race pack and in the Competitors Information Guide, which can be downloaded from the events webpage.

I am not happy with my Start Zone/Wave allocation and want to move up into a faster wave:

Due to the number of runners taking part in our events, we ask runners not to move to a faster wave (towards the start line). Runners should stay in the wave they've been allocated, or move further away from the start line to a slower wave. Race numbers have been allocated on the estimated time given on your application. If you feel you should be in a higher wave please email [email protected] for more details of how you can be moved to a higher wave.

What do I receive when I cross the finish line?

All finishers will receive a finisher's pack as soon as they cross the finish line. Finishers' packs are sorted by size, so please take the t-shirt size you asked for on your entry form.

How do I view my race results?

To view your race results please visit www.greatrun.org/results Make sure the correct event is highlighted and then you can search by your Race Number or Surname.