The Great North Run
COVID Plan
Safety measures in place ·
Event summary
Places are hard to come by for this hugely popular half marathon. With around 50,000 participants, there'll be no shortage of supporters to cheer you on to the finish by the scenic South Shields coastline. Come for an extremely well-organised event and the exclusive finisher's medal and t-shirt.
Your organiser
The Great Run Company is a United Kingdom events company specialising in the development, design, organisation and rights management of mass participation and televised sporting events. They most notably organise the Great North Run, Great South Run and Great Manchester Run annually.
Volunteer
We’re always looking for volunteers to help make these events epic.
Find out moreHow to enter
What's included:
- Exclusive Medal And T-Shirt
- Goodie-Filled Finisher’s Pack
- Timing Chip For Accurate Results
- Free Training And Advice
- Security Of Closed Roads
- Water Stations
- Aid Stations
Half Marathon
10:00am Sun 12th Sep 2021
Run 13.1mi
Stay up-to-date
Get email updates about this event.
What people think
4.950 reviews
Friendly atmosphere
Incredible crowds
Amazing medal
4th time running GNR and this year ran for Royal Manchester Children’s Hospital. I love this event, even though there are 50k+ runners, you are made to feel you are still one special runner. Supporters are just amazing. You really do not need to carry water or snacks as they are available throughout the race. Children handing out ice pops, haribo, oranges etc! <br />The event is busy as you may expect but the overall atmosphere is incredible. Loved the showers and hosepipes especially as it was very hot. Also spray sun tan lotion available at the start - great if runners had forgot to bring! My favourite part of the race has to be the start, the famous music 🎶 played in the TV and commentator. I love the last couple of miles when you run down the hill to South Shields seafront. I definitely want to go back for my 5th time. Every runner should at least run this once.<br />… read more
Frequently asked questions
At what time does the Great North Run start?
Exact timings have yet to be determined. More information will be available closer to the event date.… read moreCan I wear headphones while I run at the Great North Run?
Yes, headphones are allowed but it is asked that you please keep volume low so that you can hear your surroundings.… read moreHow can I find pictures from the Great North Run?
Photos will be available on the event website at www.greatrun.org/photos … read moreYou may also like
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Running Events in the United Kingdom
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Route description
Route description
Entering its 40th anniversary, the Great North Run will be even more spectacular than usual.
To ensure all entrants safety during these times, more information on the exact route will be available closer to the event date.
The course route has yet to be confirmed.
An Amazing event if somewhat overwhelming! According to the Results I came in 3rd in my V75 category. Was there a medal/trophy etc due which I failed to collect as I was not expecting to do that well!! ?<br />Keith Tewkesbury - Abergele Harriers
I love the friendly crowd and the big race atmosphere <br />It’s good to watch the TV coverage afterwards
4th time running GNR and this year ran for Royal Manchester Children’s Hospital. I love this event, even though there are 50k+ runners, you are made to feel you are still one special runner. Supporters are just amazing. You really do not need to carry water or snacks as they are available throughout the race. Children handing out ice pops, haribo, oranges etc! <br />The event is busy as you may expect but the overall atmosphere is incredible. Loved the showers and hosepipes especially as it was very hot. Also spray sun tan lotion available at the start - great if runners had forgot to bring! My favourite part of the race has to be the start, the famous music 🎶 played in the TV and commentator. I love the last couple of miles when you run down the hill to South Shields seafront. I definitely want to go back for my 5th time. Every runner should at least run this once.<br />
Massive race - one for the bucket list but very busy. Love it and do it every year but know about the crowds before you go.
Loved the race even more this year. Fantastic weather and even more support than ever!! The only thing that let it down this time was the lack of Red Arrows.
Great day. Great weather. Great atmosphere. Great supporters. Great experience. Great time. Great North Run.
Great event very well organised found the course a little boring but loved running over the bridge I was pleased it wasent Laps hate Laps the crowds were awesome which well and truly made up for the motorway running love the idea of the busses for the bag drop albeit challenging to walk to the start line was epic the finish area great and easy to find your bus at the end however getting back to Newcastle was a complete pain we had a 3 hour window to catch our train but we missed it due to volume of traffic
The experience was brilliant but we were found it hard to run it due to the number of walkers from quite early on.
Great great great event - the only thing that I thought was REALLY disgusting - were the number of men whipping out their dicks to take a piss alongside the event trucks at the start of the run on town moor.... as a result - we had to run through their urine puddles - I live in Australia and attended many running events - this was my first in the UK and I have never seen this disgusting behaviour before....
Amazing run so well organised with crowd support the whole way. I loved every second. Paid for membership for the next 3 years as have to do it again.
Great event, runs really smoothly considering how many people attended.</p><p>It’s certainly not just downhill
love it , will go back every year. i have done it 10 times over many years. it's always special and different every year
Excellent event, superb atmosphere really enjoyed the day. Will hopefully run it again next year!!!!!
CJ
Colin James5.0
Did the Half Marathon in 2019Hard work getting to the start, especially as I was at the back</p><p>More toilets needed</p><p>No cider left at the end
Everything the hype makes you think it will be, well organised and great crowds. Good amount of staff and buzz.
Loved it so much I’ve joined as a member to gain entry for the next 3 years! <br />A challenging course but fantastic crowds to cheers you all the way too the end.
A well organised and friendly event, which Is very well supported . Great atmosphere from start to finish
The best event ever. My 6th consecutive and I intend to keep going. Everything from A-Z is superbly organised. It’s lije a massive family. Everyone speaks to each other and helps each other along. The volunteers are amazing. One negative - not enough toilets at the start.
This is the 3 time I have run the Great North Run and I still got the same feeling of excitement on the start line as I did on my first. The Newcastle crowds are amazing and the support they give the runners is second to none!
This is the second year I have completed the Great North Run. Knowing the locations a bit more really helped with arranging meet ups before and after the race, though in reality it’s all very well signposted. The route is brilliant. That last hill up until South Shields and the roar of the crowd down the last mile is pretty much unbeatable. I did feel like the festival area afterwards was very expensive, not really a criticism of the event but just something to consider if taking family. Traffic was crazy afterwards but again, that will happen at an event of this size. Bagged a PB too, so overall very very happy 🥳
AW
Did the Half Marathon in 2019
Very well organised ,amazing atmosphere the ferry back had people handing out free water which was a nice touch .
D
DeeJayPotts5.0
Did the Half Marathon in 2019DH
Davina Harwood 5.0
Did the Half Marathon in 2019First 1/2 and magical. The crowds were amazing. So well organised for such a massive event Still buzzing from it
The most enjoyable run I have ever done. Organisation TOP CLASS, Crowds brilliant. Atmosphere Incredible.
MC
M Caldecott 5.0
Did the Half Marathon in 2019The biggest and best half marathon in the world! The spectators are so supportive and the atmosphere is AMAZING!
This is my favourite run of the year the atmosphere is the best i have completed The London Marathon this year but i think The Great North Run is a far better event from organisation all the way to the atmoshere from the great north east crowd
Very well organised especially as the Red Arrows flew over as I crossed the finish line! Great atmosphere...
Amazing race, with fantastic support from huge friendly crowds! Running over the Tyne Bridge is an amazing moment.
2018 was my first GNR & I could not believe the amazing atmosphere, as soon as I was able I put my in the ballet for 2019. Since getting place I have been looking forward to another great day. I recommend to everyone to run the GNR at least once in their lives.
Me and 2 mate from NZ ran our first Half marathon in the north east my home town and we all loved the crowd's and organization apart from the end when everyone is trying to leave it takes forever to get back
Great North Run 2018 was my third Great North Run! There is nothing quite like it- the atmosphere will surpass any expectations you have! It’s a busy course but you don’t do the GNR to get a PB: you do it to fundraise, to dress up, to challenge yourself and to have fun! It’s really well organised and communications leading up to the event are great.
I’ve taken part in the Great North Run since 2015 and I could not recommend this race enough! The atmosphere can not be matched!
I've done in total 19 GNR runs <br />5 of them as Big Pink Dress <br />I've ran in 63 races all over the country and this one is by far the best run there is <br />It's a total delight to be involved in .<br />The volunteers are so helpful and friendly, the Organisation is second to none .<br />You will also never find a better atmosphere .<br />Love this run
Run the Great North Run for 5 years now and it is by far my most favourite run! The atmosphere and the crowds are out of this world. Its the perfect run for newbies as the whole experience keeps you going to the very end. You honestly feel you are a part of something wonderful when you run it. The highlight is running over the Tyne Bridge
I've ran 2 now and I'm in this year's. It's by far the best event. Well organised. Terrific crowd and atmosphere. North is best. 😁
I’ve ran the Great North Run three times. I love this run, it’s got such an amazing atmosphere. It’s really well organised considering the enormous number of runners. Just watch out for the hills!
DM
Danielle M4.7
Did the Half Marathon in 2018I have done this run a few times now. It's my favourite ever still. I have entered every year since I first took part. The atmosphere of supporters around pretty much the whole route, including dual carriageways is amazing!! You're never on your own throughout. Can't wait for this years too.
The people of Gateshead and surrounding area make this run ,I really wouldn't complete it without them .beer at 10 mile ,oranges,sweets and folk shouting out your name ..it's simply amazing.its well organised and I bloody love it 🥰🥰🥰
The Great North Run is one of the big hitter runs and one of only a few half marathons that can capture the imagination of runners like the London Marathon can.</p><p>I was fortunate and got in on the first try (London I'm currently 15 times applying 1 success!) so from a ballot point of view positive.</p><p>Race day was amazing, the sun shone, the crowds were loud particularly up the hill heading towards the last couple of miles and the volunteers encouraged those who were finding it hard work. Having run the London Marathon I would say the friendliness and enthusiastic support on the course smashed London out of the park.</p><p>At the end is the only complaint. It's brilliant, the fan village, beer tent, luggage buses and amazing views out to see were quickly replaced with an eternal queue for Metro back to the city centre. I was cold, tired and pretty narky so the 2 hour wait felt like 6. That said you chat to a fellow runner or 2, have a drink and you'll be on the train at some point.</p><p>Back in Newcastle after the event is a sea of runners refuelling and sharing stories of their day.</p><p>Would I do it again. I am. See you in 2019.
Great event from before the start throughout the run and then the finish. Great atmosphere, well organised and fab medal and t-shirt
i did my first great north run in 2007 and the build up to it and the organisation, the atmosphere was totley brilliant and every one who comes out to support all the runners just fantastic ,this year will be my 11 one, but for anyone that is thinking of doing the great north run for the first time but is worried about the course don,t be just take your time enjoy the day and the crowed will push you around should you need any help on the way around don,t panic there is plenty of help all through the rote .
The atmosphere is absolutely amazing with spectators cheering you on all the way round. <br />Be aware that when you run downhill towards the sea at the end that there’s still a mile to go!
This has to be one of the best runs i ever did. It has everything from organisation, atmosphere, support, music and of course the people of Newcastle and South Shields. I enjoy this so much this will be my 23rd Great North Run in 2019.
The atmosphere was electric, very well organized. Not sure I would do it again though as I found it to busy and the course was a little boring once out to the city Centre 👍
A ridiculously big event with about 50,000 runners on the list. A great first half because the streets are full of cheering crowds and the support is amazing. It's point to point so you start in Newcastle and finish in South Shields, so you either need to get picked up at the end or get public transport. The route would be slightly dull if it wasn't for the crowds and it undulates a fair bit
4.950 reviews
Friendly atmosphere
Incredible crowds
Amazing medal
Rate this event
Logistics and schedule
Although general entries have sold out, charity entries are still available on the organiser's website.
Schedule:
Exact scheduling has yet to be confirmed. More information will be available closer to the event date.
How to get there
King George VI Building, Newcastle upon Tyne NE1 4LF, UK
Get directionsAddress: Claremont Rd, Newcastle upon Tyne NE2 4NL
Frequently asked questions
At what time does the Great North Run start?
Exact timings have yet to be determined. More information will be available closer to the event date.Can I wear headphones while I run at the Great North Run?
Yes, headphones are allowed but it is asked that you please keep volume low so that you can hear your surroundings.How can I find pictures from the Great North Run?
Photos will be available on the event website at www.greatrun.org/photos Where can I find my results from the Great North Run?
Results will be uploaded to the event website here: https://www.greatrun.org/results after the race.Booking related questionsDo you have a question about bookings, cancellations, or refunds?
Half Marathon
10:00am Sun 12th Sep 2021
Interested in volunteering at this event?
Organisers are always looking for an extra pair of hands and there are plenty of roles to fill!
Complete this short form and the organiser will be in touch.
By submitting, you’re accepting that we’ll pass your details onto the event organiser. We won’t pass your details onto anyone else.
Route description
Route description
Entering its 40th anniversary, the Great North Run will be even more spectacular than usual.
To ensure all entrants safety during these times, more information on the exact route will be available closer to the event date.
The course route has yet to be confirmed.
An Amazing event if somewhat overwhelming! According to the Results I came in 3rd in my V75 category. Was there a medal/trophy etc due which I failed to collect as I was not expecting to do that well!! ?<br />Keith Tewkesbury - Abergele Harriers
I love the friendly crowd and the big race atmosphere <br />It’s good to watch the TV coverage afterwards
4th time running GNR and this year ran for Royal Manchester Children’s Hospital. I love this event, even though there are 50k+ runners, you are made to feel you are still one special runner. Supporters are just amazing. You really do not need to carry water or snacks as they are available throughout the race. Children handing out ice pops, haribo, oranges etc! <br />The event is busy as you may expect but the overall atmosphere is incredible. Loved the showers and hosepipes especially as it was very hot. Also spray sun tan lotion available at the start - great if runners had forgot to bring! My favourite part of the race has to be the start, the famous music 🎶 played in the TV and commentator. I love the last couple of miles when you run down the hill to South Shields seafront. I definitely want to go back for my 5th time. Every runner should at least run this once.<br />
Massive race - one for the bucket list but very busy. Love it and do it every year but know about the crowds before you go.
Loved the race even more this year. Fantastic weather and even more support than ever!! The only thing that let it down this time was the lack of Red Arrows.
Great day. Great weather. Great atmosphere. Great supporters. Great experience. Great time. Great North Run.
Great event very well organised found the course a little boring but loved running over the bridge I was pleased it wasent Laps hate Laps the crowds were awesome which well and truly made up for the motorway running love the idea of the busses for the bag drop albeit challenging to walk to the start line was epic the finish area great and easy to find your bus at the end however getting back to Newcastle was a complete pain we had a 3 hour window to catch our train but we missed it due to volume of traffic
The experience was brilliant but we were found it hard to run it due to the number of walkers from quite early on.
Great great great event - the only thing that I thought was REALLY disgusting - were the number of men whipping out their dicks to take a piss alongside the event trucks at the start of the run on town moor.... as a result - we had to run through their urine puddles - I live in Australia and attended many running events - this was my first in the UK and I have never seen this disgusting behaviour before....
Amazing run so well organised with crowd support the whole way. I loved every second. Paid for membership for the next 3 years as have to do it again.
Great event, runs really smoothly considering how many people attended.</p><p>It’s certainly not just downhill
love it , will go back every year. i have done it 10 times over many years. it's always special and different every year
Excellent event, superb atmosphere really enjoyed the day. Will hopefully run it again next year!!!!!
CJ
Colin James5.0
Did the Half Marathon in 2019Hard work getting to the start, especially as I was at the back</p><p>More toilets needed</p><p>No cider left at the end
Everything the hype makes you think it will be, well organised and great crowds. Good amount of staff and buzz.
Loved it so much I’ve joined as a member to gain entry for the next 3 years! <br />A challenging course but fantastic crowds to cheers you all the way too the end.
A well organised and friendly event, which Is very well supported . Great atmosphere from start to finish
The best event ever. My 6th consecutive and I intend to keep going. Everything from A-Z is superbly organised. It’s lije a massive family. Everyone speaks to each other and helps each other along. The volunteers are amazing. One negative - not enough toilets at the start.
This is the 3 time I have run the Great North Run and I still got the same feeling of excitement on the start line as I did on my first. The Newcastle crowds are amazing and the support they give the runners is second to none!
This is the second year I have completed the Great North Run. Knowing the locations a bit more really helped with arranging meet ups before and after the race, though in reality it’s all very well signposted. The route is brilliant. That last hill up until South Shields and the roar of the crowd down the last mile is pretty much unbeatable. I did feel like the festival area afterwards was very expensive, not really a criticism of the event but just something to consider if taking family. Traffic was crazy afterwards but again, that will happen at an event of this size. Bagged a PB too, so overall very very happy 🥳
AW
Did the Half Marathon in 2019
Very well organised ,amazing atmosphere the ferry back had people handing out free water which was a nice touch .
D
DeeJayPotts5.0
Did the Half Marathon in 2019DH
Davina Harwood 5.0
Did the Half Marathon in 2019First 1/2 and magical. The crowds were amazing. So well organised for such a massive event Still buzzing from it
The most enjoyable run I have ever done. Organisation TOP CLASS, Crowds brilliant. Atmosphere Incredible.
MC
M Caldecott 5.0
Did the Half Marathon in 2019The biggest and best half marathon in the world! The spectators are so supportive and the atmosphere is AMAZING!
This is my favourite run of the year the atmosphere is the best i have completed The London Marathon this year but i think The Great North Run is a far better event from organisation all the way to the atmoshere from the great north east crowd
Very well organised especially as the Red Arrows flew over as I crossed the finish line! Great atmosphere...
Amazing race, with fantastic support from huge friendly crowds! Running over the Tyne Bridge is an amazing moment.
2018 was my first GNR & I could not believe the amazing atmosphere, as soon as I was able I put my in the ballet for 2019. Since getting place I have been looking forward to another great day. I recommend to everyone to run the GNR at least once in their lives.
Me and 2 mate from NZ ran our first Half marathon in the north east my home town and we all loved the crowd's and organization apart from the end when everyone is trying to leave it takes forever to get back
Great North Run 2018 was my third Great North Run! There is nothing quite like it- the atmosphere will surpass any expectations you have! It’s a busy course but you don’t do the GNR to get a PB: you do it to fundraise, to dress up, to challenge yourself and to have fun! It’s really well organised and communications leading up to the event are great.
I’ve taken part in the Great North Run since 2015 and I could not recommend this race enough! The atmosphere can not be matched!
I've done in total 19 GNR runs <br />5 of them as Big Pink Dress <br />I've ran in 63 races all over the country and this one is by far the best run there is <br />It's a total delight to be involved in .<br />The volunteers are so helpful and friendly, the Organisation is second to none .<br />You will also never find a better atmosphere .<br />Love this run
Run the Great North Run for 5 years now and it is by far my most favourite run! The atmosphere and the crowds are out of this world. Its the perfect run for newbies as the whole experience keeps you going to the very end. You honestly feel you are a part of something wonderful when you run it. The highlight is running over the Tyne Bridge
I've ran 2 now and I'm in this year's. It's by far the best event. Well organised. Terrific crowd and atmosphere. North is best. 😁
I’ve ran the Great North Run three times. I love this run, it’s got such an amazing atmosphere. It’s really well organised considering the enormous number of runners. Just watch out for the hills!
DM
Danielle M4.7
Did the Half Marathon in 2018I have done this run a few times now. It's my favourite ever still. I have entered every year since I first took part. The atmosphere of supporters around pretty much the whole route, including dual carriageways is amazing!! You're never on your own throughout. Can't wait for this years too.
The people of Gateshead and surrounding area make this run ,I really wouldn't complete it without them .beer at 10 mile ,oranges,sweets and folk shouting out your name ..it's simply amazing.its well organised and I bloody love it 🥰🥰🥰
The Great North Run is one of the big hitter runs and one of only a few half marathons that can capture the imagination of runners like the London Marathon can.</p><p>I was fortunate and got in on the first try (London I'm currently 15 times applying 1 success!) so from a ballot point of view positive.</p><p>Race day was amazing, the sun shone, the crowds were loud particularly up the hill heading towards the last couple of miles and the volunteers encouraged those who were finding it hard work. Having run the London Marathon I would say the friendliness and enthusiastic support on the course smashed London out of the park.</p><p>At the end is the only complaint. It's brilliant, the fan village, beer tent, luggage buses and amazing views out to see were quickly replaced with an eternal queue for Metro back to the city centre. I was cold, tired and pretty narky so the 2 hour wait felt like 6. That said you chat to a fellow runner or 2, have a drink and you'll be on the train at some point.</p><p>Back in Newcastle after the event is a sea of runners refuelling and sharing stories of their day.</p><p>Would I do it again. I am. See you in 2019.
Great event from before the start throughout the run and then the finish. Great atmosphere, well organised and fab medal and t-shirt
i did my first great north run in 2007 and the build up to it and the organisation, the atmosphere was totley brilliant and every one who comes out to support all the runners just fantastic ,this year will be my 11 one, but for anyone that is thinking of doing the great north run for the first time but is worried about the course don,t be just take your time enjoy the day and the crowed will push you around should you need any help on the way around don,t panic there is plenty of help all through the rote .
The atmosphere is absolutely amazing with spectators cheering you on all the way round. <br />Be aware that when you run downhill towards the sea at the end that there’s still a mile to go!
This has to be one of the best runs i ever did. It has everything from organisation, atmosphere, support, music and of course the people of Newcastle and South Shields. I enjoy this so much this will be my 23rd Great North Run in 2019.
The atmosphere was electric, very well organized. Not sure I would do it again though as I found it to busy and the course was a little boring once out to the city Centre 👍
A ridiculously big event with about 50,000 runners on the list. A great first half because the streets are full of cheering crowds and the support is amazing. It's point to point so you start in Newcastle and finish in South Shields, so you either need to get picked up at the end or get public transport. The route would be slightly dull if it wasn't for the crowds and it undulates a fair bit
4.950 reviews
Friendly atmosphere
Incredible crowds
Amazing medal
Rate this event
Logistics and schedule
Although general entries have sold out, charity entries are still available on the organiser's website.
Schedule:
Exact scheduling has yet to be confirmed. More information will be available closer to the event date.
How to get there
King George VI Building, Newcastle upon Tyne NE1 4LF, UK
Get directionsAddress: Claremont Rd, Newcastle upon Tyne NE2 4NL
Frequently asked questions
At what time does the Great North Run start?
Exact timings have yet to be determined. More information will be available closer to the event date.Can I wear headphones while I run at the Great North Run?
Yes, headphones are allowed but it is asked that you please keep volume low so that you can hear your surroundings.How can I find pictures from the Great North Run?
Photos will be available on the event website at www.greatrun.org/photos Where can I find my results from the Great North Run?
Results will be uploaded to the event website here: https://www.greatrun.org/results after the race.Booking related questionsDo you have a question about bookings, cancellations, or refunds?
Half Marathon
10:00am Sun 12th Sep 2021
Interested in volunteering at this event?
Organisers are always looking for an extra pair of hands and there are plenty of roles to fill!
Complete this short form and the organiser will be in touch.
By submitting, you’re accepting that we’ll pass your details onto the event organiser. We won’t pass your details onto anyone else.