The SimplyHealth Great North Run 2020 - Half Marathon in Newcastle upon Tyne, UK

Review summary

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Helen P

"Amazing run so well organised with crowd support the whole way. I loved every..."

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Sharon B

"4th time running GNR and this year ran for Royal Manchester Children’s..."

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Keith T

"An Amazing event if somewhat overwhelming! According to the Results I came in..."

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Event Details

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

Raceday Logistics

Schedule:

07:30 Information point opens

08:00 Baggage Buses open

09:00 Event and Charity Villages open at finish

09:15 Start Assemble area opens

10:05 Baggage Buses depart for finish

10:10 Elite Wheelchair start

10:15 Elite Women start

10:15 Mass Warmup

10:30 Assembly area closes

10:40 Elite men and mass start

Please arrive well in advance of your start time in order to drop your bag and enter the assembly area.

Spectators

This is a superb event for spectators. Thousands line the streets in order to cheer on the runners.

Frequently Asked Questions

At what time does the Great North Run start?

The Great North Run starts at 10:40am on Sunday 8th September for Elite Men and most competitors. Elite Wheelchair racers start at 10:10am, and Elite Women at 10:15am, with a warm-up for the masses also at 10:15am. The assembly area will be open from 9:15-10:30am

What roads will be closed during the Great North Run?

Road Closures will be in place during the Great North Run on Sunday 8th September and in the build-up the day before. Shuttle buses and public transport are in place to help spectators. In Newcastle, the A167 Central motorway will be closed from Saturday evening, while other roads only close on Sunday morning.The route continues past the Gateshead International Stadium, in South Tyneside and South Shields, so there will be no access to the A184, A194, A1300, and A183.

How do I enter the Great North Run?

Registration for the Great North Run is carried out via a general ballot in January. If you missed out on a place in the ballot, you can enter through a charity.

The SimplyHealth Great North Run weather forecast

Possible drizzle and windy overnight.

16°C

Predicted highs

10°C

Predicted lows

Moderate breeze possible, up to 13mph

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The SimplyHealth Great North Run reviews (50)

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Keith T
Did the Half Marathon in 2019
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!! ?
Keith Tewkesbury - Abergele Harriers
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Marc R 4 reviews
Did the Half Marathon in 2019
I love the friendly crowd and the big race atmosphere
It’s good to watch the TV coverage afterwards
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Sharon B 5 reviews
Did the Half Marathon in 2019
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!
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.
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Rebecca S 2 reviews
Did the Half Marathon in 2019
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.
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Christina B 2 reviews
Did the Half Marathon in 2019
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.
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Simon M 2 reviews
Did the Half Marathon in 2019
Great day. Great weather. Great atmosphere. Great supporters. Great experience. Great time. Great North Run.
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Paula B 3 reviews
Did the Half Marathon in 2019
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
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Gweneth H 1 review
Did the Half Marathon in 2019
The experience was brilliant but we were found it hard to run it due to the number of walkers from quite early on.
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Frankie M 2 reviews
Did the Half Marathon in 2019
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....
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Helen P 6 reviews
Did the Half Marathon in 2019
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.
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