The Great North Run takes place annually in September and is currently celebrating its 42nd year in 2023. You can find all information on the Great North Run and answers to the most frequent questions about the Great North Run in our FAQ section below. You can also visit greatrun.org/FAQs for further information and contact details.
The Great North Run is one of the largest sporting events in the UK and one of the biggest races in the world. Taking place annually since its inception in 1981, the race is a half-marathon which starts in the centre of Newcastle Upon Tyne and moves through the neighbouring borough of Gateshead towards South Tyneside. The finish line is located in South Shields on the North East Coast.
In 2023 the run will be the famous city to coast route. Runners will start in Newcastle and finish in South Shields.
Great North Run 2023 will take place on Sunday 10th September 2023.
Specific start times will be allocated to participants to ensure a staggered start to the race. The final participants will set off some time after the first wave of runners. The event officially opens at 8am with mass warm ups at 10:30am. Runners are to arrive at the Great North Run via the Queen Victoria Rd/Claremont Road roundabout in Newcastle City Centre. Runners should be in the assembly area by 10:45am at the latest. Any runners who arrive after the sweep vehicle has left at 12:30pm will not be allowed to participate.
So that the race can run smoothly, there will be staggered start times in relation to the colour of your number. In order to not overcrowd, there are different places that each number are to meet. They are the following:
Your wave colour and start time is detailed on your run number. Run numbers will be sent out approximately 2 weeks before the event. Once your run number has arrived through the post you have everything you need for event day and you don’t need to visit the information point to register on the day. Simply attach your run number (which has your timing chip attached) to the front of your running top with safety pins and you’re all set!
If your run number hasn’t arrived through the post or you have misplaced it, please visit the information point at The Guildhall at the bottom of Sandhill (Newcastle Quayside) on Saturday 9th to collect a replacement.
The Great North Run is a half-marathon at 13.1 miles (21.08241 km).
Yes. By downloading the Great Run app you can keep track of on the go event day information and live tracking for your family and friends. You can even find the fun selfie filters there, say cheese! Download it here.
Yes! The famous air show over the run will be taking place this year. 11:00am will be the exact time of the Red Arrow flypast over the Tyne Bridge. If you miss them in town, don't worry at 13:45, there will be a full Red Arrow display at the finish in South Shields.
The Great North Run begins on the A167 road just outside Newcastle City Centre. The route then follows through the centre of Newcastle Upon Tyne with runners crossing the Tyne Bridge on the Quayside and into Gateshead.
The Great North Run will end in South Shields.
The BBC will televise the Great North Run coverage on the Sunday of the main event from 10.00AM until 2.00 PM. Highlights are covered later in the day as well as general coverage appearing across a number of local news channels.
Yes, the fun doesn’t stop after you’ve crossed the finish line! Continue the high-energy celebration and embrace the post-run high by stepping into the Après Run Zone. You’re invited to relax, rewind, recharge and revel. Heart Radio DJ truck will be providing club classic anthems, lots of seating areas and picnic tables, various food suppliers and a Finisher’s Marquee with Wylam Brewery Bar and live bands.
There will be several road closures the day before The Great North Run and during the event including A167 Central Motorway where the run starts as well as the Tyne Bridge. Take a look at the full list here.
If you have any queries to do with your entry in the Great North Run, you want to withdraw your place or need more specific information about taking part in the Great North Run - visit the Great North Run's FAQ page or please contact Great North Run directly.
If you have provided the incorrect address or made a mistake with the details on your application form, we advise contacting the Great Run Company directly to amend these. Forward your query to info@greatrun.org with your requested amendments at least six to ten weeks before the event to ensure that your Great North Run Race Entry Pack is sent to the right place.
The Great North Run Race Entry Packs are sent to successful candidates up to four weeks before the event takes place. Contact info@greatrun.org if you have any queries or you're missing your entry pack.
Your start time and wave allocation will be based on the estimated running time stated on your entry form and will be reflected by a colour system. Information will be sent through with your Great North Run Race Entry Pack to tell you which zone and wave you will be part of and where the assembly points are on the day.
You can travel to the North East by air, bus, car, or train using our excellent connecting transport services. Direct rail services run to Newcastle Central Station via LNER ( London North Eastern Railway), Northern Rail, TransPennine Express and Grand Central Trains. Megabus or tour bus services also run to several central points within Newcastle and Gateshead town centres and can be booked online.
If arriving by air, you can travel to Newcastle International Airport from most domestic and international destinations. The airport is located around 8 miles from the city centre and is connected directly to Newcastle City Centre and Gateshead via the Metro Train System. Trains run regularly with a journey time of 20-30 minutes. Car parking, car hire and taxis can be booked from within the airport or prior to arrival.
Find out more about travelling and Plan Your Visit.
In previous years, train companies like LNER have scheduled additional trains to support participants and their families. We will update with more information nearer the time.
There are great public transport links with both Newcastle city centre and near the finishing line and Town Moor Finishers Village including nearby metro stations at Regents Centre, South Gosforth, Ilford Road, West Jesmond and Jesmond as well as Haymarket in Newcastle.
When travelling to the event we suggest making use of the public transport options available on the day.
Do leave plenty of time to get to the start line as there will be a number of road closures in place for
the weekend.
Great North Run Rover Tickets can be used on:
| Buying tickets in advance | Price | Buy from |
|---|---|---|
| Great North Run Day Rover ticket | £6.00 | Metro station ticket machines from 10 August |
| Buying tickets on the day | Price | Buy from |
|---|---|---|
| Great North Run Day Rover ticket | £6.00 | Metro station ticket machines or on buses |
And in addition , all operators will be accepting each other's single, return and day tickets for journeys from South Shields, making it simpler for you to hop on the first bus, Metro (or Shields Ferry) that comes.
Children
Take the kids for free: up to three kids aged 11 and under can travel for free on Metro and the Shields Ferry, all day, every day when accompanied by a fare-paying adult. Find out more about take the kids for free here
Children with an Under 16 Pop card should buy a Child All-day Ticket (CAT) for £1.10. For other child tickets, see the ticket finder.
For information about public transport throughout Tyne and Wear see live travel news here.
On the day of the run, you will be required to go to the starting point and assembly area located on the A167 no later than 10.45AM in order to reach your starting zone in time. Details of your starting point including which zone you will be in and your wave start time will be provided in your Great North Run Runners Pack. You will also need to bring your Great North Run tracker which can be applied to your shoe laces in order to accurately track your running time. It is advisable to arrive early to avoid traffic that might occur due to road closures and to fully prepare for your run as well as enjoying the atmosphere at the starting line.
Will there be Medical and Facility points along the route?
The Great North Run route is fully equipped with points for restroom breaks as well as Medical points just in case there are any minor accidents or injuries during the event. This also includes Runners Welfare Pick Up Points. You can find toilets for both men and women located at the Starting Line, the Finish Line and at six more points along the course around the Two, Four, Six, Eight, Ten and Twelve Mile Markers. There will also be Drinks Stations to collect or top up water bottles to stay hydrated during the race.
What happens when I finish the race?
Once you have reached the finish line, you will be required to hand in your Great North Run tracker so that your race time can be logged accurately. You will also be provided with a Great North Run Finishing Pack. This should include a Great North Run Medal, t-shirt, a drink and a space blanket to keep warm. The packs are sorted by size (S, M, L) so you will need to take the size asked for on your entry form. From here you can meet any friends or family.
How do I check my results and finishing time?
The chip you were provided with in your Runner’s Pack should have successfully and accurately logged your pace and finishing time. These will later be published on the Great Run Website: https://www.greatrun.org/results
You can find your Great North Run stats online by selecting the drop down menu for the Great North Run 2023, and enter your race number or surname. If you have problems locating your results, please contact the Great Run Company directly.
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