The Great North Run Ballot Is Now Open

The ballot for the 2022 Great North Run opened at 10AM today, Monday, 10 January. The UK’s favourite half marathon is gearing up for its long-awaited return to its historic city to sea course in September.

Runners keen to take part are encouraged to sign up to the ballot, which will be drawn at random in February. The event will be returning to its iconic route after two years of pandemic related changes and organisers have reported record interest, with over 15,000 people registered by 1PM, making it the biggest ever first day of the ballot.

Sir Brendan Foster, founder of the Great North Run said,” We can’t wait to return to our traditional finish line home of South Shields in September. The event is synonymous with its incredible costal finish and the unbeatable support from the communities along the course, including in South Tyneside.

“We’re looking forward to celebrating tens of thousands of incredible runners, achieving personal goals, raising much needed funds for good causes and demonstrating everything that’s great about our region, as they cross the finish line in South Shields once again.”

Cllr Tracey Dixon, Leader of South Tyneside Council said: “Hosting the finish line again will be a huge, much-needed boost for our communities and local businesses. The Great North Run is a real inspirational, feel-good event which is what is needed to help lift spirits and get our great region back on track after a very difficult and challenging period

“South Shields is the historic home of the Great North Run finishing line – It is such a special event, much-loved by not only the people of South Tyneside but the hundreds of thousands of participants and spectators from all over the UK and beyond. It normally marks the end of a summer of packed entertainment across South Tyneside and has grown to become one of the most recognisable sporting events in the world, worth millions to the North East economy, not to mention the tremendous amount of money it raises for so many fantastic causes.

“I know that our residents and businesses will be thrilled to welcome runners and spectators back in 2022. We are always extremely proud to host the spectacular finish of the Great North Run that show off our magnificent coastline and wonderful people.”

Sir Brendan and Cllr Dixon were joined at the ballot’s official launch at Coleman’s Seafood Temple in South Shields today by local MP Emma Lewell Buck, who also took the opportunity to announce her plans to run in September, and inspiring local runners William Burrell and Craig Huddart.
Ms Lewell Buck said, “I am so happy to see the Great North Run’s finish line back in gorgeous South Shields and honoured to be at this launch with William and Craig.

“This is a very special day for our community and local businesses. For my constituents and me it is always an emotional day filled with pride in our town and its people. It has been a long time since I took part in the Run, so I need to get my trainers on asap. If you see me about please give me a shout or better still join me for a jog!”

58-year-old William, from South Shields, is taking on the event this year, 30 years after his first Great North Run. In that time, he has lost his sight and will be completing the half marathon challenge alongside a guide runner for the first time.

Craig, 38, who was born and brought up in the town but now lives in County Durham is taking on the Great North Run this year as part of a mammoth fundraising challenge. He is running every single day of 2022, aiming to reach 81KM a week, including a Half Marathon every Sunday. He’s raising funds and awareness for the Alan Shearer Foundation and the North East Autism society and his three Autistic sons.

The ballot for the 2022 Great North Run is now open and will close at 9am on Monday 21 February. To enter click here.