It’s the world’s biggest and best half marathon and a North East institution – but if you’ve never taken part in the Great North Run, what can you expect when you line up on that start line?
On your marks, get set, let’s find out!
An unbeatable start-line atmosphere
The Great North Run brings a new meaning to the phrase ‘running together’. And when 60,000 entrants gather on our 1-mile-long start line to stretch out, with Great North Run Anthem Local Hero blasting over the four giant speakers and screens, it’s hard to beat the hype. Plus, speakers are distanced from front to back to ensure everyone, starting straight away or later, gets that once in a lifetime experience.
Top tip: Arrive hydrated and wearing something warm you don’t mind discarding to be recycled by BHF. Bring a sunhat and SPF depending on the weather to guarantee a pleasant start line experience.
Oggy-oggy-oggy!
Oi oi oi! It’s *the* chant of the Great North Run. Need we say more? These iconic chants can be heard through every tunnel and under every bridge from start to finish. We actively encourage taking part – it’s a rite of passage which will give you goosebumps.
Celeb spotting
Every year, the Great North Run attracts big names in the sporting and celebrity world. From world-class athletes, to soap and reality TV celebs and Members of Parliament, plenty of famous folk have signed up to take on the 13.1 mile route – so who will you spot?
Iconic views
When runners rave about their Great North Run experience, the same sights come up again and again: from the iconic Tyne Bridge, and of course, that first glimpse of the sea at South Shields – once you see the sea, you know just one mile left to go!
Crazy costumes
We love (in fact, we actively encourage) our runners to dress to impress. From astonishing feats of endurance – heavy fire-fighting costumes or diving suits – to the downright silly – superheroes and The Simpsons – you’re guaranteed to see some outrageous outfits.
Top tip: Whatever you’re wearing, make sure you’ve got comfortable, tried and tested trainers on your feet. Don’t wear new trainers on race day – ideally, you should have been wearing them in for a month or so. Remember to check the forecast and consider alterations to your outfit to better suit the conditions if it’s going to be a warm day.
A warm Geordie welcome
Geordies are famous for their friendliness and sense of humour, and you’ll experience plenty of both with over 200,000 spectators watching and cheering you across the route. From funny placards and motivational signs (“Don’t stop running – people are watching”), to dishing out orange segments and Jelly Babies. Great North Run supporters have hearts of gold and will cheer you along the way using our free app to track you to the finish line.
Charity cheer
The Great North Run raises millions of pounds for good causes every year and we are so proud that our annual charity fundraising estimate is over £25 million. Look out for the charity cheer squads along the way – their support will keep your spirits high all the way to the end whether you’re running for a worthy cause or not!
Top tip: Those who start fundraising early and share their training online tend to raise more money for charity. Set up an online fundraising page with our partner Enthuse and get ahead in the fundraising stakes.
Stellar On-Course Entertainment
Great North Run really brings the party. Think epic bands, rock choirs, DJ trucks, drag queens and over 50 pacers blasting out beats the whole way – anything to give runners an extra boost just when they need it. It’s not just a run – it’s a celebration of running.
Top tip: Check out the course map in advance of the race so you know what entertainment is coming up – and when to expect drinks stations and medical support in case you need it. Be sure to follow our pacemakers to pace your run to perfection and reach your best time. Remember, knowledge is power!
An unforgettable finish line feeling
After your final mile along the coast, you’ll cross the finish line and experience an unforgettable finish line feeling. Collect your medal placed around your neck by our brilliant volunteers, goody bag, ring that AJ Bell and pose in front of the photo wall – you’ve earned it. Don’t forget to wave to the cameras, you might just be captured on the TV.
An after party like no other
The party isn’t over just because you’ve finished running. Head into the Charity Village and Aprés Zone for more fun and photo opportunities at the GNR Hollywood sign- plus a drink from our infamous beer tent, a bite to eat and an opportunity to relax with family and friends while enjoying more live music and entertainment. It’s time to own those bragging rights!
Top tip: Try to have a drink as quickly as possible after you’ve finished, and to eat something starchy within two hours of reaching the end of the race. Wrap yourself in the tinfoil sheet in your finisher pack, or add a layer of warm clothing.
The Great North Run concludes a weekend of running action, with the AJ Bell Great North 5k on Friday, and the AJ Bell Junior & Mini Great North Run on Newcastle Quayside on Saturday.
If you missed out on a place this year, sign up to hear about ballot news and updates here.
