How do we love thee, Great North 5k? Let us count the ways. We love that you’re packed with phenomenal local support and top-level entertainment. We love your Friday feeling and your electric atmosphere. And we really, really love your vibrant Quayside finish line – perfect for partying afterwards.
But most of all, we love your fast, flat route – the kind of route that dishes out PBs and builds first-time runner confidence. So, if you’re wondering whether the AJ Bell Great North 5k is for you – newbie, or not, let us answer your question: yes, it absolutely is.
But don’t head out training just yet – read on to find out where the Great North 5k will take you – and how to use that knowledge to guarantee the run of your life.
Ready, set, let’s go.
Great North 5k – get route ready
First things first – check out the route map on the Great North 5k page (and download it so it’s even clearer) to ensure you are feeling confident on the day.
Let’s take a look at what you can expect:
● The Great North 5k route starts and finishes on Newcastle’s Quayside opposite the The Glasshouse International Centre for Music (formerly known as the Sage). Runners will head past the Tyne Bridge along Sandhill, then loop back and across the Swing Bridge to the Gateshead side of the Tyne.
● Keep going in the same direction along Pipewellgate, past the Queen Elizabeth II bridge and the Redheugh Bridge, at which point you’ll turn around and head back along the Gateshead side of the river.
● At the Millennium Bridge, runners cross back to the Newcastle side. You’ll hit the 4km mark as you run along the Quayside, then loop back to finish where you began on the Quayside. That unforgettable finish line feeling awaits, along with your shiny new medal.
Route need-to-knows and training tips:
● Flat and fast. Expect rises and dips here and there, but nothing major – 2km to 3km is a slight uphill, but 3km to 4km is definitely downhill and the final Quayside stretch is as flat as they come. Looking for a PB? Build hills and strength exercises into your training programme and you’ll reap the benefits on race day.
● Run-ready feet. Whatever you wear on your top half, take good care of your feet with a comfortable and supportive pair of running shoes. Our guide to running shoes is indispensable – and might save you a few blisters.
● Stay motivated. Join the Great North Run Strava Group for some motivation (and to build the hype – after all, the Great North 5k *is* the curtain-raiser event for the North East’s biggest weekend of sport). And while you’re spreading the kudos, don’t forget to share your training with us on Facebook, X, Instagram and TikTok – we’d love to cheer you on.
Ready to sign up? Guarantee your place in the Great North 5k.
