The Great North Run requires no introduction – but, just in case, here’s a quick explainer.
The Great North Run is the world’s biggest and best half marathon, attracting 60,000 runners each year to its iconic 13.1 mile route. And once you’ve experienced that Great North Run magic, it’s impossible to forget it.
You’ll experience a warm North East welcome with every mile, as well as much-loved local landmarks like the Tyne Bridge and Gateshead Stadium. Then at mile 12 you’ll get your first glimpse of the North Sea and make your final sprint along the seafront. Your bragging rights await!
These are just the headlines, though – really getting to know your route is the secret to making it to the finish line. So read on to find out what to expect from the Great North Run route – and crucially, how to apply this info to your training.
Great North Run – get route ready
Start super-simple and take a close look at the Great North Run route map – plus there’s a handy Strava embed if you use the app.
You’ll see the mile markers, along with all your other need-to-knows – toilets, drinks stations, and an elevation profile. There’s also a flyover video of last year’s Great North Run route here, to really bring those 13.1 miles to life.
Remember: knowledge is power, so here’s what to expect:
- The run starts on the central motorway in Newcastle’s city centre, close to the university. You’ll dip through road tunnels (get ready for the “Oggy Oggy Oggy!” chants) and out onto the Tyne Bridge. Once you’ve crossed, you’re in Gateshead, heading on the A184 towards Heworth and beyond.
- Miles 3 (Gateshead International Stadium) to 8 (Tyne Tunnel turn-off) take runners from the A184 to the A194 – all pretty straightforward road running with no tight turns. Expect an incline between miles 3 and 5 and a bit of welcome downhill between miles 5 and 8.
- Miles 8-12 are more uphill, and for many, this will be the toughest part of the route. Yes, you’ll be tired, but never fear: the crowds will be out in force to cheer you on (and feed you Jelly Babies).
- The final stretch involves a swift, sharp downhill to the sea and then a flat-ish final mile for the home stretch. Make sure to soak up your moment of glory – you deserve it. And your long-awaited medal will be waiting at the finish line, ready for you to show-off.
- A general note: If you’re a first-time GNR runner, you can expect to be surrounded by other runners every step of the way, plus cheering crowds, plus there’s a whole host of entertainment along the route. The atmosphere is absolutely electric and unforgettable, but it’s also – to state what might sound like the obvious – pretty noisy. Be prepared – or perhaps bring your headphones if you like to lose yourself in your own soundtrack.
Route need-to-knows and training tips
- Road runners unite. The Great North Run is, at its heart, a classic road run, with plenty of solid, straight-ish stretches. Make sure this kind of running forms the basis of your training schedule to help you feel more confident on the big day.
- Ups and downs. Inclines feature between miles 3 and 5 and again between miles 8 to 12, so be ready for them. Hill training and interval strength training should help, as well as making sure you’re getting your weekly long runs in to raise your stamina levels.
- Know your markers. Miles 1-3 are the most scenic part of the route, so once you’ve crossed the Tyne Bridge, taken in those epic river views and passed Gateshead Stadium, it’s time to focus on the road ahead. And many first time runners talk about that magical first glimpse of the sea at mile 12, but don’t give up just yet – you’ve still got a mile and a bit to go!
Other hints and hacks:
- Billy No-Running-Mates? No problem. If you’re North-East based, there’s a whole range of running clubs to choose from. Many runners find that running with others is great preparation for a big event with thousands of entrants like the Great North Run.
- Training in city and town centres is great preparation for an urban road race like the Great North Run, but make sure you stay safe and run respectfully. Our top tips include dressing for visibility, facing the traffic and being courteous to other road and footpath users.
Find out more about the Great North Run here. Happy training!
