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The Great North Run
- Sapphire Running Team
- Jul 20, 2025
- 5 min read
Updated: Aug 6, 2025
The Great North Run is the UK's biggest. Read our guide and find out what it's like to run with 60,000 others
Despite the growth of half marathons across the UK over the past 20 years, the Great North Run remains the half that everyone wants to do. Every September tens of thousands of runners head to Newcastle to join a quality elite field that starts in the City and heads to the coast at South Shields.
Newcastle
In late September every year Newcastle, in northeast England becomes the hub of the UK running scene. The Great North Run, one of the biggest half marathons in the world, takes over the city and welcomes runners from far and wide.
Newcastle, or Newcastle-Upon-Tyne, to give it its full name, has undergone several transformations since it began life as a Roman fort on Hadrian's Wall in 122AD. During the industrial revolution, heavy industry flourished here and its location made it an ideal base for building the ships and stream trains that drove this period of British history. This industrial expansion led to huge population growth, to over a quarter of a million by 1911 and the honour of city status in 1882. In contrast to the success of the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries, it saw a steady decline in heavy industry in the interwar period of the early twentieth century and unemployment grew steadily. The last remaining colliery in Newcastle closed in 1956 and the region’s ailing shipyards between 1970-1990 suffered a similar fate.
However, over the past fifty years heavy industry has given way to a rise in the public and retail sectors and mass regeneration. Newcastle has transformed itself into a cultural landmark and is now renowned for being the business and social hub of the North East. In contrast to its industrial heritage, the city is also known for its environmental awareness and is even planning to become the first Carbon Neutral town in the UK.
The history of the Great North Run
The first ever race was in June 1981 when over 12,000 took to the streets. Based on New Zealand's 'Round the Bays' mass run in Auckland, it has grown significantly over the years and for many runners from both the UK and overseas, it is a must do event.
Race organiser
The Great Run Company
When is the Great North Run?
Held annually in September.
Distances
Half Marathon only
Is there an expo?
There isn't an expo for this event. There have been some over the years, but now it's a case of receiving your race pack in the post. This does make race week logistics much easier, but does also impact on the build up process. There is something to get your blood pumping going to a big expo a day or two before a race. It's not unusual though for a half; it's mainly the marathons that have big expos.
How many runners?
60,000
The course
The Great North Run starts just outside the city centre and finishes 13.1 miles away on the coast at South Shields, so it's a point to point course, which gives the visiting runner the usual difficult choice of choosing accommodation near the start or the finish. If you're visiting for a few days it's best to stay in the city as there is lots to do and see there and less so in the South Tyneside area, where South Shields is located. Accommodation is likely to be more expensive in the city though and as usual book as soon as you get an entry, as there aren't limitless options and prices go up quickly. One of the challenges with this event over the years has been the two night minimum stay many of the hotels have implemented. Lots of runners will stay a few miles out of the city where this is less of an issue.
Your race day start time will be determined by the time you stated on your original entry. There are a number of different wave start times, all designed to ensure a steady flow of runners over the start and finish lines.
The event starts just outside Newcastle and heads into the city centre, then over the iconic Tyne Bridge, onto the Quayside and into Gateshead. Enjoy every second of the Bridge. It's one of the highlights of any run around the world and especially as a few minutes after the start the famous Red Arrows aerobatic display team fly overhead. It's a special moment and although they've been missing for the last few years due to Covid and the death of the Queen they are now back.
Gateshead has undergone a significant transformation in recent year and there's a lot to see here as you head east. On the south bank of the River Tyne it's a town with a trendy, artisan edge. You'll see the famous BALTIC Centre for Contemporary Art and the Sage Gateshead, the impressive, curved-roof music venue which can be seen from the Tyne Bridge. You'll need to come back and explore these further after the race, if you haven't already. The area is full of cool eating and drinking options for a potential race evening celebration.
Just before mile 3 you head past the Gateshead International Stadium, where many famous athletics events have been held over the years and five world records set, including one for the 100m. From here things do change. Crowd support is light and there isn't a huge amount to see. You'll continue a number of main arterials roads until you head towards the finish at
South Shields and then things change again, in a really good way. You'll be welcomed by the view of the sea in one of the most scenic and enjoyable parts of the whole course. With just over a mile to go on Prince Edward road, the noise levels are significant and you'll find a real spring in your step as you see and then cross the huge finish line.
You should really soak in this finish area, especially if the weather's good. There are masses of people and plenty to see and do. Spend some time looking around South Shields and its beaches after you've grabbed your medal and goody bag. One of the reasons to enjoy your time here is that getting back to Newcastle is not easy and definitely not quick. If you try to head straight back it will take you much longer than you think, so you're best off soaking up the atmosphere here and heading back to the City later when things have calmed down.
What's unique?
Running over that bridge!
Do charities benefit?
There is an extensive charity programme in this event, with a huge number of UK charities having bibs available to runners in exchange for a pre agreed level of fundraising. Runners who already have their own bib are also encouraged to support charities.
The event has raised over £25 million ($30 million) for charity to date.
Our verdict
The Great North Run is definitely one of the races around the globe that you need to do at least once. Runners raise a lot for charity, it's in a fascinating part of the world and you'll be following in some famous footsteps.
How to register
Getting an entry in the first instance can be difficult. There is a lottery in place, via the website, so don't assume getting an entry is a given, it isn't. However there are hundreds of charities involved in the event's charity programme and the minimum fundraising pledge is much lower than it is for the big marathons. You'll be able to raise a relatively small amount to secure an entry and do some good at the same time. There are also tour operator options. You can get an entry and accommodation via the event's tour partner quite easily.
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