The Great North Run ballot is open
The Great North Run is one of the most iconic half marathon road races in the world, held annually in Newcastle upon Tyne, and the ballot for this year's race is now open. The iconic half marathon will be back on the streets of the North East on Sunday 8 September.
With 60,000 entrants the event continues to be the UK’s biggest running event and the world’s biggest half marathon. Many will be taking part to support good causes, raising an estimated £25 million in charitable donations.
Paul Foster, chief executive of the Great Run Company said, 'We’re excited to open the ballot for the 43rd Great North Run and begin the countdown to the start line in September.
'As always, we’re looking forward to celebrating tens of thousands of incredible runners from across the country and around the world, as they achieve personal goals and raise much needed funds for good causes.
'Each year we’re amazed by the incredible atmosphere our runners and supporters create all along the Newcastle to South Shields course, demonstrating everything that’s great about our region. We’re working on plans to make the 2024 event a truly memorable occasion.'
The event is broadcast live on the BBC and to 169 territories around the world, showcasing the best of the region nationally and internationally.
The ballot for the AJ Bell Great North Run will run from 10am on Monday 8 January until 10am on Monday 12 February. You can enter the ballot today at greatrun.org/north.
All you need to know about the Great North Run...
If you’re one of the 60,000 runners taking on the event this weekend, we’ve got all the information you need, including start and finish information, travel and timings...
When is the 2024 Great North Run?
The 2023 Great North Run takes place on Sunday 8 September 2024.
How far is the Great North Run?
The Great North Run is a half marathon, so a total of 13.1 miles (or 21.1km).
What is the route of the 2024 Great North Run?
Following an iconic city-to-coast route, the Great North Run starts in Newcastle city centre, before heading over the Tyne Bridge just before the two-mile mark. Entering Gateshead, runners will pass the Gateshead International Stadium, before continuing on towards the coast, making a final turn at the 12-mile point and running along the seafront for the final stretch to South Shields.
What time does the Great North Run start?
The provisional start time for the elite men and mass wave starts is 10:45am.
Your wave, assembly and start time with be confirmed on your run number.
What is the easiest way to get to the startline?
There’s no parking at the startline of the Great North Run, but there is parking available at the finish – at South Shields on the Leas – which is open from 6:15am. After 8:00am on Sunday, The Dragon Car Park (NE33 2NL) in South Shields will be open but this has a limited capacity.
The best way to travel to the start is via public transport. The nearest bus stations are Haymarket and Eldon Square. If you’re travelling by Metro, the start is about 15 minutes’ walk from the Haymarket Metro Station (NE1 7PF) in Newcastle. South Shields Metro Station (NE33 1PQ) is about 20 minutes’ walk from the finish line. Trains will be busy, so runners should allow extra time to make their way to the race and expect queues to board the Metro after finishing.
The start and assembly areas are located on the Central Motorway – you need to make sure you’re in your assembly area by 10:45am.
How do I get my number for the Great North Run?
Race numbers for the Great North Run will be posted roughly two weeks prior to the event. Once your run number has arrived, you have everything you need for race day. Simply attach your race number (which has your timing chip attached) to your running top with safety pins and you’re good to go.
If you need to pick up a replacement run number, you’ll need to bring along your ID and your confirmation email to one of the information points on Saturday 9 September. Look out for an AJ Bell branded information marquee at the Junior and Mini event village at Guildhall Car Park (NE1 3RG / What3Words: candle.trying.rails).
What do I do with my bag?
Going by how it worked last year, if you need to drop off a bag, fill in your baggage label (attached to your run number) and secure it to your bag.
Previously there were 38 double-decker buses on Claremont Road at the start – all numbered and coloured according to your wave colour. Drop your bag off at the bus that corresponds to your wave colour, and you can collect it from the same bus at the finish, at Gypsies Green stadium.
I’m in the wrong start wave for the Great North Run – what can I do?
The background colour of your race number determines which start zone you’ll be in. Your starting time and wave allocation is based on your estimated running time as stated on your entry form.
If you feel like you’ve been put in a start wave that is too quick, you can move back to a slower pen on the day. Due to the size of the race, organisers ask runners not to move forward to a faster wave.
Where are the best places to spectate at the Great North Run?
Some of the most popular places to spectate at the Great North Run are by the race start, or by Tyne Bridge, where you can often see the Red Arrows fly overhead. Organisers are reminding spectators that the course is usually extremely busy, so allow plenty of time to get to the finish line if you’re meeting your runner there.
I can’t make it. How else can I watch the Great North Run?
If you can’t make it to Newcastle to spectate, you can watch the Great North Run on the BBC.
What will the weather be like for the Great North Run?
Previous versions have experienced all sorts of weather, but the 2023 race had sunny intervals and temperatures up to 23 degrees Celsius. When the weather is hot, is more important than ever to run within your limits and to hydrate adequately. Read our tips on running safely in the heat.
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