Great North Run
The world's largest half marathon, from Newcastle to the North Sea.
Newcastle upon Tyne to South Shields
Second Sunday of September
21.1 km
123 m
~60,000 athletes
Course Highlights
- Tyne Bridge crossing at mile 1
- Gateshead town center
- John Reid Road climb at mile 8
- Coastal approach to South Shields
- Seafront finish on the promenade
The Course
The Great North Run begins on the central motorway in Newcastle upon Tyne, with runners flooding onto the highway in one of the most dramatic mass starts in road racing. The first major landmark is the Tyne Bridge crossing at mile 1, where the road is packed wall-to-wall with runners and the atmosphere is electric. The early miles roll through Gateshead with steady crowd support.
The middle section features the John Reid Road climb around mile 8, the most significant hill on the course. This sustained ascent tests legs that may have gone out too enthusiastically in the early miles. After the summit, the course descends and flattens as it approaches South Shields.
The final two miles run along the coast road with views of the North Sea ahead. The finish on the seafront promenade in South Shields, with the sea breeze and massive crowds, is an iconic moment. The Great North Run's combination of scale, atmosphere, and accessibility makes it a must-do event for half-marathon runners.
History
The Great North Run was founded by former Olympic 10,000-meter bronze medalist Brendan Foster and first held in 1981 with 12,000 runners. It has grown into the world's largest half marathon, with over 60,000 participants each year.
The race has become a cornerstone of British running culture and a major charity fundraising event. It has been televised by the BBC since its inception and has attracted the world's greatest distance runners, including multiple world-record performances.
How to Train for Great North Run
Train for the early adrenaline
The massive crowds and downhill start will make the first miles feel easy. Practice running your goal pace from the start in training so you are not seduced into going out too fast on race day. The hill at mile 8 will punish an aggressive start.
Prepare for the mile 8 climb
John Reid Road is a sustained climb that comes at a point where early-pace mistakes become apparent. Include hill repeats and hilly long runs in your training to build the strength needed for this section.
Embrace the crowds
With 60,000 runners, the early miles are very congested. Position yourself honestly in the starting pens and be patient. Running tangents will be impossible in the first few miles, so account for extra distance in your pacing plan.
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