more than 50,000 participants every year
The running event has attracted participants from far and wide ever since it was created in 1981, by the former Olympian and BBC sports commentator Brendan Foster.
The marathon clocked its millionth runner in 2015, and more than 50,000 participants partake in the marathon every year. Participants may enter through a general ballot, or through any of the several charities registered for the event. Charities allow participants on a first-come-first-served basis, unlike general ballot, where entry depends on the luck of draw.
Start Location Half Marathon: Newcastle-upon-Tyne city centre (A167 Central Motorway/Claremont Road)
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Finish Half Marathon: South Shields (Coast Road)
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The race is sponsored by Simplyhealth, as the Simplyhealth Great North Run, and is the world’s largest Half Marathon. It’s one the Uk biggest running events together with the Virgin London Marathon in April and the Great Manchester Run in May.
Where to stay for this running event?
As it is with any event that attracts sizable crowds, all accommodation options will be heavily booked during the marathon days. The event attracts thousands of participants from other parts of UK and Europe, and several of their supporters, fans, and enthusiasts. Most of them would like to spend a week in Newcastle-upon-Tyne, for this running event.
Newcastle-upon-Tyne has several accommodation options, catering to all budgets, and all preferences. The nearby towns of Gateshead, Harton, Marsden, Jarrow, and Sunderland, through which the Great North Run passes, are all good choices to set base as well.
B&B offers you the chance to experience the local countryside and culture in its real setting, and avoid the touristy hotels. Hostels are yet another option for the budget traveller. A simple search would list several options.
Always read the reviews to ensure of your short-listed accommodation option suits your preference. Consider the facilities on offer, whether there is an attached bathroom, whether you require any extra beds, and the distance from the town. Do some research on the distance of the accommodation to the Great North Run route, and how easy it is to get there. As a general rule, do not go by the prices alone, and at the same time, do not trust all reviews blindly. The best value for money may be had from B&Bs which may be outside the tourist zone, and even outside the city centre, but well connected through public transportation.
The time of Great North Run is peak season, and as such, always book a hotel or B&B well ahead of time.
What is it like to run the Great North Run?
Running the Great North Run half-marathon is an invigorating experience. Not only is there a sense of accomplishment in making the run, there is also a chance to run alongside celebrities such as Mo Farah, who has won the race three times in a raw.
The Run starts from Newcastle-upon-Tyne, on the A167 road, at the edge of the city centre, proceeds through the eastern side of the city centre to cross the iconic Tyne Bridge into Gateshead, and makes it way through A184 in the direction of Sunderland.
After a run of around three and a half miles on A184, the route deviates north-east, towards South Shields, and reaches Jarrow, from where it takes route A1300, passing through Harton and Marsden, to reach the seafront. The final mile runs along the seafront A183, to the finishing line at South Shields. The scenic and pristine route, culminating in the North East coastline, adds to the charm of partaking in the marathon.
Departure after the race
Getting out of Newcastle-upon-Tyne using public transportation could be a hassle immediately after the marathon, considering there would be more than 50,000 participants alone, besides an equally strong contingent of fans, supporters, media personnel, and others. The best option is to linger along and explore the scenic North for a while.
Apart from the buzzing bars, restaurants, shopping centres, and nightclubs, Newcastle-upon-Tyne offers several attractions such as the ancient castle, Discovery Museum, Centre for Life Science and innovation centre, and more, to keep a visitor engaged for days.
A walk through the historic quayside, the ancient St. Nicholas Cathedral, the Jesmond Dene dell, and other attractions also mesmerise the visitor. The countryside around the city also has several hiking trails, which is a good way to explore nature at its pristine best.
Location and some facts
Name : Great North Run
When : Sunday 08 September 2024
Start Location : The start line is in Newcastle-upon-Tyne city centre on the A167 Central Motorway (Claremont Road)
Finish : South Shields (Coast Road)
Distance : Half Marathon
Nearest Hotels and B&B’s : in the city centre of Newcastle UK and South Shields.
Additional Information : chroniclelive, weather information, public transport