Accommodation close to Half Marathon Start Line
Hilton Newcastle Gateshead
NE8 2AR, Newcastle upon Tyne, Bottle Bank
This 4-star hotel looks out over the River Tyne and the Quayside to Newcastle city centre. It has modern, air-conditioned rooms and a health club with gym and indoor pool. All rooms have granite en... read more
3580 reviews 8.2
Kenilworth Hotel
NE2 2AL, Newcastle upon Tyne, 44 Osborne Road
Located in Jesmond in Newcastle this family-run hotel offers an on-site bar and contemporary accommodation with free WiFi access. Guests benefit from private parking facilities free of charge. A Victorian conversion, Kenilworth Hotel retains its... read more
440 reviews 7.9
Delta Hotels by Marriott Newcastle Gateshead
NE11 9XF, Newcastle upon Tyne, Metrocentre
Just off the A1 and right outside the MetroCentre, Europe's largest leisure and retail complex, this 4-star hotel offers a convenient location, luxurious, modern rooms and great comforts and amenities. There is free WiFi in... read more
50 reviews 8.4
Rooms Inn
NE4 7LB, Newcastle upon Tyne, 40 West Parade
Situated on the outskirts of Newcastle, Rooms Inn provides the perfect base for a classic Geordie city break. A ten-minute walk from the central train and metro station, you can explore the quayside, theatres, art... read more
3408 reviews 7.4
Staybridge Suites Newcastle, an IHG Hotel
NE1 6NL, Newcastle upon Tyne, Buxton Street
Close to the city centre and just moments from the Quayside area, these stylish and modern suites are well appointed with fully equipped kitchens, flat-screen TVs and free Wi-Fi. Staybridge Suites Newcastle is an all-suite... read more
2089 reviews 9.2
Royal Station Hotel- Part of the Cairn Collection
NE1 5DH, Newcastle upon Tyne, Neville Street
Enjoy everything Newcastle has to offer from this classic hotel in the city centre. Providing a traditional, elevated design with a contemporary touch, the Royal Station Hotel is the perfect base from which to explore.... read more
9820 reviews 7.4
The Vermont Hotel & Vermont Aparthotel
NE1 1RQ, Newcastle upon Tyne, Castle Garth
The Vermont is Newcastle's only 4-star independent hotel. Located next to The Castle, overlooking Newcastle Cathedral and both the Tyne and Millennium Bridges, it has a gym, free Wi-Fi and free parking. This impressive Manhattan-style... read more
2984 reviews 8.1
Cairn Hotel Newcastle Jesmond - Part of the Cairn Collection
NE2 2TJ, Newcastle upon Tyne, 97/103 Osborne Road, Jesmond
Cairn Hotel Newcastle is a modern, boutique hotel located in the affluent area of Jesmond, less than a mile from the centre of Newcastle. Featuring award-winning dining and an entirely relaxing atmosphere, this is the... read more
4110 reviews 7.1
Best Western New Kent Hotel
NE2 2TB, Newcastle upon Tyne, 127 Osborne Road, Jesmond
Enjoy renowned, warm Geordie hospitality at this privately owned and personally operated family hotel, just minutes from the city centre. Free parking is available but with limited availability! The hotel has been established for 20... read more
1275 reviews 7.7
Holiday Inn Express Newcastle Gateshead, an IHG Hotel
NE16 3BE, Newcastle upon Tyne, Clasper Way, Swalwel, Newcastle Upon Tyne
Conveniently located off the A1 at the Metro Centre, this hotel is 10 minute drive from Newcastle city centre. It is walking distance from restaurants, public transport and the MetroCentre shopping and entertainment venue. The... read more
3309 reviews 8.4
Caledonian Hotel
NE2 2AT, Newcastle upon Tyne, Osborne Road, Jesmond
With a stylish bistro and sun terrace, Caledonian Hotel offers spacious rooms with free Wi-Fi. The hotel is in the cosmopolitan Jesmond area, just a mile from Newcastle city centre. Set in a Georgian building,... read more
4677 reviews 8.1
County Hotel & County Aparthotel Newcastle
NE1 5DF, Newcastle upon Tyne, Neville Street
Newly Refurbished County Hotel is a 4-Star independent hotel that is located in the heart of Newcastle city centre and opposite Newcastle’s Central Rail and Bus Station, this beautifully preserved 19th-century building is now a... read more
4825 reviews 8
Leonardo Hotel Newcastle - Formerly Jurys Inn
NE1 4AD, Newcastle upon Tyne, Scotswood Road
Formerly Jurys Inn, Leonardo Hotel Newcastle is in the city centre, 500 metres from Newcastle Train Station. It has large and light en-suite rooms with power showers. Leonardo Hotel Newcastle has contemporary, spacious rooms that... read more
1855 reviews 7.9
Grey Street Hotel
NE1 6EE, Newcastle upon Tyne, 2-12 Grey Street
The 4-star Grey Street Hotel offers boutique rooms with luxury linens and individual feature walls. The hotel is in Newcastle centre, a 2-minute walk from the Theatre Royal. Free WiFi is provided. The elegant bedrooms... read more
3705 reviews 8.5
Holiday Inn Express Newcastle City Centre, an IHG Hotel
NE1 4DN, Newcastle upon Tyne, Waterloo Square, St James Boulevard
In the heart of Newcastle, just 500 metres from Newcastle Railway Station, this Holiday Inn Express has a stylish bar and modern bedrooms. Eldon Square shopping centre is a 10-minute walk away, and the Utilita... read more
4535 reviews 8.3
Hotel Balmoral Sure Hotel Collection by Best Western
NE4 6NU, Newcastle upon Tyne, 358 Westgate Road
Offering elegant and modern rooms with 40-inch Smart TVs, Hotel Balmoral Sure Hotel Collection by Best Western is 15 minutes’ walk from St James’s Park, home of Newcastle United. It features a Punjabi restaurant and... read more
537 reviews 7.9
Leonardo Hotel Newcastle Quayside - Formerly Jurys Inn
NE8 3AE, Newcastle upon Tyne, South Shore Road, Gateshead Quays
Overlooking the River Tyne and the Millennium Bridge, Leonardo Hotel Newcastle Quayside is just 2 minutes’ walk from the Baltic Centre for Contemporary Art. With an on-site coffee shop, this hotel is less than 1... read more
1798 reviews 8
Sandman Signature Newcastle Hotel
NE1 4SD, Newcastle upon Tyne, Gallowgate
With a sports bar and grill restaurant, this hotel has a fitness centre and modern rooms with free Wi-Fi. Sandman Signature Newcastle Hotel is next to St James’ Park, home of Newcastle FC. The colourful,... read more
6079 reviews 7.9
Sleeperz Hotel Newcastle
NE1 1SE, Newcastle upon Tyne, 15 Westgate Road
Located in the very heart of the city, moments from the city centre railway station, Sleeperz Newcastle has countless iconic landmarks steps away from its doorstep. Take a stroll along the river Tyne and pay... read more
7263 reviews 8.3
Hotel Indigo Newcastle, an IHG Hotel
NE1 5XU, Newcastle upon Tyne, Fenkle Street
This boutique Newcastle hotel offers quirky, 4-star accommodation, just a 2 minutes’ walk from Central Station. Its rooms are striking and unique, and now has the fantastic Grainger Restaurant’ on site. The Grainger Restaurant serves... read more
2973 reviews 8.2
Ramada Encore Newcastle-Gateshead
NE8 3AD, Newcastle upon Tyne, Hawks Road, Gateshead Quays
Just 300 metres from the Gateshead Millennium Bridge and the Baltic Art Centre, this modern hotel has a stylish on-site restaurant, bar, gym, and free Wi-Fi throughout. The hotel is located less than 20 minutes'... read more
3741 reviews 7.8
Hampton by Hilton Newcastle
NE1 5EN, Newcastle upon Tyne, Baron House Neville Street
Conveniently located in the heart of the city, Hampton by Hilton Newcastle is directly opposite Newcastle Central Station and a stone's throw away from the iconic Quayside. Free WiFi access is available throughout the property.... read more
4893 reviews 8.3
Crowne Plaza Newcastle - Stephenson Quarter, an IHG Hotel
NE1 3SA, Newcastle upon Tyne, Stephenson Quarter, Forth Street
We are thrilled to open our hotel to ALL guests again. Hawthorn Restaurant and club lounge are fully open now. Breakfast is served as full English buffet. Mineral House spa, swimming pool, gym and steam... read more
6015 reviews 8.4
Motel One Newcastle
NE1 1EW, Newcastle upon Tyne, 15-25 High Bridge
Featuring free WiFi throughout the property, Motel One Newcastle boasts modern features, and is centrally located just a 2-minute walk to the historic city centre. Newcastle’s Central Station is just a 6-minute walk from the... read more
6672 reviews 8.7
Dream Apartments Quayside
NE1 2AQ, Newcastle upon Tyne, 69 City Road,
Located in Newcastle upon Tyne, Dream Apartments Aerial House features accommodation with views over the River Tyne and Tyne Bridge. Free WiFi is offered. The units have a fully equipped kitchen with dining area, a... read more
1827 reviews 6.9
Maldron Hotel Newcastle
NE1 5RE, Newcastle upon Tyne, Newgate Street
Situated in Newcastle City Centre, Maldron Hotel features free WiFi and a private court yard. Located in a prime central location with all of the beautiful city’s attractions right on the doorstep, Maldron Hotel has... read more
10317 reviews 8.8
Great North Hotel
NE3 2DS, Newcastle upon Tyne, Great North Road Gosforth
Situated in Newcastle upon Tyne, 6.8 km from Northumbria University, Great North Hotel features accommodation with a terrace, free private parking, a restaurant and a bar. With free WiFi, this 4-star hotel offers room service... read more
3518 reviews 9
Clifton Hotel & Bar Newcastle
NE4 6XH, Elswick, 46 Clifton Road
Situated in Elswick, 2.5 km from St James' Park, Clifton Hotel & Bar Newcastle features accommodation with a garden, private parking, a shared lounge and a bar. Featuring barbecue facilities, the property is located within... read more
1221 reviews 7.4
Newcastle West Hotel & Bar
NE4 6SQ, Elswick, 159 Elswick Road
Located in Elswick and with St James' Park reachable within 1.8 km, Newcastle West Hotel & Bar provides express check-in and check-out, allergy-free rooms, a shared lounge, free WiFi and a bar. The property is... read more
660 reviews 7.1
INNSiDE by Meliá Newcastle
NE1 3BE, Newcastle upon Tyne, River View, Close Bridge Court
Set in Newcastle upon Tyne, 700 metres from Sage Gateshead, Innside by Melia Newcastle offers accommodation with a restaurant, a fitness centre and a bar. Among the facilities at this property are a 24-hour front... read more
5499 reviews 9.1
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)
Finish Half Marathon: South Shields (Coast Road)
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