A Look Ahead to Great North Run Weekend: North East’s Biggest Weekend of Sport is 6 to 8 September 2024
The countdown to the North East’s biggest weekend of sport is on. This weekend marks six weeks to go until the action-packed AJ Bell Great North Run weekend, featuring the Friday, 6 September evening flat and fast AJ Bell Great North 5k, over 10,000 young runners joining the sold out Junior & Mini events on Saturday, 7 September, and culminating with 60,000 participants in the world’s biggest half marathon from Newcastle to South Shields on Sunday, 8 September. It’s set to be a fantastic weekend for participants and spectators.
With unprecedented demand for this year’s AJ Bell Great North Run ballot, and keen fundraisers snapping up charity places quicker than ever before, the appetite to be on the famous start line continues to grow each year.
However, there’s still a chance to be involved in the running action with spaces available for the Friday evening AJ Bell Great North 5k - the curtain-raiser to the North East’s biggest weekend of sport.
AJ Bell Great North 5k – Friday, 6 September
The AJ Bell Great North 5k is a fun, fast, flat 5k dash around Newcastle and Gateshead’s vibrant Quayside on Friday night packed with phenomenal local support and entertainment. As well as iconic Tyneside views, an electric atmosphere and an incredible feeling of achievement, runners will also find a medal and an exclusive finisher t-shirt at the finish line.
Entries to the 5k can be purchased here: https://www.greatrun.org/events/great-north-5k/
The Great North 5k is also a key feature in the elite running calendar, with the UK Athletics 5k Road Running Championships once again taking place on the evening of the AJ Bell Great North 5k with a total prize pot of £6,000.
Paul Foster, Chief Executive, The Great Run Company, said: “We’re incredibly excited for the 43rd staging of the Great North Run, and to kick start a fantastic weekend of sport for the North East, with the world watching on as the Great North Run is broadcast live on BBC One, and across 169 territories.
"The Great North 5k is always an exciting event on the Friday evening on the Newcastle and Gateshead Quayside, and with places still available, there's still opportunity to be a part of the Great North Run weekend.”
The AJ Bell Great North 5k and Elite 5k race on Friday, 6 September are supported by the North East Combined Authority. North East Mayor, Kim McGuinness, said: "The Great North Run is an iconic event and showcases the very best of our great North East. I look forward to the weekend every year - first and foremost as a runner myself, but now with the honour of being Mayor for this fantastic part of the world.
"I'm delighted that we're supporting the 5k event. This is an exciting opportunity to soak up the atmosphere of our great region, play your part and be able to say 'I was there'. If you haven't done so, I'd urge you, your friends and family to sign up and join us in the North East for a weekend that will make memories to last a lifetime."
AJ Bell Junior & Mini Great North Run – Saturday, 7 September
Over 10,500 children are signed up to take part in the sold out Saturday on the Quayside, making 2024 the biggest staging of the event yet. With a ‘Finding Your Superpower’ theme, fancy dress, fundraising, and a fun-filled event village, this year’s event is shaping up to be better than ever before.
Minis aged 3-8 take on a fun and frenzied 1.5km, while Juniors aged 9-16 will run an impressive 4km at the AJ Bell Junior Great North Run.
We’re delighted to also welcome the Mini 50 back. A 50m course for children (3-16 yrs) who may miss participating in the Junior and Mini age group events, due to their specific needs.
AJ Bell Great North Run – Sunday, 8 September - Inspired by Greatness
It’s the 43rd staging of the world’s biggest half marathon. This year we’re celebrating those that inspire us, from every participant running for charity, personal goals, or overcoming obstacles – as well as the Paris Olympians expected to join us in our elite field.
We’re also commemorating the prestigious World Athletics Heritage Plaque that the Great North Run was awarded this year, for contribution to mass participation road running. We’ll also be joined by famous and influential faces, with more details on celebrities, and our elite race to be announced soon.
The Great North Run will be broadcast live on BBC One from 10am to 2pm and around the world, showcasing the best of the region nationally and internationally.
The positive economic impact of the event on the North East’s economy is over £30 million and runners participating for good causes raise an estimated £25 million in charitable donations every year.
Medal reveal
The Great North Run has always been about ordinary people doing extraordinary things. It started back in 1981, when 12,264 pioneers forged the path from Newcastle to South Shields.
This year the class of 2024 will follow in the footsteps of 1.3 million before them, running the same infamous 13.1 mile route. Each runner inspired by someone, some cause or some moment. Each runner on their own road to greatness.
As participants cross the finish line, they’ll be able to share the celebrations together, placing two medals together to create the full image of the iconic Tyne Bridge.
