It's that time of year again - the local legend that is the Great North Run is just around the corner! It's had us Geordies jogging since 1981, and this year marks its 37th anniversary. And it's not just a big deal in the Toon - it’s the biggest half marathon in the world. The event is capped at 57,000 entrants, but more than 100,000 people apply for a place each year. We reckon that makes it competitive before you've even got your trainers on!
Those lucky enough to be selected at random tackle a 13.1 mile course packed with the best loved sights of Newcastle and the North East, and over a million people have crossed that iconic finish line over the last four decades. What's more, a recent economic impact showed that the event has had a positive benefit of almost £24 million for the North East economy. We think you'll all agree that the Great North Run has well and truly earned its place as a true institution on Tyneside.
WHAT’S ON
The GNR is the cornerstone of a weekend of sporting activity on Tyneside, with the Simplyhealth Great North 5k bringing in 1,000 runners to the banks of the Tyne on Saturday morning, while more than 7,500 youngsters take on either a 2.5k or a 4.5k course in the North East’s biggest kids-only events, the Mini and Junior Great North Runs.
Saturday also plays host to the Great North CityGames, where leading elite athletes compete in a pop-up athletics meeting on locations both sides of the Tyne, free to spectate and broadcast live on BBC Television.
For runners preparing for the big day, the Barilla Pasta Party offers a free feed to all registered participants on the Saturday afternoon where they will be given last-minute training tips from elite athletes attending the event.
In 2017, Great North Run weekend will become Great Run Day. Along with event sponsors Simplyhealth, Great Run will encourage everyone to get active over the weekend and log their miles on the Great Run Day website. So even if you didn’t get into the event, you can still join in from home.
WHERE TO SPECTATE
The GNR is famed worldwide for its friendly crowds who cheer the runners along the course. Even with the road closures in place – the route from Newcastle to South Shields is totally inaccessible for vehicles on event day – there are still plenty of opportunities to see your loved ones take part on the day. Wave them off from Newcastle over one of the many footbridges over the Central Motorway, or head – by foot – straight to the Tyne Bridge to capture that iconic shot. Catch the Tyne and Wear Metro to South Shields and make your way to the finishers’ village where you can cheer your family and friends over the line, then meet them for a leisurely drink afterwards.
Remember not to attempt all three, though. Due to the sheer number of people around on the day, it will be virtually impossible to wave your pal off at the start line and meet them at the finish, unless you are Sir Mo Farah and plan on running it yourself!
TRANSPORT
The Tyne and Wear Metro offers a wristband service to Simplyhealth Great North Run participants, where £5 gets you where you want to be on the day without worrying about keeping your tickets in your pocket. Also, there are shuttle buses from South Shields to the start line in Newcastle for those who wish to park their cars close to the finish area.
HOW DO I SIGN UP FOR 2018?
Visit greatrun.org on the day and sign up for the reminder service – once the ballot opens for 2018’s event, you’ll be the first to find out. Good luck!
