Simplyhealth Great North Run

Great North Run 2020 has been cancelled

The Great North Run has been cancelled because of the coronavirus pandemic.

Be part of the Virtual Great North Run 2020...

...and complete your own 13.1 mile half marathon - whether you had a place for 2020 or not, you can be part of the historic virtual Great North Run. Enter before 4 September here.

Organisers said they had not taken the decision lightly and had tried to find a way to hold the run, from Newcastle to South Shields, while observing social distancing. Runners are eligible for refunds or can transfer their entry to next year.

The Junior and Mini Great North Run and the Great North 5km, which usually take place on the Saturday before the Great North Run, have also been cancelled.

What you need to know about the Simplyhealth Great North Run 2020

Where:  Newcastle to South Shields, Newcastle upon Tyne, Tyne and Wear, NE8 2AY

The Great North Run is the world’s most popular half marathon, welcoming 57,000 runners from over 130 different countries. The Great North Run celebrates its 40th race in 2020. Founded in 1981 by former British Olympian and 10,000 metre bronze medallist, Brendan Foster, the Great North Run continues to grow as one of the biggest internationally involved events. In 2014, the Great North Run celebrated a monumental achievement as the 1 millionth runner crossed the finishing line. 

A point-to-point race from Newcastle to South Shields, the Great North Run will have participants travel from Newcastle through Gateshead and South Tyneside as they approach the finish line. Along the way they will cross the iconic Tyne Bridge to the roar of the amassing crowd and the legendary Red Arrows overhead as they further their journey to the beautiful coast of South Tyneside.

The organisers of the Great North Run have cancelled all 2020 events. Please keep checking Great North Run's website for further updates.

• Date:  Sunday 13 September 2020 will be postponed to the provisional date: Sunday 12 September 2021
• Start assembly area opens: 9.15 AM
• Baggage buses depart for the finish: 10.05 AM
• Elite wheelchair race starts: 10.10 AM
• Elite women start and mass Great North Run warm-up: 10.15 AM
• Assembly area closes: 10.30 AM
• General Ballot Start Time: 10.40 AM
• Runners: 57,000
• Route Distance: Half marathon 13.1 miles
• Registration Fee: £58

NewcastleGateshead offer a hub of information including everything you need to know about the Great North Run. Here you will be able to access information on how to enter the race and which charities are taking part, training tips to get you half-marathon ready, information on events and entertainment coinciding with the race and a list of different types of available accommodation.

There are various ways of entering the Great North Run including the general ballot which will open in early 2020, running on behalf of a charity and also entering as an elite athlete. We have summarised all of the information you need on each entry method and provided links to Great North Run charities. If you have any questions about how to enter the Great North Run that you don’t feel we covered in this section, be sure to check out our FAQs page for more information.

The Great North Run is more than just a weekend, it is a culture consisting of a host of events.

Two months prior to the Great North Run, the Great North 10k will take place. Although the event is a race in its own merit, many consider it to be a great training exercise in preparation for the Great North Run itself.

During the Simplyhealth Great North Run weekend, many events will take place such as: the Great North 5k, the Simplyhealth Mini and Junior Great North Runs and also the Elite Men’s Mile & Elite Women’s Mile of the Great North CityGames.

Have you ever wondered when the Great North Run started and how it was created? Would you like to find out about some funny, yet, inspiring stories to help motivate you during your training and preparation? We have put together a brief history of the iconic North East half marathon which also includes details of the Great North Run route 2020 and also interesting results and statistics.

Although it is the most iconic road running event in the UK, it doesn’t mean that the Great North Run is going to be an easy feat. In fact the training and preparation you invest prior to the event is just as important as your performance on the day. If you want the day to be enjoyable, it is best to train and keep fit. NewcastleGateshead have provided guides and tips on preparation and training, what to wear during the event and also tips for dieting and nutrition.

It's not just locals who take part in the Great North Run. Runners travel from all over the UK and further to cross the iconic Tyne Bridge as one of the ultimate sporting challenges. Whether you're a participant or a spectator, Newcastle and Gateshead have plenty of accommodation including hotels, guest houses and B&B's where you can stay during the Great North Run Weekend.