The Great North Run takes place annually in September and is currently celebrating its 41st year in 2022. You can find all information on the Great North Run and answers to the most frequent questions about the Great North Run in our FAQ section below. You can also visit greatrun.org/FAQs for further information and contact details.

FAQs about the Great North Run

What is the Great North Run?

The Great North Run is one of the largest sporting events in the UK and one of the biggest races in the world. Taking place annually since its inception in 1981, the race is a half-marathon which starts in the centre of Newcastle Upon Tyne and moves through the neighbouring borough of Gateshead towards South Tyneside. The finish line is located in South Shields on the North East Coast.

What is the Great North Run route for 2022? 

In 2022 the run will be returning back to the famous city to coast route. Runners will start in Newcastle and finish in South Shields.

When is the Great North Run?

Great North Run 2022 will take place on Sunday 11th September 2022.

What time does the Great North Run start?

Specific start times will be allocated to participants to ensure a staggered start to the race. The final participants will set off some time after the first wave of runners. The event officially opens at 8am with mass warm ups at 10:33am. Runners are to arrive at the Great North Run via the Queen Victoria Rd/Claremont Road roundabout in Newcastle City Centre. 

What are the staggered times?

So that the race can run smoothly, there will be staggered start times in relation to the colour of your number. In order to not overcrowd, there are different places that each number are to meet. They are the following:

  • Orange and white numbers- from the Queen Victoria Rd roundabout, follow the marked route through Exhibition Park and into the Town Moor where you will find your information point, baggage buses, water refill points and toilets. See the map for the arrival route.
  • Green numbers- From the Queen Victoria Rd roundabout, follow the route along Claremont Road. The route will be signposted on the day. See the map for the arrival route. Here you will find your information point, baggage buses, water refill points and toilets. From here, green wave runners will be guided to their assembly point at the west end of Claremont Road.

Your wave colour and start time is detailed on your run number. Run numbers will be sent out approximately 2 weeks before the event. Once your run number has arrived through the post you have everything you need for event day and you don’t need to visit the information point to register on the day. Simply attach your run number (which has your timing chip attached) to the front of your running top with safety pins and you’re all set!

How do I get a replacement run number?

If your run number hasn’t arrived through the post or you have misplaced it, please visit the information point at The Guildhall at the bottom of Sandhill (Newcastle Quayside) on Saturday10th to collect a replacement.

How long is the Great North Run?

The Great North Run is a half-marathon at 13.1 miles (21.08241 km).

Can I keep track of information on the day?

Yes. By downloading the Great Run app you can keep track of on the go event day information and live tracking for your family and friends. You can even find the fun selfie filters there, say cheese! Download it here.

Will the Red Arrows be on show?

Yes! The famous air show over the run will be taking place this year. 11:00am will be the exact time of the Red Arrow flypast over the Tyne Bridge. If you miss them in town, don't worry at 13:45, there will be a full Red Arrow display at the finish in South Shields.

Where does the Great North Run start?

The Great North Run begins on the A167 road just outside Newcastle City Centre. The route then follows through the centre of Newcastle Upon Tyne with runners crossing the Tyne Bridge on the Quayside and into Gateshead.

Where does the Great North Run end?

The Great North Run will end in South Shields. The full route map is below.

Great North Run 2022 route map
Great North Run 2022 route map

When will the run be televised?

The BBC typically televise the Great North Run coverage on the Sunday of the main event from 09.30AM until 1.30 PM. Highlights are usually covered later in the day as well as general coverage appearing across a number of local news channels.

Is there an event after the run?

Yes, the fun doesn’t stop after you’ve crossed the finish line! Continue the high-energy celebration
and embrace the post-run high by stepping into the brand new Après Run Zone. You’re invited to relax, rewind, recharge and revel. Heart Radio DJ truck will be providing club classic anthems, lots of seating areas and picnic tables, various food suppliers and a Finisher’s Marquee with Wylam Brewery Bar and live bands.

Which roads will be closed for the Great North Run?

There will be several  road closures the day before The Great North Run and during the event including A167 Central Motorway where the run starts as well as the Tyne Bridge. Take a look at the full list here.

Information For Runners

If you have any queries to do with your entry in the Great North Run, you want to withdraw your place or need more specific information about taking part in the Great North Run - visit the Great North Run's FAQ page or please contact Great North Run directly.

What to do if my submission details are incorrect?

If you have provided the incorrect address or made a mistake with the details on your application form, we advise contacting the Great Run Company directly to amend these. Forward your query to info@greatrun.org  with your requested amendments at least six to ten weeks before the event to ensure that your Great North Run Race Entry Pack is sent to the right place.

How do I receive my Great North Run Race Entry Pack?

The Great North Run Race Entry Packs are sent to successful candidates up to four weeks before the event takes place. Contact info@greatrun.org if you have any queries or you're missing your entry pack.

How do I know which zone or wave I will be running in?

Your start time and wave allocation will be based on the estimated running time stated on your entry form and will be reflected by a colour system. Information will be sent through with your Great North Run Race Entry Pack to tell you which zone and wave you will be part of and where the assembly points are on the day. 

Visiting the North East for the Great North Run

Travelling to the North East

You can travel to the North East by air, bus, car, or train using our excellent connecting transport services. Direct rail services run to Newcastle Central Station via LNER ( London North Eastern Railway), Northern Rail, TransPennine Express and Grand Central Trains. Megabus or tour bus services also run to several central points within Newcastle and Gateshead town centres and can be booked online.

If arriving by air, you can travel to Newcastle International Airport from most domestic and international destinations. The airport is located around 8 miles from the city centre and is connected directly to Newcastle City Centre and Gateshead via the Metro Train System. Trains run regularly with a journey time of 20-30 minutes. Car parking, car hire and taxis can be booked from within the airport or prior to arrival.

Find out more about travelling and Plan Your Visit.

In previous years, train companies like LNER have scheduled additional trains to support participants and their families. We will update with more information nearer the time.

Travelling around the Great North Run Route

There are great public transport links with both Newcastle city centre and near the finishing line and Town Moor Finishers Village including nearby metro stations at Regents Centre, South Gosforth, Ilford Road, West Jesmond and Jesmond as well as Haymarket in Newcastle.

When travelling to the event we suggest making use of the public transport options available on the day.
Do leave plenty of time to get to the start line as there will be a number of road closures in place for
the weekend. 

Great North Run special day rover

Nexus, Stagecoach, Arriva and Go North East have teamed up together to offer a simple multi-use travel
ticket for just £6, which will be valid on Metro, any bus service, and the Shields Ferry for the day of the
Great North Run. The multi-use ticket includes travel across the entire North East network on the day
of the run, including Tyne and Wear, Durham and Northumberland. This all-day travel ticket will be available to purchase from all Metro station ticket machines from 14th August, as well as on the day of the event. From
Sunday 14th August you will also be able to purchase wristbands online via the Nexus website until 17:00
on Friday 2nd September. A Great North Run Rover Single Ticket is also available, for a single journey by Metro, any bus or the Shields Ferry priced at £3.90. It can be bough as a wristband online, from Sunday 14th August until 17:00 on Friday 2nd September.

To avoid having to wait in long queues, purchase your travel ticket in advance.  In addition to these new tickets, all operators will be accepting each other’s single and day tickets for journeys departing from South Shields, making it simpler for you to hop on the -first bus, Metro (or Shields Ferry) that comes.


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