The Great North Run is a point-to-point half marathon from the centre of Newcastle, over the Tyne Bridge and through Gateshead, to the seafront at South Shields. Founded by Sir Brendan Foster and organised by The Great Run Company, it is billed by its organisers as the world's biggest half marathon, with more than 60,000 runners on the start line and over 1.4 million finishers in its history. Its charity runners raise more than £25 million every year.
Places are allocated through a ballot. The first draw opens in September, around race weekend, and a second ballot in January confirms the final places. Charity places and the Great North Run membership scheme are the ways to skip the draw. For the official entry and all details, head to the Great North Run website.
Key dates
- Ballot WindowExpected Sep 2027
- Race daySep 12, 2027
Windows are shown to the month until the organiser confirms them. Subscribers get the exact day, by email, on the morning it opens.
This year's ballot has closed. The next window is expected Sep 2027. Set up a BibsAlert now and we'll email you the moment the Great North Run ballot reopens, so next time you're first in instead of locked out.
How to enter the Great North Run
Places are allocated through two public ballots. Charity places and the membership scheme guarantee entry without the draw.
1. September Ballot
The first ballot for each edition opens in September, around race weekend, and closes later in September. You apply through Let's Do This, Great Run's booking partner, and add your payment card details to your application: nothing is taken unless you are drawn, and then the entry fee is charged automatically at the draw. You can withdraw your application at any point while the ballot is open. If the payment cannot be taken in full at the draw, the place is lost. Every applicant gets an email with their result shortly after the draw. The entry fee is £73.50, including the booking fee, and runners must be 17 or over on race day.
2. January Ballot
Runners who miss out in September get another chance in a second ballot in January, which confirms the final places. You can sign up for a ballot reminder on the official event page to hear when it opens.
3. Charity Places
Hundreds of charities, big and small, offer places. Choose a cause from the official list of charities, secure a place by signing up on the charity's own website, then set up a fundraising page with Enthuse. Charity entries close later than the ballot. Alzheimer's Society is the official charity of the Great Run Series.
4. Great North Run Membership
Members skip the ballot with a guaranteed place for two years, plus extras such as a technical training top. You still register and pay the entry fee each year, through a priority link sent by email in November. Membership places are capped, sold first come, first served once a new term opens after race day, and can sell out.
The course
A point-to-point course from Newcastle city centre to the North Sea coast at South Shields, crossing the Tyne Bridge on the way out of the city.
- Start: Central Motorway (A167) near Claremont Road, Newcastle city centre
- Finish: The seafront at South Shields, after a final mile-long stretch along the coast
- Distance: 21.0975 km (13.1 miles)
- Start Time: 10:50 AM for the mass start, after the elite wheelchair and elite women's races
- Time Limit: No fixed cut-off, but a sweep vehicle follows at 17-minute mile pace and runners behind it finish on the pavement
The route crosses the Tyne Bridge into Gateshead, then follows long, straight roads past Gateshead International Stadium. There is a gradual climb between miles 3 and 5, then downhill running to mile 8. Miles 8 to 12 are mostly uphill and are the toughest part of the race for many runners, but the crowds carry you to the first glimpse of the North Sea at mile 12. From there the road drops down to South Shields for the finish along the seafront.
Why run the Great North Run?
- The Tyne Bridge: Early on, the race crosses the iconic Tyne Bridge into Gateshead.
- City to sea: A point-to-point route that ends with a mile along the seafront at South Shields.
- The crowds: Music, entertainment and thousands of supporters line the course, right through the hard miles near the end.
- A whole weekend: The Great North 5k on the Newcastle Gateshead Quayside kicks off race weekend.
Didn't get in?
If you weren't selected in the Great North Run ballot, you still have options:
- Charity entries: Many official charity partners offer guaranteed places in exchange for fundraising commitments. Check the official website for partner organizations.
- Enter the January ballot: Unsuccessful September applicants get a second chance in January, and the organisers send a reminder in the New Year.
- Run for charity: Hundreds of charities hold places, and charity entries close later than the ballot.
- Join the membership scheme: Members skip the ballot for two years. Places are capped and sold first come, first served when a new term opens after race day.
- Avoid second-hand bibs: Entries are personal: swapping or selling a place, or letting someone else wear your number, is prohibited.
- Run the Great North 10k instead: The AJ Bell Great North 10k crosses the Tyne Bridge and back, and finishes on the Great North Road beside the Town Moor.
- Try a similar race: Check the related races below for races with similar entry types, dates, or locations.
- Apply again next year: Set up a BibsAlert so you don't miss the next entry window.
Questions runners ask
How does the Great North Run ballot work?
You apply through Let's Do This and enter your payment card details with your application. No money is taken unless you are drawn, in which case the entry fee is charged automatically at the draw and your place is confirmed. You can withdraw your application while the ballot is open, and every applicant gets an email with their result.
Is there a second chance if I miss out in the September ballot?
Yes. A second ballot is held in January, with the final places confirmed then. The organisers contact unsuccessful September applicants in the New Year with a reminder, and anyone can sign up for a ballot reminder on the event page.
Can I get a place without the ballot?
Yes, in two ways. Charity places are secured directly with one of the event's charity partners, who ask you to fundraise for them. Great North Run members skip the ballot for two years, though they still register and pay the entry fee each year. Membership places are capped and sold first come, first served.
Can I transfer my place if I cannot run?
No. Entries are personal and cannot be transferred, swapped or sold. Instead, you can withdraw up to 6pm on the day before the race and buy a guaranteed place in the following year's event at the standard entry fee. A medical withdrawal up to 10 weeks before race day, backed by a medical certificate, is refunded minus a £5 admin charge.
Is there a time limit?
There is no fixed cut-off, but a sweep vehicle travels at 17-minute mile pace. Runners who fall behind it finish the course on the pavement, and the finish stays open until the last runner crosses the line.
Looking ahead
The first ballot for the next Great North Run opens in September, around race weekend, and closes later in September, with results by email shortly after the draw. Runners who miss out get a second chance in a January ballot, which confirms the final places. Set up a BibsAlert to get notified when the next ballot opens.