Guide to the Great North Run 2023

Billed as the world's biggest and best half marathon, the AJ Bell Great North Run is coming on 10th September 2023! Over 60,000 runners will head to the North East of England to compete, have fun, and raise money for charity in what is undoubtedly one of the highlights of the UK sports calendar.

While entry to the main event has now closed, there are plenty of other runs taking place that weekend that are affiliated with the big one.

Want to know more about The Great North Run 2023? We have all the info you'll need below!

Since launching back in 1981 by former British olympian Brendan Foster, the average attendance has grown from over 12,000, and is now one of the biggest running events in the world.

The AJ Bell Great North Run will take place on 10th September 2023 from 10:30 am onwards.

The route will take you from central Newcastle, across the River Tyne to Gateshead and eastwards towards South Tyneside, with the finish in South Shields - 13.1 miles (21.1 km) away.

As well as the men's and women's events, there are mini and junior events, and an event for wheelchair entrants too. Note that although the main event has closed for registration, there is still time to register for other events across the weekend, and for 2024 events too.

Importantly, it is also the last competitive race in the career of Sir Mo Farah - undoubtedly Britain's greatest ever male long distance runner and 6-time previous winner of this event. So if you want the chance to rub shoulders with sporting royalty, this is the place to do it!

There will be 60,000 people in attendance and those who finish will get a special edition medal and goodies, a free tracking app, the chance to purchase photos and - of course - a warm welcome at the finish line!

While registration for the main event has now closed, you can still register for some of the other events before the weekend of the event, with prices starting from £22.50.

Alternatively, show your support by visiting and donating to the charities featured on their website.

You get access to exclusive discounts when you sign up to a Great Run event, including offers and discounts across a range of well-known running, sport, outdoor and lifestyle brands.

The team at The AJ Bell Great North Run will donate a portion of the fulfilment costs for each runner who chooses this option to the fund, and commit that this donation to be a minimum of £20,000 in 2023.

If you're unable to partake in the run or other events, you can also register to be a volunteer at The Great North Run.

If you want to head to The Great North Run by train, Newcastle Central Station is a short walk from the start of the race.

The easiest way to get to the start line is by the local Metro. Ride it to Haymarket and it's a 15-minute walk to the start of the race. If you'd prefer to head to the finish line, go to South Shields and it's also a 15-minute walk.

There are also lots of car parks to choose from near Haymarket, from which you can walk to the Great North Run start line.

There are plenty of choices for hotels in Newcastle Upon Tynes. For the 4-star treatment - and next to the home of the famous Newcastle United FC football stadium, hotels near St James' Park - Sandman Signature Newcastle is within alking distance of The Great North Run start line.

Sandman Signature Hotel

An alternative is Hampton by Hilton Newcastle, which is also centrally located for other things to do outside of the event.

Hampton by Hilton Hotel

Finally, for a more cost-effective option, EasyHotel Newcastle is great for those on a budget and has great reviews from Trip.com users.

EasyHotel Newcastle