A guide to the AJ Bell Great North Run 2026

Whether you’re from the Toon or coming from further afield, lacing up to run the distance or simply planning to show your support course side for a loved one, here’s your guide to making the most of the action across the Great North Run weekend.

EVENTS YOU CAN BE PART OF

The AJ Bell Great North Run is more than just a run, it's an incredible coming together, a joyous celebration of running, community and the world’s greatest half marathon being at the heart of the North East.

As 63,000 people take on the world famous 13.1 mile challenge on Sunday 13th September, and with many more running the AJ Bell Great North 5K on Friday and the Junior and Mini events on Saturday, organisers of the annual festival of running, The Great Run Company, have pulled together a jam-packed week of events running from Monday 7 September to Monday 14 September.

As part of the new GNR Fringe, you can expect Shakeout Runs across the North East, Runners' Restaurant Weekend, Coffee Raves, a Pasta Party, Runner's World Live Podcast, personalised merchandise print sessions, community beach yoga sessions, book signings, cinema screenings, and an After Party.... Just to name a few!

Check out the full line-up of activities, get yourself booked on, and share far and wide. Everyone is welcome!  https://www.greatrun.org/gnr-fringe/

WAYS TO WATCH

Live finish line stream

Watch thousands of finish line moments in South Shields as we stream this year's iconic finish line live. Head to @GreatRunTV on YouTube to subscribe, enjoy the action and see if you can spot your loved ones.

Live on TV

If you can't be there in person, you can watch all the live event day action on the BBC, 10:00 – 14:00.

THINGS TO SEE AND DO

A Monumental Medal – Grey’s Monument, Newcastle City Centre.

Keep your eyes peeled for the giant GNR45 Medal adorning Grey’s Monument – it’s the perfect selfie opportunity. Whether you’re running or showing support, why not share your snaps on social and make sure to tag @great_run on Instagram and TikTok.

Junior & Mini 40th birthday celebrations – Saturday. Quayside & Old Eldon Square

Over 13,000 kids aged 3-16 will be part of the 40th staging of the Junior & Mini events, with a huge celebration of running on the Newcastle Gateshead Quayside.  The celebrations continue up the hill at Old Eldon Square for perhaps the biggest kids birthday party ever, with loads of family-friendly activities. NE1’s Screen on the Green will be showing children’s movies throughout the day, have a go on the Brooks running track on Grainger Street, make supporter signs for Sunday’s main event, and look out for face painters and bubble performers bringing the party to the streets.

NE1’s Screen on the Green – Sunday. Old Eldon Square

If you're in Newcastle city centre and looking for somewhere to enjoy the event day buzz, the Screen on the Green at Old Eldon Square will show live BBC coverage of the AJ Bell Great North Run from 10:00 – 14:00.[AL1]  With deckchairs and seating available you can kick back and enjoy all the action without having to stand on tip toes.

AJ Bell Live Stage - Sunday. From 10am. Great North Run event village, South Shields.

For those heading to the finish line in South Shields, arrive early and come on down to our Event Village where we will be showing the live BBC show on the big screen, with commentary, from 10:00.

With picnic benches, food and drink options and more stage entertainment, it’s the perfect spot to wait for loved ones to cross the finish line.

A jam-packed schedule of entertainment throughout the day for runners and supporters to enjoy will include interviews with a host of famous faces, as well as the opportunity of listening to exclusive live podcast recordings.

SUPPORT YOUR RUNNER

AJ Bell’s Motivation station 

Cheer your runner on when it matters most at AJ Bell’s Motivation Station in the final mile of the course. Whether you’re there in person or supporting from afar, you can give your runner an unforgettable boost by submitting a personalised message or photo to appear on the big screen as they race by. A savvy tech link-up means that messages are perfectly timed for when your loved one reaches the final stretch to the finish line - it’s the perfect way to lift their spirits and be part of a truly special moment on the course.

Submit a message for your runner HERE.

BEST SPECTATOR SPOTS ALONG THE COURSE 

Brooks Hype Zone – just after mile 2

Bringing a sea of noise to the course will be the team from Brooks, who have an amazing DJ pumping out the anthems to keep runners moving and spectators’ feet tapping. Get ready to provide a wall of sound as the runners approach just after mile 2.  

A Country Mile – just after mile 6
Yee-haw! New for 2026... Get ready to be transported to Nashville for the best boot-tapping country tunes and honky-tonk vibes. This ain’t our first rodeo! Come and cheer on the runners and enjoy an epic country soundtrack.

ALSO NOT TO BE MISSED

Junior & Mini Great North Run – Saturday. From 08:45. Newcastle Quayside

This year’s event celebrates its 40th birthday and is set to be the biggest EVER with over 13,000 kids taking part.

Look out for the stars of the UK hit show Gladiators who will be the official starters for this year’s event. Alex Gray (Apollo), Emily Steel (Dynamite), Matty Campbell (Bionic) and Sheli McCoy (Sabre) will be on hand to ring the famous starters bell and cheer on our young runners!

There are loads of activities going on throughout the day at the Quayside including brand new Tyney’s Town (garden games), sign making with Brooks and the Peter Rabbit™: Tales on the Tyne trail, with our very own Great North Bun (near the Millennium Bridge) . You might also get a glimpse (and maybe even high-five) from our official mascot Tyney the Tortoise and AJ Bell's mascot Investabell.

Red Arrows flyover – Sunday, 10:50

An institution of the Great North Run, the Red Arrows RETURN once again!

Watch their Flypast over the city as runners start the 2026 AJ Bell Great North Run, before the 13.1 mile journey to the finish line at South Sheilds.

ALONG THE ROUTE

The event is famous for its unforgettable atmosphere and 13.1 miles of unbeatable support, with music and live bands to motivate runners and keep their legs pumping from start to finish. From drummers to steel pan groups, charity cheering buses and guitarists, bands this year will provide the ultimate playlist and entertainment galore to give runners a boost when they need it most.

You can view the entertainment map here

Sunday for Sammy

Sunday for Sammy will once again be showcasing some of the region’s talent at the “Bands on the Run Stage” located on the Gateshead side of the iconic Tyne Bridge. Runners will be entertained as they pound past the stage with musicians, bands and performers playing live. For more information visit https://www.sundayforsammy.org/ 

Famous Faces

A stellar line up of celebrities are all set to join the 63,000 runners. From football legends to Paralympians, Traitors to TV faves, runners taking part in this year’s AJ Bell Great North Run will be rubbing shoulders with a host of familiar faces including;

• Football personality Chris Kamara will be joined by TV host and close friend Ben Shepherd
• The UK’s favourite fitness coach Joe Wicks 
• Paralympian Richard Whitehead MBE
• Football manager, pundit and former player Peter Reid
• BBC Morning Live presenter Helen Skelton
• BBC Traitors season 4 stars Rachel Duffy, Sam Little, Reece Ward, Amanda Collier
• Singer and TV personality Jake Quickenden
• BBC news anchor Sophie Rayworth
• Radio presenter and influencer Adele Roberts 
• Actors Neil Grainger and Harriett Bibby 
• Singer Joe McElderry

GETTING THERE

It's important to remember that the start and finish lines of the AJ Bell Great North Run are 13.1 miles apart, so planning your travel to and from the event is really important.

It's also worth noting the road closures in place, which may affect your plans for where you'd like to spectate and cheer on the runners.

The smartest way to plan your travel is with the Great North Run Travel Assistant. With tailored routing and event-specific options, this will make low-carbon travel simple. Use the tool to plan your travel from home or accommodation on the day, or in advance, just be sure to adjust the journey time to reflect when you’re planning your trip.

Set your wave as your destination to see the specific access routes for your start-line and look out for the map marker toggle feature at the top right of the travel assistant to find facilities.

The tool includes local public transport options making it easy to plan your journey.  Be sure to click “Get Live Updates” to be kept in the loop if any journeys change. Plan your journey here.

TRACK YOUR RUNNER – LIVE!

Our top tip for the AJ Bell Great North Run is to track your runner using our free Great Run app which you can download for free on the App Store or Google Play > https://rtrt.me/app/GRA

Simply enter your runner’s name or run number to start tracking them. You’ll receive alerts for when they start and finish, plus when they cross key distance markers like 5k, 10k & half way, and  see their predicted finish time to help you plan for their arrival.

Please note: Due to the sheer volume of people at the start and finish, mobile signal can be intermittent.  There is a runners reunion area a short distance past the finish line.

JOIN THE AMAZING SOCIAL COMMUNITY

Don't miss out on all the latest announcements, event news, competitions and useful information on our social channels.

We’d also love to see your pictures and reels from the day, so tag us on social.

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/GreatNorthRunGNR
Instagram https://www.instagram.com/great_run/
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@great_run
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/GreatRunTV

USEFUL LINKS

There is also a full Event Guide and Spectator Guide available on the Great North Run website.