Great North Run: Travel Guide & Planning Your Weekend
9th July 2026
As one of the world’s most well-known half marathons, the Great North Run attracts tens of thousands of runners and spectators each year. Whether you’re taking on the challenge yourself or supporting friends and family from the sidelines, planning ahead can make your Great North Run weekend far more enjoyable.
From choosing the right place to stay to understanding the best ways to travel around the North East on race weekend, we can help you make sure you’ve got all the details planned before you arrive. With a little preparation, you can spend more time soaking up the incredible atmosphere that makes the Great North Run such a memorable event.
Great North Run: Event Information
The Great North Run is one of the world’s most famous half marathons, bringing together runners, spectators and volunteers for an unforgettable weekend in the North East. Renowned for its incredible atmosphere and enthusiastic crowds, the event has become a highlight of the UK’s sporting calendar, welcoming participants of all ages and abilities each year.
- Distance: 13.1 miles (21.1 km) – standard half marathon distance
- Location: Starts in Newcastle upon Tyne and finishes in South Shields
- When: Held annually each September
- Participants: Around 60,000 runners take part each year
- Who can enter: Open to runners of all abilities, from elite athletes to first-time participants.
- Spectators: Hundreds of thousands of supporters line the route, creating one of the UK’s most celebrated sporting atmospheres
- Famous landmarks: The route crosses the iconic Tyne Bridge before heading through Gateshead towards the coast
- Finish line: Located on the South Shields seafront, where runners receive their medal and can enjoy the event village
Great North Run 2026 Details
The 2026 Great North Run will take place on Sunday 13 September, with runners and spectators descending on the North East for one of the UK's most anticipated sporting events.
This year, 63,000 participants will be taking place, and the race will start at 10:50am.
As race weekend approaches, organisers will release important information covering start times, race pack collection, entertainment, spectator guidance and event-day logistics. Please view the official website below for more details.
Planning your Great North Run weekend
The key to a successful Great North Run weekend is planning ahead. Taking a little time to organise your schedule before you arrive will help you stay focused on enjoying the event, whether you’re running or supporting from the sidelines.
Start by checking the official event timetable and making a note of important timings, such as race start times, registration or race pack collection (if applicable), and any activities taking place across the weekend. Having a clear plan will help you avoid last-minute rushing and ensure you don’t miss any key parts of the event.
If you’re taking part in the run, make sure you’ve packed everything you’ll need well in advance, including your race bib, running kit, suitable footwear and any nutrition or hydration essentials. It’s also worth checking the weather forecast a few days before so you can dress appropriately and make any last-minute adjustments.
Finally, give yourself time to soak up the atmosphere. The Great North Run is much more than race day itself, with thousands of runners, supporters and volunteers creating a memorable atmosphere throughout the weekend. Building a little extra time into your plans means you can enjoy the experience without feeling rushed.
How to Get to the Great North Run
The easiest way to travel to the Great North Run is by using public transport. The Tyne and Wear Metro operates additional services on race weekend, helping runners and spectators travel between Newcastle and South Shields. If you're travelling by train, Newcastle Central Station is well connected to destinations across the UK and provides easy access to the Metro network.
If you're driving, be aware that a number of roads close on race day and parking near the route is limited. If possible, we would recommend staying in a hotel in the North East if travelling from further away, as the morning traffic on race day can be very busy.
Great North Run Spectator Spots
Popular spots, including the Tyne Bridge and the finish in South Shields, attract large crowds, so arriving early will give you the best chance of finding a good viewing point. If you’re supporting a runner, choose your viewing location before race day and plan how you’ll get there.
Agree on a meeting place with your runner before the event for when they have finished the half marathon, as mobile phone signal can be unreliable when thousands of people are gathered in one place. Download the official event app if available before the event, as it can help you track your runner’s progress and estimate when they’ll reach key points along the route.
Choosing Accommodation for Great North Run
Where you choose to stay can have a big impact on your Great North Run weekend. While Newcastle city centre is a popular option, staying just outside the city can offer a more relaxed experience, with easier parking, quieter surroundings and convenient access to the event.
If you’re looking to be closer to the finish line, choosing accommodation along the coast can make post-race travel simpler, while locations further from the city provide a peaceful place to unwind after a busy day. With excellent transport links across the North East, staying outside Newcastle doesn’t mean missing out – it simply gives you the opportunity to enjoy race weekend at a more comfortable pace.
Our collection of inns across the region offers the perfect base for runners and supporters alike, whether you’re planning a one-night stay or making a weekend of your visit.
When to start planning for Great North Run 2027?
If you’re already looking ahead to the Great North Run 2027, mark your calendar for Sunday 5 September 2027.
Although the event is still some time away, it’s never too early to start planning, especially if you’re hoping to secure a place through the ballot or are running for a charity. Once you’ve secured your place, it’s worth booking your stay as soon as possible to give yourself the best choice of locations and avoid the last-minute rush. Planning ahead also gives you more time to organise your weekend, so you can focus on enjoying the event rather than worrying about the logistics.
The information in this article was accurate at the time of writing. We recommend checking official sources for the most current and complete information, as details may change after publication.