The big day is almost here, and we want to answer any of your event day questions so you can focus on enjoying your run and soaking up the atmosphere. Any information you might need before the big day is included in this guide. Up to date event information can also be found here For event updates and to follow all the action on event day, join the conversation on social media - just make sure you use
Because we’re a Which? Recommended Provider six years running .
Calling all future running stars! The theme of this year’s AJ Bell Great Run kids’ events is ‘Finding your Superpower’…
We want each and every one of our young runners and spectators to feel empowered and discover their own superpower – whether this is racing, fundraising or being a superstar spectator.
As well as striving to be their best, we’re also inviting our enthusiastic runners (big and small!) to come in superhero fancy dress! We’re thinking capes, eye masks and something else to showcase your own power. Expect exciting race starters and an engaging post-run event village where runners and spectators can engage with exhibitors to discover new superpowers!
Tyney the Tortoise, our official Great Run mascot, will be joining us again this year too so look out for them and AJ Bell’s brand new mascot, ‘Investabell’ at the start, finish and in the event village!”
Assembly opens approximately 20 minutes before each wave start time.
07:00 Great North Run Event Village & JGNR site Opens
08:45 Mini Great North Run Wave 1 Start – Pink
09:25 Mini Great North Run Wave 2 Start – Orange
10:05 Mini Great North Run Wave 3 Start – Green
10:45 Mini Great North Run Wave 4 Start – Blue
11:25 Mini Great North Run Wave 5 Start – Yellow
12:05 Mini Great North Run Wave 6 Start – Red
12:45 Mini Great North Run Wave 7 Start – Purple
13:20 Mascot Dash Start (Finish Straight)
13:25 Mini50 Starts (Finish Straight)
13:40 Wheelchair Race Start
14:10 Junior Great North Run for Girls Start (Orange) - (9-10yrs)
14:50 Junior Great North Run for Boys Start (Orange) - (9-10yrs)
15:30 Junior Great North Run for Girls Start (Green) - (11-12yrs)
16:10 Junior Great North Run for Boys Start (Green) - (11-12yrs)
16:50 Junior Great North Run for Boys Start (Red) - (15-16yrs)
16:55 Junior Great North Run for Girls Start (Red) - (15-16yrs)
17:00 Junior Great North Run for Boys Start (Blue) - (13-14yrs)
17:05 Junior Great North Run for Girls Start (Blue) - (13-14yrs)
18:15 Great North Run Event Village Closes
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 several road closures in place for the weekend. You can see a full list here .
The event starts and finishes on the Newcastle side of the river.
The start, at the bottom of Dean Street, is a short walk (approx. 10 minutes) from Central Station and Gateshead Metro Station. Up to three children under the age of 11 can travel for free on Metro and Shields Ferry services when accompanied by a fare-paying adult, see nexus.org for more details.
If you’re walking from Gateshead there will be access across the Swing Bridge to the bottom of Dean Street. However, should you need to park close by there are plenty of car parks and on-street parking options available. You can find more information on parking in Newcastle city centre here .
Any travel updates will be added to the website, so please check the event page here , ahead of the event.
Once your run pack has arrived through the post (approximately 2 weeks before the event), you’ll have everything you need - you do not need to visit the information point on event day to register.
Simply attach your run number (which has your timing chip attached if you are a Junior runner) to the front of your brand-new t-shirt or running top with safety pins and you’re all set! Your designated arrival time will be detailed on your run number along with your wave colour and start time.
All adults attending the event must wear their ‘accompanying adult bib’.
Please Note: If your pack has not arrived, you will need to visit the information point on event day.
This information point is in the Guildhall Car Park (NE1 3AF) , outside Hard Rock Café and will be open from 07:00 am on event day.
There will be no changing or baggage facilities provided on the day. Please arrive ready to go and carry minimal belongings where possible.
When arriving at the event, please make your way to the assembly area on the Newcastle side of the Quayside. This will be clearly signed (see start map for details). You will need to show your number to gain access. If an adult is running with you, they will need to be wearing the “Accompanying Adult” bib too.
Your assembly area will open 20 minutes before your start time. The Quayside will be busy so please allow plenty of time to get to the start line.
Please use all the allocated space and move forward to allow other runners to assemble behind you. When you hear the air horn, please be patient! Everyone is running the same race, and you will all get to cross the finish line.
The course is suitable for wheelchair users and there is a dedicated wheelchair start on the 1.2K course. Participants in a self-propelled wheelchair will be automatically allocated to this wave. Other wheelchair participants have the option to enter this wave or take part in the age-specific mass waves.
The route will involve going over the Millennium Bridge, involving an adverse camber, so those choosing to participate may want to be accompanied by an adult support runner – all participants should take special care on sections that might be tricky at high speed.
All runners will start by crossing the Swing Bridge (see course map for details). Junior runners will then do an out and back section towards the Redheugh Bridge, before re-joining the Mini route, heading along the Gateshead Quayside, past the Sage Gateshead and the Baltic Centre for Contemporary Art.
All participants will run across the Millennium Bridge before their big finish on the Newcastle Quayside, near the Law Courts.
Mini runners must be accompanied by an adult around the course.
All Junior runners will be timed and will be able to check their time on the website here after the event. Your timing chip is attached to the back of your run number. Please don’t remove the chip – it will affect the accuracy of your time. The chip will automatically record your time for you, so you don’t need to do anything else. And remember, your chip doesn’t need to be returned at the end of the run.
All participants will finish on the Newcastle side of the Quayside. When you cross the finish line please don’t stop immediately, as there could still be more runners behind you. Keep moving and collect your exclusive finisher medal and goodie bag.
To ensure accompanying adults and children are reunited easily and quickly there is a reunion area at the finish. The reunion area will have 4 exits for participants to leave through with large signposts labelling the exits A, B, C or D – which correspond to the letter on your run number. You must exit through the gate that corresponds to the letter on your run number. Our stewards will help to guide you out of the correct exit gate.
Parents or guardians not running with a child can stand outside of the reunion area at the correct exit gate until the child finishes.
A missing persons point is located outside of the Law Courts. If you come across a missing person please contact the nearest event steward, official or police officer. Medical facilities are also located here, please contact a medic or steward if you need help at any time.
Complete the day’s Great Run experience with a trip to the Event Village, located across Newcastle Quayside. You will find our selection of food vendors on the riverside between Lombard Street and King Street. Guildhall Car Park will contain our exhibitor’s area and our Come Try It activity zone will be located within the Riverside car park, just under the Swing Bridge.
The areas are open to everyone from 07:00-18:15. You’ll find a range of exhibitors for everyone to enjoy, including food and drink stalls and fun activities for children. Be sure to pop along to check out the stands.
You can refuel or carb load with a range of local food stands;
• Fire & Dough
• The Street Coffee Co.
• Acropolis
Here you will find;
• Great Run Info Point
• Jog On shoe recycling drop off point - please bring along pairs of your old/unwanted shoes for JogOn to ensure they don’t go into landfill. Instead, they are given a new home for people and groups who need them most. All shoes are accepted.
• Junior/Mini Merchandise – come and get your hands on a Tyney mascot teddy or your very own Junior/Mini hoody.
• Network Rail – Promotion of rail safety.
• Scimitar – Official AJ Bell Great North Run merchandise provider.
• Foster North East – Promotion of foster services.
• Adopt North East - Promotion of adoption services.
• Wagamama – Food & Juice sampling.
• Mitchum – 360-Camera Photo opportunity & sampling.
• Red Sky Foundation - Children’s entertainment and CPR education equipment to demonstrate lifesaving skills to families and participants.
There will be some exciting activities to try throughout the day, including:
• Aqua Pura – Roller Ball Derby game and more
• Children’s Cancer North with some fun activities
• Mini Athletics Newcastle offering a variety of athletics sessions
We are delighted to be hosting the Mini 50 for the 5th consecutive year and can’t wait to welcome you on the 7th of September. This event offers the opportunity for children, who might not be able to take part in the Junior and Mini age group events due to specific needs, to experience the thrill of the finish line at the UK’s biggest running event.
Prior to the event, you will receive a run number and t-shirt in the post. On the big day, the route will start on the Newcastle side of the Quayside within the finish straight heading towards and across the finish line where you’ll receive your well-earnt medal – it’s all flat and it starts 50 metres from the finish-line.
We are constantly reviewing our sustainability and recycling practices and have made a concerted effort to reduce the amount of waste from plastic and other materials across the entire event. We work with local partners to remove waste from the Great Run site. This isn’t just limited to plastic but includes cardboard, wooden pallets, medals and signage. We’re asking you to help us out and please use the recycling bins on site to discard of any waste accordingly. In case you were wondering, we also reuse generic signage and keep using it for as long as we can, and our outdated signage is fully recycled. Clothing discarded by runners at the start of the race is collected and donated to local charities.
As part of our drive to improve sustainability at the event, there will be no bottled water at the start area. So, please arrive hydrated, having had enough water before getting to the start. If you do feel like you’ll want a drink just before you run, make sure to bring your own supply, which you may carry with you while you run. Whilst bringing a reusable water bottle would be best, if you are bringing a single-use plastic bottle please make sure you throw it in the clearly marked recycling bins that you’ll find at the start and finish.
Make sure you are healthy enough to take part in your run. Don’t run if you are feeling unwell or have been ill recently. Don’t be tempted to start just because you have collected sponsorship to raise money for charity.
Stay warm - You can bring warm clothes to wear and ask your parent or guardian to look after them while you run.
Protect your skin - Use weather-resistant suncream, but not too much – you don’t want it running into your eyes as you sweat.
Rehydrate - Take a drink as soon as you can after crossing the finish line.
FROM THE AJ BELL JUNIOR & MINI GREAT NORTH RUN TEAM AND OUR PARTNERS