AJ Bell Great North Run 2026: The World's Biggest Half Marathon

On September 13, 2026, 63,000 runners will toe the start line of the AJ Bell Great North Run, the world's biggest and best half marathon. From Newcastle to South Shields, this legendary route combines urban heritage, electric atmosphere, and a spectacular North Sea finish. Since 1981, over 1.4 million finishers have crossed that coastal finish line.

AJ Bell Great North Run 2026 by the numbers

Distance: 21.1 km (half marathon) Elevation gain: 123 m Date: Sunday, September 13, 2026 Location: Start Newcastle upon Tyne (A167), finish South Shields Expected participants: 60,000 runners Price: Approximately £68 via official ballot (charity places vary from £20 to £65 depending on the organization)

The route follows a traditional city-to-coast point-to-point path, with no loop or doubling back. You run southeast from Newcastle city centre straight to the coastline.

Course breakdown

Kilometres 0-5: Start and Tyne Bridge crossing

The Great North Run starts on the A167 close to Claremont Road. 60,000 runners fill the central motorway: a surreal sight. The route passes Jesmond, Haymarket, Monument, and Central Station before the iconic moment.

At roughly kilometre 2.4, you reach the Tyne Bridge. If you're in an early wave, the Red Arrows roar overhead at around 11:30am, trailing red, white, and blue smoke. The crowd roars, the bridge vibrates. This is one of the most famous moments in world running. After the bridge, you enter Gateshead.

The profile descends on this section, tempting you to charge out fast. Resist.

Kilometres 5-13: Gateshead and the Jarrow climb

Around kilometre 5, you pass the renowned Gateshead Stadium, then the course continues on the A184 through Heworth. At kilometre 13, you pass the A19 interchange and enter South Tyneside.

Many runners report that miles 8-12 (km 13-19) are the toughest section – there's quite a bit of uphill during this stretch. This is the gradual climb through Jarrow then up Marsden Bank. The course follows the A1300 past Whiteleas and Centenary Avenue, a false flat that stretches and wears down your legs.

This is where races unravel if you went out too fast.

Kilometres 19-21.1: The coastal reward

Just past Marsden Lane, around kilometre 19, you turn onto the A183. The North Sea appears at mile 12 (km 19), and from there it's a flat-ish run along the Coast Road (A183) to the finish on South Shields seafront.

Prince Edward Road offers a flat final mile with crowds cheering you toward the finish line with the refreshing sea breeze in your face. After a final mile-long seafront stretch, 60,000 runners cross the finish line at South Shields. You've earned this.

What weather to expect

Mid-September in Newcastle brings typical autumn conditions. Based on historical averages, expect maximum temperatures around 17°C and minimums of 10°C during the day. There's roughly a 50-50 chance of rain (46% probability of notable precipitation), averaging 2.3 mm. Wind can gust up to 20 km/h.

Prepare layers: a technical shirt, possibly removable arm sleeves. If rain is forecast, pack a light waterproof jacket you can check or discard on course. It rarely gets very hot, which is actually a performance advantage, but it's not always dry. Hydrate regularly at aid stations.

Race strategy and tips

Pace management: don't get caught

The Tyne Bridge descent around kilometre 2.4 and the crowd euphoria tempt you to charge. The course rewards runners who start conservatively. The downhill Tyne Bridge crossing at mile 1.5 tempts you to bank time, but you'll pay for it between kilometres 13 and 19.

Start 5-10 seconds per kilometre slower than your target pace for the first six kilometres. You'll make it up easily in the final descent.

Nutrition and aid stations

Water stations are positioned along the course. Drink regularly, especially if conditions are mild. Plan your gels or energy bars for kilometres 10 and 16: just before and during the tough climb.

Don't try anything new on race day. Use what you've tested in training.

The kilometre 13-19 trap

This is the breaking zone. The climb is gradual, not brutal, but it seems never-ending. Maintain steady effort, don't fight the gradient. Accept a slight slowdown; you'll recover that time later. Look ahead, not at the ground.

Logistics: wave starts and transport

When you receive your race number, you'll also be assigned a wave (striped, orange, green or pink). Your wave colour will determine all kinds of essential information, including your arrival time, arrival route, and assembly time. Your race pack will be sent out in the post approximately 3 weeks before the event.

The course is point-to-point: you won't finish where you started. Public transport is recommended as there will be several road closures in place. Plan your return from South Shields to Newcastle (shuttles, metro). Expect queues.

What makes this race special

The Red Arrows have become a popular sight at the Great North Run ever since their first fly over in 2002. This aerial display over the Tyne Bridge is one of the most iconic images in British running. The distinctive roar when the Red Arrows soar over the Tyne Bridge and along the South Shields seafront, is always a memorable moment.

The atmosphere is legendary. Live music, cheer zones, charity stands, even karaoke spots on the course. The inclusive atmosphere, on-route entertainment and warm Geordie welcome are famous. Millions of pounds are raised each year for charitable causes.

Since 1981, the Great North Run has captured the imagination of runners across the globe, growing from its first start line on the streets of Newcastle into an event that has welcomed over 1.4 million finishers. The 2026 edition will be the 45th.

Getting encouragement during the Great North Run with Cobbr

Kilometres 13 to 19, when the road climbs through Jarrow and your legs start to feel heavy—that's when encouragement really matters. Cobbr lets your loved ones record voice messages that trigger automatically at the kilometre of their choice during your race. At kilometre 15, when the gradient seems endless, hearing the voice of your partner, your kids, or your friends can give you the energy to push on. They choose the moment, you get the boost exactly when you need it.

AJ Bell Great North Run FAQ

What's the distance of the Great North Run?

The Great North Run distance is 13.1 miles, or 21.1 kilometres, the full half marathon.

Is it a tough course?

It is undulating rather than hilly, with around 130 metres of climbing in total. The main efforts are the rise through Gateshead in mile two and the climb between miles 11 and 12; after that it is downhill and flat to the line. Most first-timers find it a fair course when paced sensibly.

Are there time cutoffs?

Official cutoff information is communicated in the race guide sent before the event. The course stays open for several hours, welcoming runners of all levels.

Is the Great North Run suitable for first-time half marathoners?

Absolutely. Thousands of runners complete their first half marathon here every year. The profile is challenging but manageable with proper training. The atmosphere literally carries first-timers.

What's the weather usually like in mid-September?

Around 17°C maximum, 10°C minimum, with a 50-50 chance of rain. Cool, changeable conditions typical of autumn in North East England. Perfect for running, less so for sunbathing.

Can I receive personalized encouragement during the race?

Yes, with Cobbr, your loved ones record voice messages that trigger automatically at the kilometres you choose. Perfect for tough moments like the Jarrow climb.

The AJ Bell Great North Run isn't just a race; it's a collective experience that 60,000 runners share each year. From the roar of the Red Arrows over the Tyne Bridge to the sight of the North Sea at kilometre 19, every step of this Newcastle-South Shields route tells a story. Train well, manage your pace, and savour every moment of this legendary day.