The AJ Bell Great North Run, is set to take place on Sunday September 7th 2025. This iconic event continues to draw almost 60,000 runners each year, highlighting its global appeal and incredible atmosphere. General entry spots are known to sell out quickly, reflecting the high demand for this unforgettable race experience!

First held in 1981, The Great North Run stands as one of the most iconic events on the UK running calendar. The point-to-point route begins in the heart of Newcastle and leads runners through Gateshead, finishing on the stunning coastline of South Shields. Along the way, participants pass over the Tyne Bridge and are cheered on by thousands of spectators, live bands, and enthusiastic charity supporters. The event is famous not just for its scale, but for its electric energy and sense of community, making it a must-run for beginners, competitive athletes, and charity runners alike.

For the latest updates, make sure to visit the official Great North Run website. You’ll find information about bib collection, wave starts, travel, and other important race-day logistics. If you have any questions, it’s best to contact the race support team early to avoid last-minute stress.

Don’t forget to connect with your fellow Runna Community also taking part, inside the Runna app! To do this, head to your Runna app > Community tab > Explore All > Races & Events, search for AJ Bell Great North Run, and join the dedicated space. It's the perfect space to ask all of your race-related questions ahead of the big day, including course tips, nutritional advice and taper week training support! Or simply click the button below to jump right in!

It goes without saying that packing your running shoes, clothing and any nutrition you'll be taking is an essential step for your preparation! If you're traveling on the day, staying overnight or longer, you may need more items, but here's a few helpful options for race day itself to consider:

Wear your race-day outfit before you set off for the race, it’s important to feel comfortable and confident in what you're wearing. London in July is typically known for mild summer weather, though the sun often makes a strong appearance on race day! Temperatures generally range from 15°C to 25°C (59°F to 77°F), making it a pleasant but potentially warm month for events, so be prepared for warmer conditions than you might expect. Light, breathable clothing, a cap, and sun protection are smart choices to help you stay cool and comfortable throughout the run. Keep this in mind when packing race day fit options! Top Tip: pin your race number onto your kit the night before, to save any last-minute stress in the morning!

Pack any gels, chews, or snacks you’ve used in training. There is no mention of water stations on the course, so we suggest bringing a hand-held water bottle or wearing a hydration vest if you think you may need water more frequently. There will be refresh near the start pens (on Pall Mall) as well as the aid stations.

It is a good idea to bring an old jumper and maybe even a waterproof to the start line to keep warm and dry. It can be chilly early in London, even if the forecast is bright and mild for the rest of the day. We would suggest bringing some warm clothes which you can then discard at the start line.

Charge your phone, watch, and headphones the night before. Download any necessary playlists which will get you through those tougher moments.

During the week leading up to your race, keep it simple with high-carb, familiar foods like pasta, rice, bread, and potatoes to keep energy up and your stomach happy. Carb-loading can help you feel fueled without overdoing it: spread your carbs throughout the day and stick with foods you’ve enjoyed in training. Avoid anything too fatty, spicy, or brand new - it’s not the time for surprises! Stay well-hydrated, and skip alcohol for a good night’s sleep. Rest, hydrate, and feel ready to hit the ground running!

We've got some more information on race week nutrition here!

Some runners find a short, easy run the day before helps shake out the legs and calm the nerves. If this has worked for you in the past, go for it! If not, consider some light foam rolling or stretching instead. Maybe a walk to keep those legs fresh could also be an option!

Once you're packed, fueled, and hydrated, consider adding a light mobility session to your bedtime routine. Stretching can help release any tension and prepare you for a restful sleep before race day.

The AJ Bell Great North Run begins on the A167 road just outside Newcastle City Centre. The event officially opens at 8:00 AM, with mass warm-ups starting at 10:40 AM (subject to confirmation). The AJ Bell Great North Run has two starting locations, Town Moore & Claremont Road. Please check your Runners pack for specific location information!

To ensure you reach your starting zone on time you need to be at the starting point and assembly area on the A167 by 10:25 AM. Your AJ Bell Great North Run Runners Pack will provide details of your starting point, zone, and your specific time wave start time.

Please see information below from the race organizers from their official website:

Make sure to get that alarm set, and we recommend finishing any preparation the night before. The morning will be for fueling, traveling, and managing that excited/nervous energy!

Run numbers will be mailed out approximately two weeks before the event. Your wave colour and start time are indicated on your run number. If you haven't received your run number or have misplaced it, visit the information point at The Guildhall at the bottom of Sandhill (Newcastle Quayside) on Saturday, September 7th, to collect a replacement. Details on the specific information points can be found on p.9 of the Event Guide!

We'd urge you to plan your journey well in advance. The start line is on the A167 near Claremont Road (postcode NE2 4AA). The three closest metro stations are 'Haymarket', 'Jesmond' & 'Monument'. From Haymarket, the start area is a 20-25 minute walk. Alternatively, parking in the city centre or South Gosforth might be an option, followed by a walk across the town moor. If you need more information on metro stations please visit p.12 of the Event Guide!

The 13.1-mile route starts in central Newcastle on the A167. As 60,000 runners cross the starting line, you'll run pass Jesmond, Haymarket, Monument, and Central Station before reaching the Tyne Bridge. Crossing the river Tyne, taking in the famous Newcastle Quayside and entering Gateshead, with a slightup hill before passing Gateshead Stadium around mile 3. At mile 6, the route shifts to the A194, leading into South Tyneside past the A19 interchange at mile 8. The A1300 takes participants past Whiteleas and Centenary Avenue, transitioning onto the A183 just past Marsden Lane at mile 12. In South Shields, with just over a mile to go you'll be running along the iconic Prince Edward Road up until the finishing gantry which will be packed with family and friends.
​

Nailing your pacing can make all the difference between a strong finish and a painful last few miles. Break up the race into 3 x 7km chunks. The first 7k is the 'easy' or 'free' section. At this point, you're feeling fresh and it should be relatively easy to hold your target pace. The second 7km is the 'hard' section, by this point, you'll start to feel fatigued, focus on by the time you reach 14km you're two-thirds done!

The final 7km is the fun bit! You'll be physically tired, however, if you can get your mindset that it's the final stretch, it'll be easier to maintain good form and enjoy the rest of the race! If you've got more in the tank, increase your pace now, rather than saving it all for the final 1km.

By now you've certainly got plenty of experience recording your runs using Runna! We'd advise using the same method as you've been training with, just like mentioned above, sticking to the same device and testing this ahead of time too!
​
Due to the sheer volume of your fellow runners with their devices too, you'll perhaps find clashes and issues with your GPS. Don't panic, trust your innate pacing from your experiences in training, and race pace taper reps and let things settle during your run!

You may also find that your completed run may be a little delayed uploading to Runna, as well as GPS hiccups or more, so be sure to save your activity and try refreshing your app with a good Wi-Fi connection or strong signal a little later! Reach out to our Customer Experience team if you have further issues, where we'll be glad to help!

Check out more tips on how to troubleshoot common GPS issues here too!

One of the trickiest things on race day is meeting up with any friends or family who have come with you or are supporting on the day! Leave any spectate spots planning for them, focusing on your run, and let them tell you where you might see them on the night before!

After being presented with your medal and goodie bag you'll find yourself on Gypsies Green by the beach in South Shields! With the huge numbers of people all recording their runs and sending congratulatory messages and more, it's not uncommon to have problems with both your phone signal and GPS location finding/sharing. Be sure to choose a meeting point in advance, perhaps at the event village, to meet up with your friends more easily!

You've crossed the finish line, congratulations! Now it's time to celebrate, recover and remember the day fondly.

Hydrating, having a snack and loosening your shoelaces make for a good start in the immediate aftermath of your race. Pop on a warmer layer that you packed, or even your race day shirt - make sure everyone can see your medal (you've earned it!) and have a gentle stretch. Following the typical recovery from the long runs you've completed in training may not be as easy as normal with the excitement of post-race atmosphere, but be sure to take care of yourself!

Once you have finished submit your race details to our weekly race round-up form found here to be featured on our Instagram!

Best of luck with your 2025 AJ Bell Great North Run, and most importantly, have fun! You've GOT this! 💪

Take in the sights and have the best time - we will be with you every step of the way.

Check out the video below for some more of our Coaches' top tips for race day!