Was your New Year’s resolution to hop onto the half marathon hype? Now’s your chance to actually go through with it. With 60,000 participants each year (for comparison, 53,000 people took part in the 2024 London Marathon), the Great North Run in Newcastle is one of the largest half marathon events in the world. And the ballot for the 2025 event is now open.
The 13.1 mile route takes runners from Jesmond in Newcastle city centre all the way to the coastline at South Shields. You’ll cross Tyne Bridge, pass Gateshead Stadium, jog along the river and take in views of the shimmering Glasshouse International Centre for Music.
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If the cardio part isn’t enough of a pull for you (fair enough), there will also be a variety of high-tempo music bands station themselves along the route to help keep people’s legs pumping. In the past the entertainment has included steel pan orchestras, saxophone troupes and traditional Latin bands.
Tempted? Here’s all the info you need about applying for the Great North Run 2025.
When is the Great North Run 2025?
This year’s event is taking place on Sunday, September 7.
How to enter the Great North Run 2025
To be in with a chance of running this year’s Great North Run, you need to enter the ballot. It opened on January 6th and you have until 2pm on Wednesday, January 15 to apply.
Aspiring Great North runners will be asked to submit personal and payment details. A payment will only be taken from your bank account if you’re successful in the ballot.
The ballot will be drawn on Thursday, January 16 and applicants should get an email confirming whether or not they’ve made it in on the same day.
How much does it cost to enter?
If you make it through the ballot, you’ll have to pay £65 to secure your place in the Great North Run 2025.
Time Out in Newcastle
While you’re in the ’Toon for the Great North Run, why not make a weekend out of it? Here are some of the best places to check out for a well-earned post-race meal and these are all the best things to do in the city once you get your energy back.
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