© AJ Bell Great North Run
How to register for the AJ Bell Great North Run
12/03/2026 16:08Running 21.097 km from the heart of Newcastle to the seaside in South Shields, under the spectacle of Royal Air Force jets flying over 60,000 runners… The AJ Bell Great North Run is more than just a half marathon. It’s a true institution in the UK and a major event on the international running calendar. Since its first edition in 1981, it has become the largest half marathon in the world, with 60,000 participants. Every year, hundreds of thousands of runners dream of taking part, but securing a spot is already an achievement. Lottery, membership, charity entry, tour operators… here’s the complete guide to getting your bib for the Great North Run.
✓ How do you register for the Great North Run? Here’s how to get a bib and when to act.
| The biggest half marathon in the world
60,000 runners on the старт line. A staggering number. The Great North Run is a massive, vibrant event where elite Kenyan and Ethiopian athletes share the course with first-time runners chasing their first medal. Since 1981, millions have run this iconic route between Newcastle and South Shields—and the hype keeps growing.
The race starts on the A167 near Claremont Road, right in the heart of Newcastle. Over 21.097 km, runners pass through lively neighborhoods, typical northern England landscapes, and finish along the South Shields seafront. A finish facing the North Sea, with heavy legs. Few races offer such a cinematic running experience.
On the elite side, the field always matches the event’s reputation. Top distance runners from around the world are drawn by the race’s prestige and prize money. For amateurs, running the Great North Run means becoming part of a British tradition that goes far beyond chasing a time.
| The lottery: the main way to get a bib
Like most major running events, entry to the Great North Run primarily goes through a ballot (lottery). It’s open to everyone, with no time qualification required.
For the 2026 edition:
➜ Lottery opens: January 5
➜ Lottery closes: January 11
➜ Results announced: January 12
The window is very short—just one week. If you’re targeting 2027, mark these dates now and sign up for the official newsletter to be notified. Spots go fast and deadlines are strict. Registration is done online via the official race website.
Important: make sure you have sufficient funds in your account when entering the lottery, as payment is automatically processed if you’re selected.
| Other ways to secure a bib
Good news: the lottery isn’t the only option. Several alternatives exist depending on your profile and preferences.
Great North Run Membership
This is the most comfortable option if you want guaranteed entry. With a membership, you skip the lottery entirely and get priority access to registration.
Two options were available for 2026–2027:
➜ GNR Member — £85: guaranteed entry for 2026 and 2027, exclusive technical top, free race photo, 10% discount on another Great Run event, and a £10 store voucher
➜ GNR Plus — £125: same benefits plus discounts on 3 events, a £15 voucher, a free iTAB, and entry to the Great North 10K
Note: both options sold out quickly. Membership will be key to watch for future editions.
Running for charity
This is by far the most common alternative for those not selected in the lottery—and often the most meaningful. Every year, runners raise around £25 million for charity. Yes, £25 million.
How it works:
✔ Choose a partner charity from the official list
✔ Register via the charity’s website
✔ Commit to a fundraising target (amount varies)
✔ Create your fundraising page
There are many charities across health, social, and environmental causes—you’ll definitely find one that resonates with you.
| Entry fee
The standard entry fee is £68. If you have a membership, this fee is added on top of the membership cost. Members receive a unique link to finalize registration before the deadline (December 8 for 2026). For charity runners, the bib is usually included in the fundraising package.
| The course: beautiful but demanding
Don’t be fooled by the festive atmosphere—the Great North Run has character, and some sections can be tough if you’re not prepared. This is not a flat half marathon.
The route from Newcastle to South Shields is quite undulating. Organizers clearly state that miles 8 to 12 are the toughest, with a series of climbs that catch many runners off guard. Those who go out too fast on the early downhill sections often pay the price here.
However, the final kilometers offer a welcome downhill, and the last stretch along the seafront is unforgettable. Finishing facing the North Sea, with crowds lining the coast—it’s the kind of moment that makes all the training worth it.
Key info – AJ Bell Great North Run 2026
- Date: Sunday, September 13, 2026
- Start: Newcastle upon Tyne (A167, Claremont Road)
- Finish: South Shields (seafront)
- Participants: 60,000 runners
- Distance: 21.097 km (13.1 miles)
- Profile: hilly, demanding
- Elevation gain: 120 m
- Average temperature: 12–16°C
- Course records: Martin Mathathi (58:56) and Brigid Kosgei (1:04:28)
- Price: from £68
| Race day experience: a perfectly organized event
Managing 60,000 runners requires precision—and the Great North Run delivers.
✔ Start waves are assigned based on your estimated time. You can move to a slower wave, but never to a faster one.
✔ Bag drop is organized via buses in your Runners Hub. Fill out your tag before arriving. Bags are collected in South Shields using your bib.
✔ Bib numbers are sent by mail about 4 weeks before the race and include the timing chip. If not received, you can collect it on-site (bring ID).
✔ The Great Run app allows live tracking, so your supporters can follow you in real time.
And then there are the Red Arrows—the Royal Air Force aerobatic team flying over the старт line. A guaranteed goosebumps moment, even for seasoned marathoners.
| In summary: what strategy should you adopt?
➜ No bib for 2026? Charity entry is still possible
➜ Targeting 2027? Sign up for alerts and enter the ballot in early January
➜ Want guaranteed entry? Watch for membership reopening for 2027–2028
➜ Traveling internationally? Check specialized travel agencies offering packages
The Great North Run is one of those bucket-list races you never forget. 45 years of history, 60,000 runners, Red Arrows overhead, and a seaside finish… Some running experiences are worth fighting for. This is definitely one of them.
✔ Find all registration details for the AJ Bell Great North Run
Clément LABORIEUX
Journalist
