AJ Bell Great North Run Spectator Guide

A guide for spectators heading to the AJ Bell Great North Run.

FRIDAY 5TH - SUNDAY 7TH SEPTEMBER

SPECTATOR GUIDE 2025

The AJ Bell Great North Run Weekend is almost here, and we can’t wait for you to be part of it. This guide will make sure you don’t miss a moment of the fun, so read on to learn more about everything going on over the course of the weekend. Your support and encouragement makes a huge difference to every runner and helps create the unbeatable atmosphere the Great North Run is famous for. Be sure to get creative with supporter signs to cheer our runners to the finish line and share with us on socials – make sure you use #GreatNorthRun

We’re working closely with all local stakeholders, transport providers, emergency services and stewarding teams to ensure everyone’s safety across the Great North Run weekend. There will be a Police presence at the event to look after everyone – please go and say hello. Police officers and stewards are there to ensure the event is friendly and safe, so please don’t be concerned if you are approached by a member of the security team. And if you see something you’re unsure about on the day, please tell a steward or police officer.

GET THE EVENT DAY TRACKING APP

DON’T MISS A SECOND OF THE ACTION Download the Great Run Event Day app. All you need is a runner’s name or run number, and you can track multiple runners at the same time. Thanks to timing mats at mile intervals, tracking is super- accurate, and you’ll have lots of other info at your fingertips - average pace, expected finish time and more.

You can download the app for free on the App Store or Google Play.

To keep up to date on the latest news throughout the weekend, make sure to join the conversation on social media.

@GreatNorthRunGNR

@great_run

GreatRunTV

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ELITE INTERNATIONAL 5K RACES

This year’s 5K event will once again feature an elite curtain raiser, with some of the fastest runners from the UK and abroad competing in the Elite International 5k Races. Come along from 4.45pm to watch and cheer as elite athletics returns to the Newcastle-Gateshead Quayside. Find out more here . FRIDAY 5TH SEPTEMBER (16:45 ONWARDS)

FRIDAY 5TH SEPTEMBER (18:00 ONWARDS)

The AJ Bell Great North 5K will follow the exciting elite races. Be part of building an electric atmosphere and enjoy upbeat local entertainment & iconic Tyneside views. And once the race is over, make the most of the vibrant establishments on the Newcastle-Gateshead Quayside with a drink

- and a bite - or two. Find out more here .

Timetable 17:00 Elite Women Race 17:20 Elite Men Race 18:10 Great North 5k Start

This year the Brooks team will be on the Quayside to bring the energy with a live DJ, spin-the-wheel prizes, customise bag giveaways, a fun photobooth and much more. Don’t miss the action – look out for the big blue flags in the carpark by the Swing Bridge. FRIDAY AFTERNOON FUN

The AJ Bell Great North Run Weekend is almost here, and we can’t wait for you to be part of it. Your support and encouragement makes a huge difference to every runner and creates that famous, unbeatable atmosphere. There will be a wide range of fun activities for you to get involved with throughout the weekend, from seeing the red, white and blue streaks of the Red Arrows over the Tyne Bridge, as they head towards the coast for their performance at the finish, or browsing the Event Village, tucking into tasty treats and trying out some of the games arranged by our charity partners. This guide will make sure you don’t miss a moment of the fun, so read on to learn more about everything going on over the course of the weekend. Come along to the Quayside from 8:45 am and support the junior and mini runners throughout the day. Get a glimpse (and maybe even high- five) of official mascot Tyney the Tortoise at the start line, finish line and in the Event Village, and AJ Bell mascot Investabell will be there supporting runners too. Stars of the UK hit show Gladiators will be the official starters for this year’s event. Alex Gray (Apollo), Karenjeet Kaur Bains (Athena), Matty Campbell (Bionic) and Sheli McCoy (Sabre) will be on hand to ring the famous starters bell and cheer on our young runners! To keep up-to-date on the latest news throughout the weekend, make sure to join the conversation on social media. SATURDAY 6TH SEPTEMBER (08:00 ONWARDS) This year’s event is set to be the biggest EVER with over 12,000 kids set to take part. The Event Village is located along Newcastle Quayside, and there’s also a special Come Try It activity zone within the Close Swing Bridge car park, for youngsters to get a taste of the event day action. There’ll also be plenty of food and drink stalls and fun activities for children.

@GreatNorthRunGNR Find out more here.

@great_run

GreatRunTV

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To keep up-to-date on the latest news throughout the weekend, make sure to join the conversation on social media.

@GreatNorthRunGNR

@great_

Gre-

great_

SUNDAY 7TH SEPTEMBER (10:00 ONWARDS)

The AJ Bell Great North Run needs no introduction, but we’re going to give it one anyway. The world’s biggest and best half marathon, expect elite runners, celebrity entrants and an iconic route. This year, 60,000 everyday heroes will line up at the start line, with many raising millions for charity. Can’t make it down in person? Tune in on BBC One from 10am. Find out more here .

The AJ Bell Great North Run will be broadcast live on BBC One from 10am –2pm.

The UK government is testing the Emergency Alerts system on Sunday 7 September 2025 at 3pm. Compatible mobile phones and tablets will receive an alert, make a loud siren-like sound and vibrate. You will not need to take any action. Find out more here .

Timetable 10:00 Live coverage on BBC One 10:20 Elite Wheelchair Athletes start 10:25 Elite Women start 10:27 Visually Impaired (VI) Participants start 10:50 Elite Men and Masses start 11:30 Red Arrows Flypast over Tyne Bridge 13:45+ Red Arrows display – South Shields

SPECTATOR VIEWING

START Due to the size of the event, we have staggered arrival, assembly and start times to improve the runner experience. Unfortunately, this means that the start is spectator free. Please do not come to the start if you are not running. TYNE BRIDGE The Tyne Bridge is spectator free due to ongoing restoration work. The bridge will only be accessible for pedestrians to walk across on one side and will be marshalled throughout the day to prevent spectating. REST OF THE COURSE You can spot and cheer on runners almost anywhere along the rest of the Great North Run route (see route map here ). We recommend choosing one place to spectate on the day. Public transport will be extremely busy, and it will take time to reach the race route from Metro stations and bus stops. Heworth, Gateshead and Gateshead Stadium and Metro stations are close to the route, but these areas become extremely busy.

@GreatNorthRunGNR

@great_run

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SPECTATOR VIEWING

SCREEN ON THE GREEN If you’re in Newcastle city centre and looking for somewhere to enjoy the event day buzz, the Screen on the Green at Old Eldon Square will show live BBC One coverage of the Great North Run from 10am to 2pm. AJ BELL MOTIVATION STATION Around the 20km point you can enjoy music from the DJ at the AJ Bell Motivation Station DJ. There is even a big screen to watch people’s messages pop up as their runners pass by. You can submit your own message here . FINISH The final mile along the coast in South Shields is renowned for being one of the most popular spectator spots, with supporters lining the route cheering runners over the finish line.

There’s a free to use spectator grandstand, however it’s first-come first- served and seating is limited.

SPECTATOR VIEWING

SPECTATORS CAN MEET THEIR RUNNERS ACROSS THE FINISH SITE

The official Meeting Point is near Gypsies Green Stadium (See finish map here). We suggest meeting under the A-Z banner that matches the first letter of the runner’s surname. If you are meeting a runner at the finish, agree a meeting point in advance. The Event Village is the perfect spot to wait for runners, and a great place to keep the post-run celebrations going. Enjoy the action on the Brooks LIVE stage, lots of seating areas and picnic tables, various food vendors, and a Finishers’ Marquee with the Jim and Tonic Bar and live music, not to forget our GNR Hollywood Sign and a chance to‘Ring the Bell’ with AJ Bell. The Charity Village is located at Bents Park playing fields, just beyond the Après Run zone and Gypsies Green Stadium. It’s a great place for fundraisers to connect with their charity but is open to all to enjoy the vibrant atmosphere. Be sure to pop over to check out all the charity stands – they’ll be excited to see you!

WATCH THIS VIDEO OF THE GREAT NORTH RUN FINISH SITE TO GET YOUR BEARINGS

SPECTATOR MAP

NO SPECTATOR ZONE

EASILY ACCESSIBLE BY METRO

FINISH MAP

BUSES TO THE FERRY

BUSES TO NEWCASTLE

GYPSIES GREEN STADIUM

ZONE

RECHARGE WITH A SELECTION OF FOOD FROM OUR STALLS REVEL WITH DRINKS AND LIVE MUSIC RELAX AND CHILL ON OUR SEATING OR ON THE GRASS REWIND AND CHAT ABOUT YOUR GREAT NORTH RUN EXPERIENCE

KEY

FINISHERʼS WATER

CHARITY VILLAGE

FINISHERSʼ MEDALS

TOILETS

FINISHERSʼ TSHIRTS

FOOD & DRINK

MEETING POINT

INFORMATION POINT

BIG SCREEN

BAGGAGE BUSES

FINISH LINE

MEDICAL

HOSPITALITY

MISSING PERSONS

EXHIBITORS

17 Even more from our title sponsor AJ Bell this year!

FINISH GIVEAWAYS AND MASCOT

The AJ Bell team and their mascot Investabell will be back! They’ll be handing out bells to help you cheer on your runner at the finish line. Look out for them to get yours while they last. Why not grab a picture with Investabell or ask for details of how to submit a message to appear on the big screen at the on-course AJ Bell Motivation Station.

AJ Bell Motivation Station

Submit a message for your runner HERE and we will show as many as we can on the big screen at the AJ Bell Motivation Station. It’s linked to your runner’s number, so they have the chance to see the message pop up as they run by. Time on your hands? Why not head down to the Motivation Station on the Coast Road to enjoy the music and see all the supporter messages as you wait for your runner.

ELITE RUNNERS TO LOOK OUT FOR

Spectators are once again in for a great show of top athletics action at the front of this year’s Great North Run, with a line-up of world class athletes from across the globe. Great Run ambassador Olympian Eilish McColgan has already confirmed her participation as she seeks to win the Women’s elite race for the first time.

FAMOUS FACES TO LOOK OUT FOR

Dame Kelly Holmes Olympian and running royalty

Joe Wicks Fitness coach and TV personality

Joe Sugg Youtuber

Tommy Fury Boxer and reality TV star

Jake Quickenden Singer and TV personality

Ashley Cain Coventry City player - turned-reality star

Minah Shannon BBC Traitors Star

Kasim Ahmed BBC Traitors Star

Jaz Singh BBC Traitors Star

FAMOUS FACES TO LOOK OUT FOR

Alexander Dragonetti BBC Traitors Star

Dr Alex George TV Doctor and mental health campaigner

WillNE Youtuber

Bryony Gordon Author, broadcaster and inclusive running ambassador

Sara Davis BBC Dragons Den star

Jenni Falconer TV and Radio Personality

Aimee Fuller Snowboarder, broadcaster, sport and media personality

Mark Clattenburg Football and BBC Gladiators Referee

Neil Grainger Smoggie Queens Actor

OFFICIAL EVENT PHOTOS

Photographers from Marathon Photos will be along the route to capture moments throughout the day. Official photos will be going LIVE from the moment runners pass a Marathon Photos photographer along the course. Friends and family can enter the run number and register here to be notified as soon as the first photos of your runner are available online.

FUNDRAISING

If you haven’t already, make sure you support your family and friends as they raise money for hundreds of incredible causes close to their hearts. Help them share their pages far and wide ahead of the big day!

Click here to donate

TRAVEL

Public transport is the best way to travel across the North East on Great North Run weekend. Be prepared, routes will be busy and there will be road closures in place for the weekend. Leave plenty of time to get to where you want to be, especially if you are heading from the start to the finish.

TYNE BRIDGE WORKS

Travelling from outside the North East? Be aware that there are a number of traffic restrictions in place on the Tyne Bridge. Do allow extra time for your journey by car over the weekend and plan your route to help avoid delays and congestion. For more information visit the Tyne Bridge travel advice page here .

TRAVEL

QUAYSIDE EVENTS – FRIDAY & SATURDAY The Quayside is a short walk from Newcastle and Gateshead centres with excellent metro and bus links.

W alking from Gateshead? You can access Quayside events by heading across the Swing Bridge and Millennium.

Newcastle city centre has plenty of car parks and on-street parking options available. From here, it’s a short walk to the Quayside. More information on parking can be found here. P lease note: There will be some parking restrictions in place around the Quayside for the event. More information found here .

TRAVEL

GREAT NORTH RUN - SUNDAY

GREAT NORTH RUN TRAVEL ASSISTANT The smartest way to plan your travel is with the Great North Run Travel Assistant . With tailored routing and event-specific options, you can benefit from the ability to make low-carbon travel simple. Use the tool to plan your travel on the day, or in advance, just be sure to adjust the journey time to reflect when you’re planning your trip. Set the finish as your destination to make your way to South Shields. The tool includes local public transport options making it easy to plan your journey.

Be sure to click “Get Live Updates” to be kept in the loop if any journeys change. Plan your journey here .

TRAVEL

GREAT NORTH RUN - SUNDAY

GREAT NORTH RUN SPECIAL DAY ROVER Our top tip for travelling in and around Newcastle on event day is to purchase an AJ Bell Great North Run Day Rover wristband. The wristbands can be used by spectators to travel all day on Sunday 7 September. T he wristbands cover travel on:

Tyne and Wear Metro

Any bus service in Tyne and Wear, Durham and Northumberland

The Shields Ferry

Northern trains between Newcastle and Sunderland

If you haven’t already got one, you can buy yours in advance. Find out more here.

If you choose to buy tickets on the day instead, please pay by card or contactless if you can, to help speed up boarding, minimise queues and to avoid ticket machines running out of change.

TRAVEL

BY METRO The nearest metro station to the start of the Great North Run is Haymarket and the nearest to the finish is the South Shields. If you are heading to the race finish: Take the Metro from Haymarket or Monument to South Shields – there will be a train every 7 ½ minutes once the race has started.

Please note: Trains will be extremely busy so leave plenty of time.

BY BUS The nearest bus stations to the start are Haymarket and Eldon Square. Buses will operate from Bents Parks in South Shields (finish) until 4.00pm. The R1 service will operate all day between Newcastle and South Shields.

BY FERRY The Shields Ferry will operate from 8.00am between North Shields and South Shields, with extra crossings from 10.00am, and will run until around 6.00pm. Please note that the Shields Ferry is cashless.

Find out more here .

BY CAR There is no official event parking available at the start. Parking will be available at the finish at South Shields on the Leas and open from 06:15am. After 08:00am on Event Day, the Dragon Car park will be open but this has limited capacity. There is parking in South Shields town centre, but this will be extremely busy. If you are driving to South Shields, please follow the diversionary signage and aim to park South of the finish on the Leas, where there is plenty of parking with unrestricted access.

Thank you & enjoy your day! from the AJ Bell Great North Run team

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