WATCH: The Great North Run is back for it's 45th year!

Since 1981, the world’s greatest half marathon has brought people together – from first timers to all timers and once in a lifetimers, from charities to fundraisers and costume wearers, from famous faces to world-beaters and true local legends.

The Great North Run is about regional pride, ordinary people doing extraordinary things, it’s about heart.

ver 45 years it has created milestones and moments that stay with people for life, inspiring generation after generation, connecting people through a shared sense of belonging, resilience and achievement. Its impact stretches far beyond the finish line, not only creating memories that endure but helping to raise millions of pounds for charity that truly changes lives.

What started as a fun run is now the world’s biggest half marathon.  This year 63,000 runners will line up to take on the famous Newcastle to South Shields route – they follow in the footsteps of 1.4 million before them, adding their own inspiring stories, making their own lasting memories and creating their own unforgettable moments.

The 2026 staging will be the biggest ever Great North Run with 63,000 runners, cheered on by over 200,000 spectators lining the streets in support as the region comes together. 

Meet some of the class of 2026: 

• Tracy and husband Nik Lamont from Bishop Auckland, are marking their 11th wedding anniversary by returning to the Great North Run, where they famously got married near the start line in 2015 before completing the race in their wedding clothes. Now taking on their 10th Great North Run together, they are fundraising for St Benedict's Hospice in memory of Tracy's dad who received end-of-life care there in a heartwarming celebration of love and remembrance.

• Courtney & Olivia Mole from Spennymoor used to run with their mam Christina who shortly before she was diagnosed with cancer started running. Often, the three of them would head out together, side by side and those runs are memories the sisters now hold especially close to their hearts. Christina had always wanted to complete the Great North Run but unfortunately did not get the chance, but Courtney and Olivia know she will be with them every step of the way as they run to raise money for Team Solan which supported the family in the toughest of times.

• Ed White from Newcastle has been a constant presence at every GNR since it began and is a member of the All Runs Club. Ed is hoping to complete his 45th consecutive Great North Run just days after his 77th birthday. Following a triple heart bypass and aortic valve replacement, he is determined to recover in time to walk the course and preserve an extraordinary legacy spanning every race since 1981. 

• Ruth Johnson from Whitley Bay is a North East Clown Doctor who has spent almost a decade bringing laughter and comfort to children receiving treatment at Newcastle’s Freeman Hospital Children’s Heart Unit and is now preparing to take on her first Great North Run in her red nose and doctor’s coat. Ruth, better known to young patients and their families as Dr Satsuma says “It means the world to be taking part in the Great North Run as a Clown Doctor. I am absolutely proud as punch to be in this role and crossing the finish line in my red nose and Clown Doctor coat will be a dream come true! This run is my gift to the programme and my way of saying thank you for all the magic it has brought to my own life.”

The 2026 AJ Bell Great North Run will once again will be broadcast live on Durham OnAir across the North East on DAB Radio.  

The event will feature some of the world’s leading athletes competing at the front in the elite Men’s, Women’s and Wheelchair athlete races, before the masses take to the very same streets, running the famous city to sea course.

Inspired to take part? Sign up below for updates and be notified when the ballot for the 2027 AJ Bell Great North Run opens – visit https://www.greatrun.org/events/great-north-run/