Great North Run Event Guide

Event Guide 2023

It’s Finally Here!

The big day is nearly here, and we want to help you with any event day questions so you can focus on enjoying your run and soaking up the atmosphere. Any info you might need before the big day is included in this guide. Up-to-date event information can also be found at greatrun.org.

For on-the-go event day information and live tracking for your family and friends, download the FREE Great Run app from iTunes app store or Google Play Store.

For real time updates and to follow all the action on event day, join the conversation on social media - just make sure you use

#GreatNorthRun

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

@GreatNorthRunGNR

@great_run @great_run

great_run

We’re making some noise for every runner, supporter and volunteer who’s invested their time and energy into making the Great North Run an amazing day.

Good luck to all the runners, from everyone at AJ Bell.

into making the Great North Run an

Timetable

1000 BBC ONE live on air

1030 Elite Wheelchair race start

1035 Elite Women start

1037 Visually Impaired race start

1048 Mass Warm Up

1100 Elite Men and Masses start

1135 Red Arrows flypast over Tyne Bridge

1345 Red arrows display (South Shields)

Travel

When travelling to the event we suggest making use of the public transport options available on the day. You can find travel information and plan your journey on the Nexus website. Plan your journey in advance and leave plenty of time to get to the start line, as there will be a number of road closures in place for the weekend. You can see a full list here.

GREAT NORTH RUN SPECIAL DAY ROVER

Our top tip for travelling in and around Newcastle on Sunday 10 September is to purchase an AJ Bell Great North Run Day Rover wristband. The wristbands are just £6 and can be used to travel all day on Sunday 10 September on Tyne and Wear Metro; any bus service in Tyne and Wear, Durham and Northumberland; the Shields Ferry and Northern trains between Newcastle and Sunderland.

Day Rover wristbands are on sale until Thursday 31 August. You can buy yours online at www.nexus.org.

BY METRO

The nearest metro station to the start is Haymarket Metro station and the nearest to the finish is South Shields Metro station. Trains will be extremely busy getting to the start and at the finish so please expect delays and allow plenty of time.

BY BUS

The nearest bus stations to the start are Haymarket and Eldon Square. Buses will operate from Bents Park in South Shields until approximately 16:00pm.

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 6:15am. After 8:00am on Event Day, the Dragon Car parking will be open but this has a limited capacity.

There is parking in South Shields town centre, however, this is always extremely busy so do expect delays if you choose to park here.

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.

IMPORTANT: Do not follow your regular Sat Nav advice but do follow the diversionary signage. We recommend you download and use WAZE which will detail up-to-date road closure reporting.

If you do need to travel by car, consider parking at a Metro Station (Callerton Parkway, Bank Foot, Kingston Park, Regent Centre, Four Lane Ends, Northumberland Park, Heworth, Walkergate, Fellgate, East Boldon and Stadium of Light all have car parks) and take the Metro to the start and from the finish.

Any travel updates will be added to the website, so please check the event page ahead of the Event.

Your route to the start

The start and assembly areas are located on the Central Motorway, please make yourself aware of the new start line layout on our start map. Follow the signs to your assembly area which corresponds to the colour / letter on your run number. Access gates are at the rear of each assembly area, you will need to show your number to gain access.

Make sure you’re in your assembly area by 10:45am at the latest.

• Use all the space available and move forward to allow other runners to assemble behind you.

• Keep an eye on the four big screens behind the start line for any lastminute information, as well as listening to the PA announcers.

• When you hear the gun go, please be patient. Your timing chip does not activate until you cross the start line so you will receive a completely accurate finish time.

• Anyone walking or part walking/ running the event should start at the rear of the wave and in the first few kilometres stay to the left-hand side of the road to allow runners who want to pass.

• Sorry, any late runners that arrive after the sweep vehicle has left at 12.30 pm, will not be allowed to participate.

INFORMATION POINT

The information point is there for last-minute queries or for some participants who haven’t received their race number. Look out for the AJ Bell branded information marquee. There is one information point available at the start on event day, which is located on the Town Moor (See start map for locations).

If you do need to pick up a replacement run number, please bring along appropriate ID, or your confirmation email.

Saturday 9 September

Junior and Mini event village, Guildhall Car Park

What3Words: candle.trying.rails

Opening Times

10:00am – 16:00pm

Sunday 10 September

Town Moor

What3Words: elder.unfair.posts

Opening Times

7:30am – 13:00pm

Safety Pins

If you forget to bring safety pins to attach your run number, don’t worry, you can collect some from the stand located next to the information point without having to queue.

Wave Start Time

Your wave colour and start time is detailed on your run number. Run numbers will be sent out approximately 2 weeks before the event. Once your run number has arrived through the post you have everything you need for event day, and you don’t need to visit the information point to register on the day. Simply attach your run number (which has your timing chip attached) to the front of your running top with safety pins and you’re all set to head to the start line.

Your Run Number

This is your unique number and must only be worn by you on the day. The night before, make sure you complete your emergency contact details on the back of your run number.

DO NOT swap, copy, or change this number - giving someone else access or selling your number to someone could put them at risk of illness or injury if they’re not properly prepared. If your run number hasn’t arrived through the post, please visit the information point to collect a replacement.

Baggage

Please note ALL baggage buses will depart Claremont Road at 10:30am.

Please fill in your baggage label (tear off from your run number) before leaving the house if you can. Make sure your baggage label is secured to your bag. You’ll need your run number to gain access to the buses to drop off and collect your bag at the finish, so we can ensure it corresponds to the baggage label.

Baggage buses for all waves are located on Claremont Road. There are 38 double decker buses all numbered and coloured according to your wave colour. Please only use a coloured bus that matches your wave colour and remember the number of the individual bus. All buses will be signed according to colour and number.

Your timing chip is attached to the back of your run number. Please don’t remove the chip – it will affect the accuracy of your time. The chip will automatically record your time for you, and you don’t need to do anything else. And remember, your chip doesn’t need to be returned at the end of the run.

You can access your results on the AJ Bell Great Run Series App, or on our website here after the event.

Timing Warm Up

A warm-up artist will be on site to get you warmed up and stretched out. Please use all the space we have created for you.

PACERS

Reach your Gold Standard with our Solgar pacemakers. Follow a pacemaker marked with the finish time you want to achieve and pace your run to perfection.

Running with friends

If you want to run with a friend but have been issued different coloured run numbers, we ask that you follow a simple rule – runners can move further away from the start line but cannot move to a zone closer to the start line. For example, a runner with a green number can move back into the pink zone but not forward into the orange zones. If this rule is followed, there is no need to change the colour of your run number on event day.

A Run for Everyone

If you plan on walking/running the event, please start at the rear of your wave and stay to the left-hand side of the road for the first few kilometres to allow runners through who want to pass. We ask all participants to maintain a pace of 17-minute miles (or faster). If you fall behind this time, you will be asked to move on to the pavement or board an event bus that will take you further along the route / directly to the finish. This is to ensure the event runs smoothly and safely for everyone, and so that the road networks can reopen to ensure everyone can get back home.

Start Map

TOILETS

There will be a number of toilets at the start and finish to use on arrival and after your run. At the start, toilets for Orange, Green and Pink waves are available along Claremont Road (to the right of the baggage buses). A small number of toilets will also be available on the Town Moor. There will also be toilets on the course at each of the drink stations.

Toilet facilities will be busy before and after the run, so please allow plenty of time.

NORTH SEA South Shields FINISH 9

ON COURSE MUSIC

APU 7 Chilli Road Band

8 The Commandments 9 Gatecrashers 10 DrumDin 11 Hope Harris & The Geordie Kings 12 North Tyneside Steel Band

12 1 Newcastle All Stars Steel Orchestra 2 Dinosaurs from Hell 3 Drummed Up 4 Sunshine Panners 5 Bangshees 6

11

11

9

13 12 10

10 10

Tunes from the noughties to help you find your rhythm for your run.

TUIʼs Runway with help the

time fly by. Expect throwback tunes and blasts from the past as you run & sing your way past this zone. An interactive zone with a karaoke host creating the atmosphere Karaoke classics blasting, runners singing & spectators dancing. 11 12 Heart will welcome runners to the coast and the start of the final mile. A DJ Truck will provide an extra dose of motivation to the finish. 12 13 14 Join us at our inclusive cheer zone which celebrates and welcomes the LGBTQ+ community. START RIVER TYNE Haymarket Jesmond To Tyne Tunnel A19 (N) START 1 CHARITY CHEERING BUS 1 Macmillan Cancer Support 2 Cancer Research UK 3 Blood Cancer UK 4 Stroke Association 5 Alzheimerʼs Society 6 Guide Dogs 7 Prostate Cancer UK 8 British Heart Foundation CHARITY CHEERING POINTS 1 Newcastle Hospitals Charity 2 Maggie's 3 Tommy's 4 NSPCC 5 Parkinsonʼs UK 6 Diabetes UK 7 St Oswaldʼs Hospice 8 Teenage Cancer Trust 9 Anthony Nolan 10 Marie Curie 11 Bowel Cancer UK 12 MS Society 13 Childrenʼs Cancer North 14 Great North Air Ambulance Service 9 Breast Cancer Now 10 MIND 11 Alzheimerʼs Society 12 Cancer Research UK ENTERTAINMENT MAP RETURN BACK TO CONTENTS Entertainment Map

Finish Map

BENTSPARKROAD SEAROAD

GYPSIES GREEN STADIUM

FINISH MAP

MOWBRAYROAD

ZONE

COASTROAD

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

FINISHERSʼ TSHIRTS

MEETING POINT

BIG SCREEN

TOILETS FOOD & DRINK

INFORMATION POINT

BAGGAGE BUSES

MEDICAL HOSPITALITY

MISSING PERSONS EXHIBITORS

ZONE

COASTROAD

FINISH LINE

GRANDSTAND

At the finish line

The AJ Bell Great North Run finishes on The Leas at South Shields. (See finish map for details).

Don’t stop immediately after you cross the finish line – please keep walking for a short distance so that you don’t block other runners. No matter your pace, everyone has run the same event, and everyone will get to cross the finish line. If you’re running at less than 17 minutes per mile, you may be asked to move on to the footpath for the later sections of the race.

Medical Support

Medical facilities will be available near to the start and finish line and will be positioned around the course should you require assistance. Please contact a medic or steward if you need help at any time.

Finishers’ Packs

Finishers’ packs will be sorted by t-shirt size and will include your t-shirt and other treats. Please take the pack that matches the t-shirt size you chose when you entered the event. Your hard-earned medal will be placed around your neck as you finish by our amazing team of volunteers.

If you opted out of receiving a finishers’ t-shirt, please follow the signage to the opt-out t-shirt lane to ensure you collect the correct pack. There will be volunteers and stewards on hand to help.

Baggage Collection

Baggage buses will be there waiting for you at Gypsies Green stadium, which is accessible from the Après Run Zone (See finish map for details).

• Unfortunately it will not be possible to get changed on the baggage buses.

• Please move out of the area as soon as you’ve collected your bag to make room for other runners.

• Please don’t leave valuables in your bags - this is a self-service system and, although there are security staff present, we can’t accept any responsibility for lost or stolen items.

Charity Village

The Charity Village is located at Bents Park playing fields, just beyond the Après Run zone and Gypsies Green Stadium. Be sure to pop over to check out all of the charity stands – they’ll be excited to see you! Your charity will be waiting to welcome you back and who knows, you may even be rewarded with a little treat from them for all of your hard work.

What3Words: took.gates.pools

Continue your post run celebration by stepping into our Après Run Zone. You’re invited to relax, rewind and recharge. We’ve got a DJ truck providing tunes, lots of seating areas and picnic tables, various food suppliers, and a Finishers’ Marquee with Jim and Tonic Bar and live bands, not to forget our GNR Hollywood Sign and a chance to ‘Ring the Bell’ with AJ Bell.

TUI Post-Race Stretch Zone & Massage

Look out for the TUI stretch zone or head over to the TUI Blue marquee to enjoy a post-race massage.

Meeting Point

Please arrange to meet family and friends at the meeting point (see finish map). The meeting point is near Gypsies Green Stadium on the right-hand side as you walk from the finish line. Look for the A-Z banners and stand by the letter that corresponds to the first letter of your surname.

What3Words: trade.index.chef

Missing Persons

A missing persons point is located behind the information point at the finish at South Shields. If you come across a missing person please contact the nearest event steward, official, or police officer.

What3Words: draw.badly.museum

Event photos will be going live from the moment you pass a Marathon Photos Live photographer on the course. Don’t forget to check them out here when you finish and share your run number with your friends and family, and they can register to be notified as soon as your photos are available.

Official Photos Runner Rewards

You have exclusive access to Great Run Rewards powered by Endurance Zone. Great Run Rewards gives you access to a selection of fantastic discounts from our friends at Endurance Zone. Browse through hundreds of offers from a range of lifestyle, sport, fitness and outdoor brands.

Recycling

We’re constantly reviewing our sustainability and recycling practices and have made a concerted effort to reduce the amount of waste from plastic and other materials across the entire event. We work with local partners to remove waste from the event site. This isn’t just limited to plastic and includes cardboard, wooden pallets, medals, and signage. We reuse generic signage and keep using it for as long as we can, and our outdated signage is fully recycled.

Clothing discarded by runners at the start of the race is collected and donated to local charities. Jog On will also be hosting a recycling point on the Town Moor (by the information point), for runners to take old trainers.

We ask that you please use the recycling bins on site to discard any waste accordingly.

As part of our drive to improve sustainability at the event, there will be no bottled water at the start area. Please arrive hydrated, having had enough water before getting to the start. If you feel like you’ll want a drink just before you run, we suggest you bring your own supply, which you may carry with you while you run. If you opt to bring your own standard, single-use plastic water bottle, please make sure you throw it in the clearly marked recycling bins that will be available in the start and finish area.

There will be six Aqua Pura water stations along the route (see map for locations).

Look out for our on-course drop zones after each water station. Drink, drain, and drop here to help recycle your Aqua Pura bottle.

Have a happy & healthy Run

Make sure you are healthy enough to take part in your run. Please talk to your doctor if you have any long-term health conditions or any health concerns. Don’t run if you feel unwell or have been ill recently. If you experience heart palpitations, light headedness or dizziness, chest pain or tightness, shortness of breath, excessive wheezing, or severe joint and muscle pain during or after your run, this can be a sign of a serious condition. Seek advice on taking part in the event after a bout of flu or gastroenteritis. Don’t be tempted to start just because you’ve collected sponsorship to raise money for charity.

If you’re unable to run and need to withdraw, you can find more information on how to do this on our website here.

Event day tips

Make sure you’re comfortable - don’t wear new trainers for the first time on race day. Ideally, run in your shoes for around a month before the event.

Stay warm - bring old clothes to wear on the start line and throw them away when you start (we donate these to charity).

Avoid chafing - apply Vaseline to any areas where you have had chafing during training – e.g., groin, under your arms, the bra band, or toes.

Protect your skin and use weather-resistant suncream, but not too much – you don’t want it running into your eyes as you sweat.

If the first few miles are crowded, don’t tire yourself out dodging in and out of runners. Try to maintain a steady, even pace – it’s the best way to enjoy the event.

When you finish, try to collect your bag as soon as you can. Put on some warm, dry clothing to avoid getting cold. Take a drink as soon as you can after crossing the finish line.

Try to eat some starchy foods within two hours of finishing the event – your muscles can replace energy (in the form of glycogen) most efficiently during this post-run window.

Avoid dehydrating alcoholic drinks for 24 hours before you run and make sure you’re fully hydrated with water or squash before consuming any alcohol post-event.

Make sure you know where the drink stations are on the route. Water will be available but only take a drink if you need one. During a run, drink when you need to. Don’t take big gulps if you’re not thirsty – you could put yourself in a condition called hyponatremia where your body salts become diluted, possibly causing confusion, and vomiting.

Make sure you look out for your final event emails 2 weeks, and 3 days before the event. These will contain any final event updates and information, including weather advice.

Our life-saving work is only made possible by the extraordinary efforts of people like you.

Thank you to all of our runners taking part in the Great North Run. Together we will beat cancer.

It’s not too late to join our team and fundraise for research into more than 200 types of cancer.

Sign up today at: cruk.org/team

Man

Good luck to all of our #TeamGuideDogs

runners.

It’s not too late to use your ballot place to run with us. Your support ensures we can continue to help those with sight loss lead confident, independent and fulfilling lives.

Register your place at guidedogs.org.uk/greatnorthrun

We’re looking forward to seeing you & don’t forget your well-deserved massage at the finish!

Great Birmingham Run 7 May 2023

Good luck #TeamMind!

Good luck & Enjoy your Journey

FROM THE AJ BELL GREAT NORTH RUN TEAM AND OUR PARTNERS