Whether you're chasing a personal best, cheering someone on or simply soaking up the atmosphere, the Great North Run is one of the biggest events in the North.
The Great North Run 2026, officially the AJ Bell Great North Run, returns on Sunday 13 September 2026. This year marks the event's 45th edition, with 63,000 runners expected to take on the 13.1-mile route from Newcastle to South Shields.
Travelling by train means you can skip the stress of driving, finding somewhere to park and navigating race-day road closures, leaving you free to go do your thing. If you know which train you want to catch, booking an Advance Ticket could help you save on your fare.
Booking ahead is especially useful on one of the North East's busiest weekends.
You can also buy your ticket on the Northern Train App, with no booking fees. You can also check live train times, plan your journey and keep everything in one place before you travel.
How to get to the Great North Run by train
Travelling to the Great North Run by train with Northern is one of the easiest ways to reach Newcastle. It's worth bearing in mind that trains will be busier than usual; ensure you allow extra time for boarding and connections.
Northern runs trains to Newcastle on several routes across the North East and Cumbria. These include N1 services from Alnmouth, Morpeth and Ashington, N2 services from Nunthorpe and Middlesbrough, and N4 services linking Carlisle, Hexham, Newcastle and Sunderland.
You can check the latest route information and download timetables on our Northern Timetables page. Travelling from further away? Plan your connections and check your train to Newcastle before setting off. Our Service Updates page has the latest information on service delays, cancellations, and changes.
And if you're putting in the miles before race day, explore our Best Running Routes in the North, packed with scenic routes across Northern's network to help you prepare for your next run, including running routes around Newcastle itself.
Newcastle station to the Great North Run start line
Wondering where the Great North Run starts and finishes? The race starts on the A167 near Claremont Road in Newcastle and follows a 13.1-mile course to the South Shields seafront. On race day, follow the event signage and information around the city to help you find your way to the start.
From Newcastle station, it’s around a 30 minute walk through the city centre to the Great North Run start line, handy if you fancy an extra warm-up. For a quicker journey you can also hop on the Tyne and Wear Metro to Haymarket station. From there, the start line is about a 10 minute walk away.
Great North Run start time: race-day schedule
The Great North Run times for Sunday 13 September are:
10:00 - BBC live TV programme starts
10:20 – Elite wheelchair athletes start
10:25 – Elite women start
10:27 – Visually impaired (VI) participants start
10:35 – Warm-up
10:50 – Elite men and mass runners start
These times are provisional, so check the Great Run website before race day.
If you're walking through the city centre, allow plenty of time, as streets will be much busier than usual. Arriving early gives you time to grab a coffee, find your bearings and soak up the atmosphere before the starting horn sounds.
Great North Run route: a spectator guide
The Great North Run route starts in Newcastle before heading through Gateshead and South Tyneside, finishing beside the coast in South Shields.
If you're supporting someone, choose where you want to watch before the day. Check the official Great North Run route map or use the Great Run App to follow runners and keep up with event information.
With road closures for the Great North Run and large crowds expected, public transport is often the simpler choice. If you're following runners along the course, the Great North Run Day Rover from Nexus Public Transport is worth considering. It includes travel on the Tyne and Wear Metro, selected bus services, the Shields Ferry and Northern train services between Newcastle and Sunderland. Want to make the most of your visit? Explore our guide Things to Do in Newcastle and Gateshead before or after the race to discover more of the city while you're here.
Getting home from the Great North Run finish line
After crossing the Great North Run finish line, many runners and spectators travel back towards Newcastle from South Shields, connecting with onward rail services.
Expect public transport to be busy after the race. Queueing systems may be used to keep everyone moving safely, so give yourself extra time rather than planning a tight connection. A few simple things can make the journey home easier:
- Check your train before leaving the finish area
- Keep your ticket easy to reach
- Make sure your phone has plenty of charge
- Travel light where you can
- Carry water and an extra layer for later in the day
Not catching the first train home? Discover our favourite Cheap Things to Do in Newcastle, from museums and markets to riverside walks, before you travel back and make a weekend of your trip.
Great North Run travel tips
A little Great North Run travel planning can make a big difference on race day.
- Book your train ticket early where possible
- Allow extra time at busy stations
- Check your journey before leaving home via Northern Rail Travel Advice and Northern Check Before You Travel.
- Follow event signs and guidance from event teams
- Agree on a meeting point if you're travelling with friends or family
- Avoid relying solely on mobile signal, as networks may be busy
- Visit our Accessibility Hub if you need help planning an accessible journey
Keep your next adventure on track
Whether the Great North Run is your first race or one of many, we hope you have a brilliant day. Thinking about your next challenge? Explore our guide to Marathons & Half Marathons in the North of England to discover races across the region, easily reached with Northern.
If your return journey is flexible, our Anytime Tickets let you travel when you're ready, ideal after race day. Whatever race day brings, Northern is here to help you get on your way and go do your thing.
Search Northern Trains to plan your journey across 500+ destinations and enjoy one of the North's biggest running events.
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Northern App
Streamline your journey and get tickets straight to your phone. Making your journey contact-free.