The Great North Run is one of the largest fundraising events in the UK, providing a platform for runners to raise millions of pounds for charity every year.
60,000 runners line up on the start line of the Great North Run each September and a huge number of these will be charity runners ie. people who have secured a charity place in the event in return for raising funds for a charity.
Every year these incredible charity runners raise around £25 million for important causes. You too can get a guaranteed place in the event and make a positive difference at the same time by running for charity.
Charities buy places in this event, then give them to runners who agree to raise money for the charity – these are called charity places. Charity places are a great way to support a good cause and get a place in the event, especially if ballot entries are closed.
Committing to raising money for charity gives you motivation to get outside and run, plus all of these extras which will elevate your event experience:
Charities know that raising money is all part of the challenge, which is why they provide advice, branded materials and a personalised online fundraising page to help the donations roll in. Think eye-catching videos for social and traditional collection tins too.
Whether this is your first run or your fiftieth, you'll need to train for it! You'll receive an in-depth training plan with guidance, plus many charities have access to expert coaches and elite runners too, who can provide exclusive tips for your race preparation.
When you show up on the day, people need to be able to see clearly that you're supporting a charity. Most charities will give you a branded and personalised t-shirt or vest to run in on the big day, and often a training top too.
When you're partway through your run and your energy is flagging, what you need is a boost from cheering spectators to keep you moving. Many charities set up a cheer station along the route, keeping an eye out for you to send up a huge cheer as you run past!
Refreshments and an indulgent post-race sports massage are often provided by charities for their runners. This is the perfect way to recover alongside other people who have run for that cause.
You won't be the only person running for that charity, so it's well worth meeting other runners through the charity's invite-only social media pages! You can organise to meet up for training runs, chat with the charity's expert coaches and share tips and stories with each other to keep the motivation levels running high.
The Great North Run and charity fundraising go hand-in-hand - which charity will you run for?
The Great North Run is the main event of an exciting weekend of running for all ages and abilities, kicking off with a fun and fast 5K on the Friday followed by a schedule of junior events on the Saturday.
The Great North Run is suitable for wheelchair users. There will be a question on the entry form that asks if you are a wheelchair user and if you will be participating in a self-propelled racing wheelchair, or if you will be participating in a standard wheelchair and will be assisted (pushed).
The Great North Run is a point-to-point run starting at Town Moor in Newcastle Town Centre and heading to the coast via the Tyne Bridge, Gateshead town centre and South Tyneside. The run finishes in South Shields after a classic mile long run along the coast road.
The full route is the normal half marathon distance of 13.1 miles or 21 km and usually takes runners anywhere between an hour (for the elites) to several hours for those out enjoying themselves and soaking up the great atmosphere.
Nexus, Stagecoach, Arriva and Go North East have teamed up to offer a simple multi-use travel ticket which will be valid on Metro, any bus service, and the Shields Ferry for the day of the Great North Run. This multi-use ticket includes travel across the entire North East network on the day of the run, including Tyne and Wear, Durham and Northumberland.
This all-day travel ticket will be available to purchase from Metro station ticket machines, as well as on the day of the event. You can also purchase wristbands online until the week before the event.
The Great Run Company is in the process of updating its Sustainability Strategy in light of its collaborative approach and recent survey. Work to minimise the environmental impacts of their events will continue throughout this process, with particular focus on:
In addition, they are striving to improve performance even further by making sure that sustainability is embedded at the heart of the organisation and culture.
The organisers have made the decision to introduce optional finisher tees to Great Run events. You can choose to forgo a finisher tee shirt at the point of entry, and in lieu of this they will make a donation to the National Trust Woodlands Appeal. They will donate a portion of the fulfilment costs for each runner who chooses this option to the fund and commit that this donation to be approx. £20,000.
The greatest reward in taking part is the sense of achievement as you cross the finish line, but by taking your place on the Great North Run start line, you’re already part of something really special. This event is renowned for being well-organised, safe, and inclusive and the atmosphere and support is always unbelievable.
Every finisher gets a medal - and it’s big, it’s shiny and it’s perfect for showing off to your pals.
Download our free Great Run event app to track runners, make a donation and more - whether spectating or on the start line.
Enjoy exclusive discounts for 12 months after your Great Run entry. Running feels good, but money off feels even better.
Make your medal personal - order yours today.
Action shots available! The team of photographers are ready and waiting to capture your finest moment.
The Great Run app is free, providing live tracking on event day. Family and friends can see your location and track your progress on the interactive map, with times and current pace updated within seconds of crossing each split point. Features include:
The key to a place in the Great North Run is pledging to raise money for charity but how do you start?
Starting your fundraising early gives you the best chance of reaching – and even exceeding – your sponsorship goal.
Keep talking about your fundraising target to your friends, family, colleagues, social media followers - everyone!
Seize the chance to make it your own: sell unwanted clothing online, hold an afternoon tea, host a ticketed dinner party, wash some cars, shave your beard; be inspired!
Best in the world. This event cannot get better.
The spectators made it feel really special and every charity station cheered me on. The medal and goody bag were top notch. I'd highly recommend this race.
Love it, will go back every year. I have done the Great North Run 10 times over many years. It's always a special and different event every year.
The best event ever. My sixth consecutive and I intend to keep going. Everything is superbly organised, it's like a massive family. The volunteers are amazing.
So many wonderful supporters and volunteers made it a fantastic day. Running over the Tyne Bridge with the Red Arrows overhead is something I'll never forget!
Great day. Great weather. Great atmosphere. Great supporters. Great experience. Great time. Great North Run.
The Great North Run was a brilliant experience and a very well-organised event. There was a fantastic atmosphere with incredible support.
Such a friendly and encouraging event and a credit to the region.
The crowds and entertainment that support the run are absolutely outstanding.
There are 3 ways to secure your place in this fantastic event in 2025:
Places in the event are allocated using a ballot system.
Those successful in the ballot will secure an entry into the Great North Run.
Anyone who is unsuccessful with their September ballot application can try again in the January Ballot.
Don't worry if you're not one of the lucky ones, you'll still be able to join a charity team to secure your place.
If you weren't one of the lucky ballot applications or you want to skip the ballot hassle or you'd prefer to run as part of a charity team, you can secure your place at the start line with one of our charity partners. Charities are taking entries for 2025 now. You can search by name or cause - or just find the cheapest registration fee or lowest fundraising amount. Charity places usually close at the beginning of July.
