Organisers expect a record turnout for this weekend's Great North Run, with well in excess of 60,000 people set to take part in the world-famous half marathon as it returns for another year. If you are one of them, or have been given the responsibility of getting someone to the start line in good time, here is all the key information for Sunday morning.
The first ever Great North Run took place in 1981. Founded by Sir Brendan Foster, the race has gone from strength to strength, with the only year it did not happen being 2020, when the country was still in the grip of the Covid pandemic.
Race Day Details
There are now just days to go until its return, with some runners taking on the 13.1-mile route from Newcastle to South Shields, while others will be back for another attempt, joining top-class athletes from across the world and a host of celebrities, including This Morning host Ben Shephard, Traitors stars including 2026 winner Rachel Duffy, singer Joe McElderry and former Sunderland manager Peter Reid.
What time you actually begin the race and what time you are advised to get to the start line at the Central Motorway depends on what colour number you have. Earlier this week, the confirmed Great North Run 2026 start times were announced, and now here is a full rundown of the arrival times for each coloured wave on Sunday.
Orange and Green Wave Arrivals
Orange Wave: Access to Runners Hub 1 from 8am-10am. Last call for assembly 10.20am. Assembly closes 10.40am. Any late arrivals will be filtered in at the back where the Pink numbers are.
Green Wave: Access to Runners Hub 2 from 9am. Last call for assembly at 10.40am. Assembly closes at 10.40am. Any latecomers will be directed to the back of the assembly area.
Pink Wave Arrivals
Pink Wave: Access to Runners Hub 1 from 10am. Last call for assembly 11.05am, assembly closes at 10.25am. It may not be possible to do the race if you arrive after the last runner has started.
There is a dedicated newsletter for What's On news and reviews. It is free and you can sign up to receive it here. It will keep you up to date with all the latest updates on food, drink, entertainment and events in and around the North East. ChronicleLive has also created a dedicated WhatsApp community for What's On news and updates, which you can join here to receive things to do around the North East and breaking gig announcements sent directly to your phone.
