The Great North Run has announced a new week-long programme of fringe events running from September 7-14, including extra runs, a pasta party, a coffee rave and an after-party at Newcastle's Freight Island rooftop venue.
The world-famous Newcastle to South Shields half-marathon will mark its 45-year anniversary on September 13, when a record 63,000 runners will take part and more than 200,000 people are expected to line the 13.1-mile route. The Red Arrows RAF display team will also perform a fly-past near the start line.
Week of events for everyone
The GNR Fringe programme is designed to include activities for everyone, with the message 'everyone is welcome'. A spokesperson for the event said: "The AJ Bell Great North Run is more than just a run. It's an incredible coming together, a joyous celebration of running, community and the world’s greatest half-marathon being at the heart of the North East."
New 'Shakeout Runs' will take place in communities across the region to get more people moving, while other additions include a book-signing with Sophie Raworth, a live podcast with Eilish McColgan, community yoga, film screenings, personalised merchandise and a Runners' Restaurant Weekend. All events are available to book now online.
Highlights of the fringe programme
The programme runs from Monday, September 7 until Monday, September 14. From September 7-10, the Great Run Company will host seven 'shakeout runs' across Gateshead, South Tyneside, North Tyneside, County Durham, Sunderland, Newcastle and Northumberland, in partnership with local business Dashpoint.
On Friday, September 11, a live recording of the Runner's World Podcast with Eilish McColgan will take place at 6.45pm at Fenwick. Harvard University professor Daniel E Lieberman will give a talk entitled Can You Outrun a Bad Diet? Why Diet and Moving Both Matter at The Common Room, with a 6.30pm arrival for a 7pm start.
Zucchini Pasta Bar in Newcastle will host a GNR-themed pasta party on September 11-12 from noon until 10pm, with a running-inspired playlist and a special GNR45 sticker for each customer. The Boiler Shop will host a Coffee Rave on Saturday, September 12 from 9.30am to 10.30am, featuring Sam Mitchen on decks and Romi Foxx on drums.
Race weekend and recovery
On Saturday, September 12, Freight Island will host a morning stretch and mobility session from 10am until 12noon, followed by a panel talk and audience Q&A with as-yet unnamed celebrity guests. Sophie Raworth will sign copies of her book Running on Air at Waterstones at 2pm, and Tyneside Cinema will screen The Barkley Marathons at 12:50pm.
NE1's Runners' Restaurant Weekend will offer runners, friends and families a discount on food and drink. After the run on Sunday, September 13, Freight Island will host an after-party from 2pm until midnight, with runners showing their medal to receive a free house pint, house wine, prosecco, or a soft or non-alcoholic drink. All 10 kitchens and three bars will be open.
The final event is the Runners' Recovery Room on Monday, September 14 at 6pm, hosted by Whitley Bay-based Shore Yoga. The heated full-body recovery session, in a studio warmed to around 26°C, will include aromatherapy, soothing music and a combination of active and static stretching. The one-hour session costs £14 and no experience is needed.
