The Great North Run 2027 is scheduled to take place on September 12, 2027, bringing thousands of runners together for the large-scale half-marathon. The course will follow the traditional point-to-point route, which begins in the city centre of Newcastle and concludes at the coast in South Shields. Participants will travel along standard public roads, passing various local landmarks along the way to the finish line. This year's run takes place today (Sunday, September 13).
How to enter the ballot
If you want to secure a standard spot in the race for 2027, you must submit your entry for the general ballot before 12am on September 20, 2026. The random draw will officially take place on September 21, 2026, so applicants should ensure they have sufficient funds in their bank accounts beforehand. You will only be charged the statutory entry fee if your application is successful during this drawing process.
Entry fee and payment details
The statutory entry fee for the event costs approximately £70 per person, which is subject to an additional booking fee that applies to both affiliated and unaffiliated participants. When you register your details for the ballot, your payment card is held securely on file, and the total fee is automatically deducted on September 21, 2026. If your ballot application is ultimately unsuccessful, your card will not be charged, and you will not have to pay anything for simply registering.
Guaranteed charity places and elite criteria
Instead of risking the randomised nature of the general ballot, participants can choose to run on behalf of a registered charity to guarantee a place on the starting line. A wide range of charitable organisations purchase places in the event and allocate them to aspiring runners in exchange for a commitment to raise a specific sponsorship amount. You should contact your chosen charity directly to learn more about their fundraising requirements and to officially secure your guaranteed charity spot.
Highly competitive runners can choose to apply for a designated elite start placement, provided they meet the strict qualifying criteria for their respective gender and distance categories. For example, men must have completed a prior half-marathon in under 69 minutes, while women must have achieved a time of under 82 minutes. The management team notes that meeting these specific times is only a guide, as the limited field means placement is not guaranteed, and athletes are encouraged to submit their performances well before the deadline.
