The AJ Bell Great North Run 2025 is almost here. Here’s your guide so you don’t miss a moment of the action this weekend.
Events you can be part of
Great North Run Shakeout Run – Thursday. 6pm. The Cycle Hub
Kick off the Great North Run weekend with a relaxed 5km shakeout, presented by Mitchum and Collective Run Club, to shake-off those pre-race nerves and stretch your legs. All runners are welcome to join one of the different paced groups for this easy 5km Shakeout Run in the heart of Newcastle city centre to get yourself prepped and ready for the main event on Sunday.
Runna Live podcast – Friday. 6.30pm. Fenwick Newcastle
Enjoy an exclusive live podcast recording of The Runna Podcast at Fenwick Newcastle! Join hosts Ben and Anya for an inspiring evening of conversation community and race-day motivation with guests including former long distance runner and three time London Marathon winner Paula Radcliffe. You’ll also have the chance to connect with fellow runners, enjoy complimentary refreshments, and take part in a post-show mingle with the Runna team.
Professor Lieberman lecture – Friday. 6.30pm for 7pm. The Common Room, NE1 1SE
Born to Run the Great North Run – Professor Daniel E Lieberman explores why we run, and why it slows ageing and prevents disease.
Internationally recognised as one of the foremost experts on the evolution of human movement, his pioneering research has transformed our understanding of how and why the human body evolved to walk, run, and stay active. In this lecture, Born to Run The Great North Run, he explores the paradox that while humans did not evolve to exercise, physical activity has never been more vital. Drawing on evolutionary science, he makes a compelling case for why movement should remain central to our health and everyday lives.
Things to see and do
Giant GNR sign by Monument – Friday & Saturday. Monument, Newcastle City Centre.
Keep your eyes peeled for the giant GNR sign which provides the perfect selfie opportunity. The sign will be near Monument in Newcastle City Centre on Friday and Saturday before moving to Exhibition Park for Sunday.
Screen on the green – Sunday. 10am-2pm. Old Eldon Square, Newcastle City Centre
Want to make a day of it? NE1’s Screen on the Green at Old Eldon Square makes the perfect spectating spot for friends and family. Showing live BBC One coverage of the Great North Run from 10am to 2pm, NE1’s signature deckchairs and colourful seating are on hand so you can kick back and enjoy all the action throughout the day.
Ben Whitfield, Director of Communications at NE1 Ltd said: “We are delighted to have extended NE1’s ever-popular Screen on the Green to provide a great vantage point for spectators to watch all the live action on our signature, large outdoor cinema screen. It is the first time we’ve done this and we are proud to be bringing the celebrations and support for the GNR and its runners into the heart of the city. The excitement is already building; we can’t wait for the starter’s pistol!”
Brooks Live Stage – Sunday. From 10am. Event village, South Shields.
The stage entertainment kicks off at 10am with the big screen showing the AJ Bell Great North Run live TV programme on BBC One, making it the perfect spot for spectators to watch all the action whilst they wait for loved ones to cross the finish line.
This exciting new addition to the finish area will feature a jam-packed schedule of entertainment throughout the day for runners and supporters to enjoy. You’ll have the chance to watch interviews with a host of famous faces, as well as having the opportunity to listen to exclusive live podcast recordings from RunPod and Runner’s World.
The Brooks LIVE Stage line-up will also feature a live DJ pumping out those post-run party anthems to help our runners celebrate their achievements. Why not head on down to the event village, grab some food and drink, take a seat in front of the stage, and enjoy the show!
Don’t miss
Elite International 5k Races – Friday. 5.00pm. Newcastle Quayside
This year’s AJ Bell Great North 5k event will once again be the curtain raiser to a weekend of running, with some of the fastest runners from the UK and abroad competing in the Elite International 5k Races. The elite races will take place over three laps of approximately one mile, while the mass participation race takes place over one 5km loop. The Elite Women’s race starts at 5pm, with the Elite Men’s race getting underway at 5.20pm before the mass 5k races begin at 6.10pm.
Red Arrows flyover + display – Sunday, 11.30 and 13.45
The Red Arrows RETURN this year, after missing the 2024 event, with their iconic displays.
Watch their Flypast over the Tyne Bridge at 11:30 before making their way to South Shields for their full display at the finish from 13.45.
On the route
The event is famous for its unforgettable atmosphere and 13.1 miles of unbeatable support, with music and live bands to motivate runners and keep their legs pumping from start to finish. From drummers, to steel pan groups, charity cheering buses and guitarists, bands this year will provide the ultimate playlist and entertainment galore to give runners a boost when they need it most.
Famous Faces
Our 60,000 runners on Sunday will be rubbing shoulders on the route with a whole host of famous faces including Joe Wicks, Dame Kelly Holmes, Tommy Fury, stars of The Traitors, Gladiator Referee Mark Clattenberg, influencers Joe Sugg and WillNE, reality TV stars Jake Quickenden and Ashley Cain along with TV personalities Sara Davie, Jenni Falconer, Bryony Gorden and Dr Alex George. Who will you spot along the course?
Sunday for Sammy
Sunday for Sammy will have a stage at Gateshead Railway Quarter outside The Central pub as runners cross the Tyne Bridge. With music acts performing across the day starting from around 10:15am to motivate runners, all young musicians are at the beginnings of their careers, whilst students from Gateshead College gain valuable work experience on what it’s like to work at events.
Getting there
The smartest way to plan your travel is with the Great North Run Travel Assistant. With tailored routing and event-specific options, this will make low-carbon travel simple. Use the tool to plan your travel from home or accommodation on the day, or in advance, just be sure to adjust the journey time to reflect when you’re planning your trip.
Set your wave as your destination to see the specific access routes for your start-line and look out for the map marker toggle feature at the top right of the travel assistant to find facilities.
You can expect long delays and road closures if driving to the start on the day. The tool includes local public transport options making it easy to plan your journey. Be sure to click “Get Live Updates” to be kept in the loop if any journeys change.
