The ballot for the 2026 AJ Bell Great North Run has now closed, and organisers have confirmed that it is the biggest ever, with demand to be part of the world-famous half marathon continuing to increase year on year.
The 2026 event returns on Sunday 13 September 2026, with successful and unsuccessful ballot applicants to be notified of the ballot draw results today.
For all those unsuccessful in this year’s ballot, this isn’t the end of the road. A second ballot will be held in January 2026, with the final places confirmed then. There are also
hundreds of charities big and small looking for runners to be part of their fundraising teams.
Paul Foster, Chief Executive of The Great Run Company, said: “We are delighted to have received a record level of ballot application for the 2026 AJ Bell Great North Run. We continue to be blown away by just how popular the event is to people all across the UK, and the world, with a 25% increase in applications this year.
“To those who aren’t successful in the ballot, don’t give up, there will be a second chance to enter in the new year, or you could secure a charity place and do something amazing for a worthy cause. 2026 will be the 45th anniversary of the event, and plans are already afoot to make it the best one yet.”
Those successful in the ballot can expect to rub shoulders with a host of famous faces as they run the iconic route from Newcastle to South Shields, cheered on by a rapturous crowd which always shows up in force. The event will also feature some of the world’s leading athletes competing at the front in the elite Men’s, Women’s and Wheelchair athlete races.
The Great North Run, founded in 1981, has evolved into a weekend running festival with events held for all ages and running abilities. These include the AJ Bell Great North 5K on Friday evening, and the AJ Bell Junior & Mini Great North Run on Saturday, the UK’s biggest kids’ running event. Both of these take place on the Newcastle & Gateshead Quayside. Entry to both is now open.
