The Great North Run is one of the most iconic half marathons in the world, a 13.1-mile celebration of running, community spirit, and North Eastern pride. From the electric atmosphere at the start in Newcastle, crossing the famous Tyne Bridge and the euphoric finish along the South Shields seafront, it’s a day you’ll never forget.
If you’re gearing up for the event, we have teamed up with Ashleigh Jones, a seasoned runner with plenty of experience on this course, who has shared her top tips as well as our own to help you make the most of your race day. From staying comfortable at the start to soaking up the incredible finish-line atmosphere, here’s her expert advice.
1. Prepare Logistically
Arrive early on race morning, as Newcastle gets very busy and the streets are packed with runners and supporters. Give yourself plenty of time for transport, baggage drop, and finding your start pen to avoid unnecessary stress. It’s also a good idea to familiarise yourself with the route beforehand, the Tyne Bridge comes at mile 1, and the final stretch along the seafront can be windy. Nowadays, a quick look on Google Maps and Street View makes it easier than ever to know what to expect.
The night before the race, lay out all your kit, including your shoes, race bib, watch, nutrition, and post-race layers, so everything is ready to go. Remember that the walk from the finish to the reunion area can be long, so pack something warm or a foil blanket to stay comfortable while you make your way to friends and family.
2. Nail Your Nutrition and Hydration
Proper nutrition is a key part of a successful Great North Run, and it all starts before the race. Aim to fuel up with a familiar, carbohydrate-rich breakfast 2–3 hours before the start. Porridge, toast, or a banana with peanut butter are all great options that provide sustained energy without upsetting your stomach.
The goal is to top up your glycogen stores so your legs feel strong right from the first mile. Avoid trying anything new on race morning, stick to foods you’ve tested in training to minimise the risk of digestive issues.
During the race, your body will continue to burn through energy, so it’s important to refuel consistently. Aim for 45–60 grams of carbohydrates per hour, which can be conveniently supplied by VOOM Pocket Rockets or Fusion Fuel.
Hydration is equally important: drink according to thirst and use the water stations strategically along the course. If you know you sweat a lot or lose significant salt, consider adding electrolytes to your hydration plan. Most importantly, always practise your race-day nutrition in training.
Finding what works for you in advance ensures there are no surprises on the day and helps you maintain consistent energy all the way to the finish line.
3. Keep Warm at the Start
One of the first challenges of the Great North Run is waiting in the start area. With tens of thousands of runners ready to go, you might find yourself standing around in the cool morning air for a little while.
Ashleigh recommends taking an extra layer of clothing that you can easily remove and leave behind. Not only does this keep you warm during the wait, but all clothing left at the start is donated to local charities, a win-win for you and the community.
3. Embrace the Crowds
The Great North Run isn’t just about the running, it’s about the unbelievable atmosphere. The people of the North East are famous for their friendliness, and thousands line the streets to cheer on participants.
As you approach South Shields, the energy ramps up even more. Ashleigh advises runners to soak it all in: grab those high fives, smile at the supporters, and let the positive vibes carry you through the miles. The crowd support here can be a real game-changer for your motivation.
3. Savour the Home Straight
Reaching the final stretch of the race is an exhilarating moment. As you turn onto the seafront in South Shields at mile 13, resist the urge to sprint immediately. Ashleigh’s tip: enjoy the cheers and the atmosphere first.
Take in the moment, feel the energy from the crowd, and only when the finish line is truly in sight, unleash your final push. This approach lets you finish strong while fully enjoying one of the most memorable parts of the race.
4. Make the Most of Your Finisher Moments
Crossing the finish line is just the beginning of the post-race experience. Ashleigh encourages runners to celebrate every moment: wear your medal with pride, snap photos in front of the giant finisher posters, strike a pose on the podiums, ring the PB bell, and visit the charity village.
These experiences are part of what makes the Great North Run so special, so take the time to enjoy them.
5. Plan for After the Race
With around 60,000 runners on the course, navigating the finish area and finding friends and family can be tricky. Ashleigh recommends planning a meeting point ahead of time, as mobile phone signal is notoriously unreliable due to the sheer number of people.
This simple preparation ensures you can celebrate your achievement with loved ones without any stress.
Recovery and Post-Race Care
After crossing the finish line, keep walking to help your legs cool down instead of stopping abruptly. Within 30–60 minutes, refuel with a mix of carbs and protein—a recovery shake or a sandwich works perfectly.
The next day, take it easy and include some gentle stretching to support faster recovery. Finally, take a moment to reflect on your experience while it’s still fresh in your mind, so you can learn from it and plan even better for the future.
Final Word
The Great North Run isn’t just a race, it’s a celebration of running, community, and perseverance. Pace yourself, fuel smartly, and enjoy the journey. Whether you’re chasing a personal best or simply aiming to cross the finish line, make sure you savour every moment, all the way from Newcastle to South Shields!
