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Join 60,000 dedicated runners from around the country to participate in the legendary Great North Run.
Set against the pretty backdrop of the northeast, this iconic half-marathon is renowned for its electric atmosphere and scenic route. Whether you're a seasoned runner, first-time participant or avid spectator, the Great North Run offers an unforgettable experience.
With Avanti West Coast, you can find convenient and affordable trains to Newcastle. Learn more about what you can expect at the Great North Run and see how Avanti West Coast trains can get you up to the northeast.
How to get to Great North Run by train
The Great North Run takes place in Newcastle upon Tyne. The most direct trains here are services to Newcastle Central. These can be taken from towns and cities across the UK, including Liverpool Lime Street, Manchester Piccadilly and London Kings Cross.
Trains from London to Newcastle take around two hours 50 mins, while trains from Liverpool Lime Street to Newcastle take around three hours 15 mins
The race start is located on the A167 road (the central motorway), on the edge of both the city centre and the south end of Town Moor. This is a 30-40 minute walk from Newcastle Central.
On the day, buses are in service between Eldon Square bus station and many on-street bus stops. There are also shuttle buses from Haymarket to the start line.
What to do at the Great North Run
Around 60,000 people run the Great North Run every year. This is either for personal fitness goals or raising money for charity. You can either compete yourself or watch family or friends compete.
If you are watching others compete, the organisers recommend picking a spot along the Great North Run route. This is because the start line and finish line can get very busy.
If you are in Newcastle, you’ll no doubt notice a joyous atmosphere throughout the city.
The run is taking place on 10th September, so with any luck, the late-summer weather should hold up for the event.
About the Great North Run
Having originally taken place in 1981 and created by former Olympic 10,000m bronze medallist and BBC Sport commentator Brendan Foster, the Great North Run is now the largest half-marathon event in the world.
It’s also worth noting that in 2023, six-time Olympic gold medal winner, Sir Mo Farah, will be running. He has announced the AJ Bell Great North Run will be his last ever race as a professional athlete.
The race, which he won six times in a row between 2014-2019, gives fans and fellow runners an opportunity to celebrate his famous career. It’s not to be missed.
The event takes place annually in North East England each September. Additionally, the Great North 10K takes place on 2nd July. A sister event to the Great North Run, this event offers something for everyone.
It’s welcoming to one and all, whether you’re taking on a 10k run for the first time or training for the Great North Run in September.
Although many treat the 10k event as a formal test of training in preparation for the upcoming half marathon, runners are not required to be competing in the Great North Run to take part.
Ways to save on your train ticket to the Great North Run
Along with these convenient train options are plenty of ways to save money. Save with these useful tips.
Before anything else, you can booking in advance to save on booking fees. You can also save money by travelling at quieter times with Off-Peak Tickets. During the week, Off-Peak travel times fall outside the morning and late-afternoon busy times.
Another way to save on your tickets is to purchase a Railcard. If you’re travelling solo, consider Railcards like the 16-25 or 26-30 Railcard. Or, if you’re travelling with others, there’s the Two Together Railcard and Family and Friends Railcard.
Get the app
The Avanti West Coast App makes finding train tickets to Newcastle simple. Download it to find the cheapest train tickets, paying no booking fees.
You can also change the date, time, or seat of your journey, as well as use the exclusive seat picker. This gives you the option to choose exactly where you want to sit.
With Avanti, we want your journey to be as comfortable as possible, and with our app you’ll be able to enjoy a smoother journey, from booking to boarding.
