Great North Run 2023 full list of key timings runners and spectators need to know

The Great North Run[1] is back in September, with runners having not long left to make their final preparations for the big day that is sure to be as memorable as ever.

With 60,000 participants set to make the epic 13.1-mile journey from Newcastle city centre[2] to South Shields[3] on Sunday, September 10, the run is one of the biggest events in the North East - and it has to run like clockwork. Now in its 42nd year, organisers have got all the timings down to a tee, meaning both runners and onlookers need to ensure they are aware of the schedule so as not to miss out on the action.

If you're planning to watch events unfold from home, live coverage will be broadcast on BBC[4] One from 10am until 2pm. For those taking part in this year's run or anyone set to head down to show their support, here are all the key timings you need to know for the momentous day.

There is no official event parking available at the start of the course, but parking will be open from 6:15am at the finish in South Shields on the Leas. The Dragon car park in South Shields will also be open after 8am on the day, but this has a limited capacity.

All baggage buses will depart Claremont Road in Newcastle city centre at 10:30am. Baggage labels are attached to each person's run number - participants are advised to tear it off and fill it in before leaving the house on the day, and ensure it is secured to their bag.

The schedule for the races prior to the main start is as follows:

  • 10:30am - Elite Wheelchair race start
  • 10:35am - Elite Women start
  • 10:37am - Visually Impaired race start

Runners must make sure they are in their assembly area by 10:45am at the latest. The start and assembly areas are located on Newcastle's Central Motorway, and participants should follow the signs to their assembly area which corresponds to the colour and letter on their run number.

The Mass Warm Up will take place at 10:48am, and the Elite Men and Masses start is 11am. Organisers have warned that any late runners arriving after the sweep vehicle has left at 12:30pm will not be allowed to participate.

While there are no specific cut-off times for finishing the run, there is a race sweep vehicle that travels at a 17-minute mile pace and runners who fall behind this are asked to complete the remainder of the course on the pavement to allow for the roads to be reopened. However, the finish area will remain open until the last entrant has crossed the finish line.

There will be a Red Arrows flypast over the Tyne Bridge at 11:35am. Crowds can also look forward to a Red Arrows display in South Shields at 1:45pm on the day.

References

  1. ^ Great North Run (www.chroniclelive.co.uk)
  2. ^ Newcastle city centre (www.chroniclelive.co.uk)
  3. ^ South Shields (www.chroniclelive.co.uk)
  4. ^ BBC (www.chroniclelive.co.uk)
  5. ^ Join ChronicleLive's Great North Run WhatsApp community for essential information on this year's run (www.chroniclelive.co.uk)

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