The anticipation is palpable as the ballot for the 2026 AJ Bell Great North Run officially opens, giving runners across the globe their final shot at securing a coveted place in one of the world’s most celebrated half marathons. With the clock ticking down to midnight on Sunday, January 11, hopeful participants are rushing to enter what promises to be a landmark 45th edition of the iconic event. The race, set for Sunday, September 13, 2026, will once again see Newcastle’s city centre transformed into a vibrant sea of athletic ambition, community pride, and charitable spirit.
Since its inception in 1981, the Great North Run has grown from a local endeavor into the largest half marathon on the planet, drawing around 60,000 runners each year. The 13.1-mile route, famed for its energetic crowds and scenic stretches, takes participants from the heart of Newcastle, across the historic Tyne Bridge, and down to the welcoming finish line in South Shields. For many, it’s not just about the distance—it’s about the journey, the camaraderie, and the chance to be part of something truly special.
As the January ballot opens, Paul Foster, Chief Executive of the Great Run Company, didn’t mince words about the significance of this moment. “The countdown has started to the 45th Great North Run. Every year the whole of the North East gets behind and celebrates the event to create a truly special occasion and 2026 will be no exception,” Foster said. “The Great North Run is one of the great destination running events with thousands of runners travelling to the North East from across the UK and indeed the world each year. It has firmly cemented its position as one of the must do events in the running calendar.”
The sense of urgency is clear. With the first ballot having opened back in September 2025, this January window represents the last opportunity for runners to grab a spot. “The January Ballot is one of the final chances to secure a place for 2026 and experience the incredible atmosphere and roaring crowd support for yourself. I encourage anyone who is eager to join us to enter now,” Foster urged. He concluded his rallying call with a heartfelt, “Best of luck to you all!”
Applicants who enter the ballot will be notified by email shortly after it closes, learning whether they’ll be among the 60,000 strong lining up in Newcastle this September. The event’s draw isn’t just its scale, but also its profound impact—each year, runners raise an estimated £25 million for charities, making the Great North Run a powerhouse of philanthropy as well as athletic achievement.
This year, the charitable spotlight shines even brighter. Event sponsor AJ Bell has nominated Alzheimer’s Society as the new official charity for the 2026-27 Great Run Series, ensuring that the race’s legacy of giving continues to evolve. For many participants, running the Great North Run is as much about supporting vital causes as it is about personal accomplishment or chasing a new personal best.
The 2026 edition also promises a fresh artistic flair. Organizers have announced a special collaboration with Newcastle’s own street artist, Mul, whose distinctive Running Heart character will feature prominently on the finisher medal and T-shirt. Mul, whose creation was inspired by the Candi Staton classic “Young Hearts Run Free,” expressed his pride at being part of the event’s history. “To know my artwork will form part of The Great North Run’s history is a genuine bucket-list moment and something as an artist, I’m very proud of,” Mul remarked. His playful, uplifting design is expected to add an extra spark to the race’s already electric atmosphere, making the 45th running even more memorable for participants and spectators alike.
That atmosphere is legendary. Every year, the North East turns out in force to cheer on runners, creating a wall of support that’s as much a part of the event as the runners themselves. The route, winding through city streets, over the Tyne Bridge, and out toward the coast, is lined with crowds offering encouragement, music, and the kind of energy that can propel even the most tired legs toward the finish.
Sir Brendan Foster, the event’s founder and a towering figure in British athletics, has described the 2026 Great North Run as “unmissable.” His words echo the sentiments of countless runners who return year after year, drawn by the camaraderie, the challenge, and the sheer joy of being part of something bigger than themselves.
For those who secure a place, the experience is unforgettable. Whether chasing a fast time, running for a loved one, or simply soaking in the sights and sounds of the North East, every participant becomes part of a living tradition. The event’s live broadcast on BBC One and coverage in more than 170 territories worldwide ensures that the Great North Run’s spirit reaches a truly global audience, shining a spotlight on the region and its people.
The logistical effort behind the scenes is immense. Organizers work year-round to ensure that every detail is attended to, from crowd control and medical support to the design of medals and T-shirts. The involvement of local artists like Mul underscores the event’s deep ties to the community, celebrating not just athletic achievement but the vibrant culture of Newcastle and the surrounding area.
For those still considering whether to throw their hat in the ring, time is running out. The January ballot closes at midnight on Sunday, January 11, and with demand always outstripping supply, early entry is strongly advised. As Foster and the organizing team have emphasized, this is the last chance to be part of the 2026 race—a chance that thousands won’t want to miss.
Once the ballot closes, the anticipation will shift to the inboxes of applicants, as they await the all-important email confirming their place. For those who make the cut, preparations will begin in earnest: training plans, fundraising efforts, and perhaps a little daydreaming about crossing that finish line in South Shields with a medal around their neck and the roar of the crowd in their ears.
As the Great North Run gears up for its 45th anniversary, the excitement is building not just in Newcastle, but across the UK and around the world. With its unique blend of competition, charity, and community, the event continues to capture the imagination of runners and fans alike. Whether you’re a seasoned veteran or a first-timer, there’s nothing quite like the thrill of the Great North Run—and for 60,000 lucky entrants, the journey is about to begin.
For more information or to enter the ballot, visit greatrun.org/north. Don’t let this final opportunity slip by—after all, as every runner knows, sometimes it’s the last chance that leads to the greatest adventure.
