The stage is set for the 45th edition of the AJ Bell Great North Run, as anticipation builds for what promises to be a record-breaking and emotionally charged event on Sunday, September 13, 2026. With an incredible 63,000 runners ready to tackle the iconic 13.1-mile course from Newcastle to South Shields, the world’s greatest half marathon is pulling out all the stops for its milestone year. From seasoned athletes to first-timers inspired by family legacies, the Great North Run continues to be a showcase of regional pride, personal achievement, and community spirit.
One of the most heartwarming stories this year comes from Dan Turnbull, a 25-year-old from South Shields who is lacing up his trainers for his very first Great North Run. Dan’s inspiration? His grandfather, Mel Turnbull, who ran the event an astonishing 27 times in a row, starting with the inaugural race in 1981. Mel, now 82, fondly recalls his own journey: “It’s a great event, I’m proud I did 27 in a row, I’ve kept all my medals even the first one and I did it up till 2014 and that was my last one then – I was pushing 70.” As Dan follows in his grandad’s footsteps, a friendly family rivalry is brewing. If Dan beats Mel’s best time of 90 minutes, he jokes he’ll be “over the moon.” Mel, not to be outdone, quips, “If he does, I’ll get my trainers on and see if I can beat him next year.”
Dan’s participation carries even deeper meaning. He’s running to raise funds for the MS Society, a cause close to his heart as his mother, Nicola Turnbull, was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis in 2000. Growing up as a young carer, Dan took on more responsibilities as his mother’s condition progressed. “When my mum’s condition got worse I went from just doing the laundry to doing a lot more,” Dan shares. “It went from helping with simple things to taking up a lot of my time but I’ve always been interested in charity work and this felt like the right choice to run for.” Nicola, who lives along the route, is eagerly awaiting the chance to cheer Dan on as he passes by their home. “I’m so proud of him, the MS Society has done a lot for me and it means a lot that he’s doing it for them as they help an awful lot of people,” she says.
Dan’s story is emblematic of a broader trend. According to the Great Run Company, the number of competitors aged 25 and under has nearly doubled over the past five years, with more than 15% of entrants now in that age group. Dan believes running has become more accessible and appealing to young people. “In an age when everything is just on your computer or phone, you can go to a running club and meet people you never expect to meet, all you need is a pair of trainers, it feels more accessible,” he explains. “I think a lot of young people now enjoy running, sport can be very macho but I think there’s something nice about running.”
This year’s Great North Run is not just about the runners—it’s a full-scale celebration. England star and Newcastle United captain Dan Burn will serve as the official starter, joining a prestigious list of local heroes who have kicked off the race over the years, including Sting, Ant and Dec, Sir Bobby Robson, Alan Shearer, and Jill Scott. Burn, fresh off helping England reach the semi-finals of this summer’s World Cup, is honored to lead the charge: “It’s an honour to be starting the Great North Run on the milestone 45th occasion. I’m so excited to see all 63,000 of you on Sunday. I’d like to wish everyone running all the best of luck!”
Sir Brendan Foster, founder of the Great North Run and President of The Great Run Company, reflected on the event’s legacy: “This year for us is huge in so many ways – it’s our 45th anniversary and the biggest ever Great North Run with 63,000 runners taking on the famous course from city to sea. We needed someone big for this big moment, so we made a big signing… Big Dan Burn!” Foster highlighted the event’s tradition of ordinary people doing extraordinary things, a sentiment echoed by the thousands of stories that emerge each year.
The festivities will be broadcast live on BBC One from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., with highlights airing on BBC Three at 9 p.m. The Great North Run will be seen in over 170 countries worldwide, amplifying the North East’s pride on a global stage. Spectators lining the streets—expected to number over 200,000—will be treated to another cherished tradition: the Red Arrows’ flypast. Despite canceling an earlier display in Guernsey and a scheduled appearance in Belgium due to engineering resource issues, the RAF display team has confirmed their iconic flyover will go ahead at 10:52 a.m. on Sunday. Their red, white, and blue smoke trails have been a fixture of the event since 2002, thrilling both runners and fans alike.
The excitement doesn’t stop at the main race. The weekend kicks off with the AJ Bell Great North Run 5K race on Friday, September 11, followed by the 40th edition of the Junior and Mini events on Saturday, September 12. The Great North Run’s popularity continues to soar, with tens of thousands already entering the ballot for the 2027 race.
For those taking part or supporting runners, logistics are as crucial as ever. Rolling road closures will be in effect across Newcastle, Gateshead, and South Tyneside throughout Sunday, with key routes like Park Terrace, Claremont Road, and the A167(M) subject to scheduled shutdowns and targeted reopening times. Public transport is ramping up for the occasion: the Tyne and Wear Metro offers special Day Rover tickets for runners and spectators, with trains running every 7½ minutes from Monument to South Shields after the race starts. Shuttle buses and extra ferry crossings are also in place to ensure smooth travel for the massive crowds.
Start times for runners are staggered by colored waves: Orange Wave access opens from 8 a.m., Green from 9 a.m., and Pink from 10 a.m., with strict assembly deadlines to keep the event on schedule. Late arrivals risk missing out, so punctuality is key!
The Great North Run has come a long way since its founding by Sir Brendan Foster in 1981, with only the Covid-affected year of 2020 breaking its annual streak. This year’s event is set to be the largest yet, a testament to its enduring appeal and the community’s unwavering support. Celebrities such as Ben Shephard, Rachel Duffy, Joe McElderry, and Peter Reid will join elite athletes and everyday heroes on the course, making for a truly star-studded affair.
With the Red Arrows confirmed, a record number of runners, and countless personal stories fueling every stride, the 2026 Great North Run is shaping up to be a celebration of resilience, unity, and hope. As the countdown ticks closer, the North East prepares to welcome the world, one runner at a time.