What to expect from Great North Run day 

Our runners come from every walk of life: seasoned athletes, weekend joggers, and even those who openly admit they ‘hate running.’ But one thing unites them all – every single person crosses that finish line with a smile. 

For some supporters, the Great North Run is a fixture on their calendar, while for others, it’s a one-time bucket list challenge (and that’s perfectly fine – you’ll always have the bragging rights!). 

This blog is especially for those lacing up for the very first time. If that’s you, don’t worry, there’s nothing to be afraid of. In fact, you’ve got a lot to look forward to. 

Time to carb-load 

We know this blog is all about what to expect on race day, but we couldn’t leave out this golden piece of advice, and let’s be honest, it might just be the most enjoyable part of your preparation. 

To perform at your best, you’ll need plenty of energy. The most effective way to fuel up is by carb-loading. By increasing your carbohydrate intake, you maximise your muscle glycogen stores, your body’s main source of energy during long-distance running. 

In other words, this is your guilt-free pass to enjoy that pizza, pasta, burger, or plate of chips. Not only is it delicious, but it’ll also help keep you from ‘hitting the wall’ on the course. Trust us… your future self at mile 11 will be very grateful. 

Pre-race nerves  

You wake up, open your eyes, and notice a little flutter in your stomach… those are the well-known pre-race nerves. Even if you’ve signed up ‘just for fun’, that feeling has a sneaky way of showing up for most runners. 

But here’s the good news: that nervous energy is actually adrenaline. It’s your body’s way of gearing up to carry you through the miles ahead, and it’s also the reason you’ll likely sleep like a rock once it’s all over. 

The best way to handle it? Take some deep breaths, chat with friends or fellow runners, and remind yourself why you’re there. You’re doing something incredible for an amazing cause, and in the end, that’s what really matters. 

The prep  

Got a rumble in your tummy? Don’t ignore it – fuel is your friend on race day. 

A hearty breakfast is the perfect way to set yourself up for success. Simple, energy-packed foods like porridge, toast, or fruit are tried-and-tested favourites.  

The earlier you eat, the more time your body has to digest, meaning more energy for you and less chance of getting a stitch later on. 

Before you set off, don’t forget to slather on some sun cream – even if rain is forecast! You’ll be outdoors for a long stretch of time, and UV rays can sneak through the clouds, so the last thing you want is an unexpected sunburn. 

As the start line approaches, it’s a good idea to have a light snack handy. A banana, granola bar, or any easily digestible option will give you that final burst of energy before you set off. 

And don’t forget the essentials: sweets, water, and a pre-tested energy gel (if you know, you know). Small things like these can make a big difference once you’re on the route. 

The journey to the start 

The nerves are probably still fluttering as you make your way to the start line but take a moment to look around and soak in the atmosphere. It’s hard to put into words: a mix of excitement, anticipation, and just a hint of nerves. 

You’ll have been sent a race number in a specific colour to add to your charity top, so don’t forget to pack some safety pins! The colour determines where you’ll line up: oranges at the front, greens in the middle, and pinks at the back, based on the estimated finish time you provided. You can’t move forward in the queue, but you’re free to move backward if you want to run alongside friends with a different colour. 

And that little piece of paper isn’t just a number – it has a microchip, too, so friends and family can track your progress live on the Great North app. 

As you near the start, you’ll find plenty of loo stops, clear signage, and helpful marshals ready to guide you to your designated area.  

And you’re off!  

You might have a short wait before you’re given the go-ahead to cross the start line but use this time to soak in the scene. Look around at the incredible costumes and quirky creations – yes, that’s a runner carrying a fridge on his back, he’s a true race-day legend! 

Keep an eye on the big screen as runners ahead begin to set off, and don’t forget to cheer loudly when you spot our iconic green t-shirts. And here’s a little magic of the queue: even if you don’t know everyone around you, spotting someone in a matching charity shirt instantly turns them into an automatic ally… you can share a nod of approval or a smile. 

Then, when it’s finally your turn, step over the start line. Instantly, those pre-race nerves will melt away as you’re swept up in the electric energy of thousands of runners and the cheering crowd. 

The renowned atmosphere  

At the start, you probably won’t even notice how many miles you’ve covered – you’ll be too busy shouting “OGGY OGGY OGGY!” as you pass through the tunnel beneath Newcastle’s city centre. Before you know it, you’ll be striding across the iconic Tyne Bridge. 

All along the route, crowds of locals line the streets, handing out sweets and cheering you on. Wait – did someone just shout your name? That’s the magic of having your name on your race number! Those personal words of encouragement can lift your spirits in ways you wouldn’t expect. 

It’s easy to get caught up in the excitement at this stage but remember to pace yourself. You’ve still got plenty of miles ahead, so keep some energy in reserve for the journey to the finish line. 

The middle  

It’s normal to feel your energy dip at points during the race, and that’s the perfect moment to reach for an energy gel to give yourself a boost.  

There are plenty of water stops along the route – take every chance to hydrate, and don’t miss the little cool showers dotted along the course for a refreshing pick-me-up. Just watch your step, as discarded bottles on the ground can make footing a bit tricky. 

As you push through, you’ll be surrounded by music everywhere you turn – karaoke, brass bands, and iconic tunes blasting from speakers all along the route to keep your spirits high and your legs moving. 

Not another hill!  

Yes, we have to be honest – there are a couple of hills as you near the end of the route. But the good news? This is exactly where you’ll find our charity’s cheer team. 

Keep your eyes peeled… you really can’t miss them with their big banner, colourful balloons, and unstoppable cheers.  

And don’t forget to smile! They’ll likely be snapping live-action shots that could end up on Facebook later, so do your best to look more triumphant than exhausted (we know it’s a challenge, but you’ve got this!). 

The finish line is in sight  

The scent of the salty sea fills the air, and suddenly, the finish line is within reach. Save a little energy for the final mile along the South Shields coast… one foot in front of the other, and before you know it, you’ll be crossing that finish line. 

Shortly after, you’ll be handed your well-earned medal and goodie bag, complete with your 2025 running top; it’s nice to have something else to get changed into if you’re feeling a little sweaty. 

This is also the perfect time to capture your achievement. Photo boards are set up along the finish, giving you the chance to commemorate the moment. Let’s be honest… if you didn’t post it on social media, did you really do the Great North Run? Just be prepared for the queues – they tend to be quite popular! 

The charity tent  

It’s time to hobble over to the charity village, where maps will guide you straight to the GNAAS tent – a perfect spot to relax and recover after conquering a half-marathon. 

Expect a warm welcome from our team, enjoy complimentary massages, and treat yourself to plenty of delicious snacks to celebrate and refuel. 

Here, you’ll also meet fellow GNAAS runners, giving you a wonderful chance to catch up and hear the inspiring stories behind why people took on the challenge. 

The journey home  

No matter where you’re heading, the journey home will probably feel long; traffic leaving South Shields can be heavy, but it does keep moving, so a little patience goes a long way. 

By now, your signal should have improved, making it the perfect time to update your social media with your achievement and give your fundraising page one final nudge… think of it as a bit of post-event admin while you’re still riding the high of the day. 

Once you’re finally home, it’s time to switch into recovery mode: ease those muscles with a hot bath, treat yourself to a well-deserved meal, and sink into a good night’s sleep. You did it – you just ran a half-marathon.