Great North Run 2022: how to enter GNR ballot, entry requirements and date annual Newcastle run takes place

The Great North Run is one of the most famous running races not just in the UK but around the world.

Previous winners include the likes of Mo Farah, Paula Radcliffe and Ethiopian great Haile Gebrselassie.

But while a field of elite athletes steams off into the distance, tens of thousands of amateur runners also take part in what is the biggest running event held in the UK.

So how can you enter the ballot for 2022’s race, when does it take place - and what route will the race take place on?

Here’s what you need to know.

What is the Great North Run?

The Great North Run is an annual half marathon which takes place in and around the city of Newcastle.

It was set up in 1981 by Geordie Brendan Foster, who won a bronze medal for Team GB in the 10,000m at the 1976 Montreal Olympics.

With more than 50,000 participants taking part in a typical year, the race is the biggest running event on the UK calendar - bigger even than the London Marathon.

The 13.1 mile (21km) course starts in Newcastle upon Tyne and crosses the iconic Tyne Bridge into Gateshead, before finishing in South Shields.

Due to the Covid-19 pandemic, the race’s 40th anniversary edition in 2021 started and finished in Newcastle.

Previous winners of the event include Team GB Olympic greats Mo Farah, Paula Radcliffe and David Weir, as well as one of the greatest runners in history - Haile Gebrselassie.

When will GNR 2022 take place?

The 41st staging of the Great North Run will take place on 11 September 2022.

57,000 runners are expected to take part.

Starting times will depend on which wave of runners you are part of - with each wave determined by the expected finish time of entrants.

How to enter the ballot

You can enter the Great North Run ballot from Monday 10 January until 9am on Monday 21 February via the Great North Run website.

The ballot draw will take place later on 21 February, with all entrants set to find out if their application has been successful by no later than 5pm on Friday 25 February.

When signing up, you will have to submit your card details for the £59 race entry fee, which will only be taken from your account if your entry is successful.

As well as the half marathon, there are also events for young children (aged three to eight years old), under-18s and a 5km event, which all take place in the days leading up to the event.

There are also virtual running challenges you can take part in, which can be viewed on the Great North Run website.

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