Great North Run 2022: start time, route, road closures - is it cancelled after the Queen’s death?

The Great North Run will return to Newcastle for 2022 this weekend
Watch more of our videos on Shots! 
and live on Freeview channel 276
Visit Shots! now

The Great North Run will go ahead as planned following the death of the Queen, it has been announced.

Elizabeth II died at the age of 96 at Balmoral Castle on Thursday (8 September).

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

The country has entered a period of mourning following the death of the former monarch which will last until her funeral.

Sporting events have been cancelled including all football in England and Scotland.

The Great Run company confirmed that the Great North Run will go ahead as planned on 11 September.

Tens of thousands of runners from across the country will descend on Newcastle for the event.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

It is the world’s largest half marathon and it has been running since 1981.

More than 60,000 people are estimated to take part in the Great North Run each year.

A mix of elite and amateur runners will run from Newcastle to South Shields.

Here is all you need to know:

When is the Great North Run?

The event will take place on Sunday (11 September).

It will begin on the morning of 11 September.

Has the Great North Run being cancelled?

The Great North 5K due to take place on Friday (9 September) has been cancelled.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

However the Great North Run will go ahead as planned on Sunday.

The Great

What time does the Great North Run start?

If the run goes ahead, the event site will open at 8am on Sunday.

Start times will be staggered throughout the morning and are as follows:

  • 10.15am - elite wheelchair
  • 10.20am - elite women
  • 10.22am - visually impaired
  • 10.45am - elite men and masses start
NEWCASTLE UPON TYNE, ENGLAND - SEPTEMBER 12: Runners wait for the start as they take part in the 40th Great North Run on September 12, 2021 in Newcastle upon Tyne, England. Approximately 57,000 runners are expected to take part in the marathon to raise money for a variety of different charities. The event, which was cancelled in 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic, is being held with several coronavirus safety measure in place, including route changes, staggered start times and hand sanitiser stations. (Photo by Ian Forsyth/Getty Images)NEWCASTLE UPON TYNE, ENGLAND - SEPTEMBER 12: Runners wait for the start as they take part in the 40th Great North Run on September 12, 2021 in Newcastle upon Tyne, England. Approximately 57,000 runners are expected to take part in the marathon to raise money for a variety of different charities. The event, which was cancelled in 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic, is being held with several coronavirus safety measure in place, including route changes, staggered start times and hand sanitiser stations. (Photo by Ian Forsyth/Getty Images)
NEWCASTLE UPON TYNE, ENGLAND - SEPTEMBER 12: Runners wait for the start as they take part in the 40th Great North Run on September 12, 2021 in Newcastle upon Tyne, England. Approximately 57,000 runners are expected to take part in the marathon to raise money for a variety of different charities. The event, which was cancelled in 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic, is being held with several coronavirus safety measure in place, including route changes, staggered start times and hand sanitiser stations. (Photo by Ian Forsyth/Getty Images)

When does the Great North Run finish?

The Red Arrows are due to perform at the finish of the Great North Run at 1.45pm on Sunday.

What is the route of the Great North Run?

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

The half marathon will run start in Newcastle, before crossing the Tyne into Gateshead.

Runners will then head through South Tyneside and come to an end in South Shields.

Route of the Great North Run for 2022Route of the Great North Run for 2022
Route of the Great North Run for 2022

How long is the Great North Run?

It is a half marathon, meaning that is exactly half the distant of a marathon.

The distance is approximately 21.0975 kilometres long - or 13 miles 192.5 yards.

A full marathon is 26 miles 385 yards - 42.195 kilometres.

What are the road closures in Newcastle area?

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

A number of roads will be shut due to the Great North Run taking place on Sunday.

The closures are as follows:

  • A167 Central Motorway (Cowgate Roundabout/ Grandstand Rd Interchange to Great North Rd) - 8pm 10 September to 6.30pm 11 September
  • A167 Central Motorway (Closed from Great North Road Interchange to Park Lane) - 8.45am to 5pm 11 September
  • A184 Park Lane/Felling Bypass to Whitemare Pool Interchange - 9am to 5pm 11 September
  • A194(M) Whitemare Pool Interchange/Leam Lane to John Reid Rd Roundabout - 9.45am to 4pm 11 September
  • John Reid Rd (A1300) to Prince Edward Rd (A1300) to Redwell Lane/Coast Rd (A183) roundabout - 9.45am to 4pm 11 September
  • Coast Road (A183) closed from Redwell Lane to Mowbray Rd - 8am to 5.30pm 11 September
  • Bents Park Rd. Closed from Sea Way to Mowbray Rd - 2.45am to 5.30pm 11 September
  • Coast Road (A183) closed from Marsden Rock to Redwell Lane (Northbound only) - 2pm until 5.30pm

What will the weather be like for the Great North Run?

The Met Office has issued a long range forecast for the coming weekend.

The forecast for Newcastle-upon-Tyne is as follows:

  • 7am - cloudy - 12C
  • 10am - cloudy - 15C
  • 1pm - cloudy - 18C

Who started the Great North Run?

The idea for the Great North Run was devised by former Olympic 10,000 m bronze medallist and BBC Sport commentator Brendan Foster.

He was inspired by doing the Round the Bays Race in New Zealand in 1979.

Comment Guidelines

National World encourages reader discussion on our stories. User feedback, insights and back-and-forth exchanges add a rich layer of context to reporting. Please review our Community Guidelines before commenting.