AJ Bell Great North Run

The AJ Bell Great North Run starts in Newcastle upon Tyne and finishes on the coast at South Shields, following a point-to-point route across the Tyne. Runners head out of the city centre and cross the iconic Tyne Bridge into Gateshead early in the race, before continuing through South Tyneside towards the finish, taking in views of the North Sea from Prince Edward Road along the way. The surface is entirely closed-road tarmac, with the course generally regarded as fast despite some rolling sections rather than being pancake flat. As the world's biggest half marathon, it draws around 60,000 runners each year, supported by roaring crowds and entertainment along the entire route. Elite wheelchair, women's and men's races precede the mass start, with past champions including Mo Farah and Paula Radcliffe. The race raises millions for charity annually and forms the centrepiece of a wider weekend of Great Run events across Tyneside.