Great North Run 2026 schedule, times and how to watch half marathon on TV

The Great North Run takes place this weekend when thousands will descend on the north east to tackle the famous course, which this year celebrates its 45th anniversary.

The world’s biggest half marathon will see a record 63,000 runners take on the route from Newcastle to South Shields.

Elite women’s and men’s fields, as well as wheelchair races, will hit the road before the mass start.

Kenyan defending champions Alex Mutiso and Sheila Chepkirui return and are hot favourites to double up, while home favourite Eilish McColgan will be hoping to claim a maiden win at the race after returning from a foot injury which ruled her out of the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow.

Here’s everything you need to know.

What is the schedule?

The Great North Run takes place on Sunday 13 September, with the races beginning at 10.20am BST.

10:20 – Elite wheelchair

10:25am – Elite women

10:27 Visually impaired (VI) participants

10:50 – Elite men and masses

How to watch

Coverage will begin on BBC One at 10am BST. Licence fee payers can watch via the iPlayer app and website.

What is the route?

The Great North Run starts in Newcastle, on the A167 close to Claremont Road. The route takes runners over the River Tyne to Gateshead and east to finish at South Shields after a final mile-long seafront stretch. The route is undulating, with miles 8-12 considered the toughest section tracking largely uphill.

Elite fields

Men

Women