About 60,000 people typically take part in the Great North Run each year, making it the largest half marathon in the world.

Quick Scoop

The Great North Run has grown massively since it began in 1981 with around 12,000 runners and now regularly attracts around 54,000–60,000 entrants, with about that number lining up on race day depending on the year. Recent editions have been described by charities and broadcasters as the “world’s biggest” half marathon, with approximately 60,000 runners taking on the 13.1‑mile route from Newcastle to South Shields.