The Great North Run is more than just a half marathon. It is a tradition, a cultural event, and a unifying experience that brings together tens of thousands of people every September. Whether you are a runner pounding the 13.1 miles from Newcastle to South Shields, a supporter lining the streets with cheers and encouragement, or one of the millions watching on television, the Great North Run holds a special place in the hearts of the UK public.
In this article, we’ll explore why the Great North Run is loved so much. We’ll dive into its history, the unique atmosphere, the incredible community spirit, the star-studded participants, the charitable legacy, and the role it plays in celebrating the North East of England. Along the way, we’ll uncover why it has become the world’s largest half marathon and a beloved staple of the sporting calendar.
1. The Origins of the Great North Run
To understand why the Great North Run is so beloved, it helps to look at its history. The event was founded in 1981 by Brendan Foster, the former Olympic bronze medalist and BBC athletics commentator. Inspired by the mass-participation running boom in the US, particularly the New York Marathon, Foster envisioned a race that would unite communities in the North East.
The very first Great North Run saw 12,000 runners take part, an impressive figure at the time. Fast forward to today, and the race regularly attracts 60,000 participants, making it the largest half marathon in the world. The growth of the event has been extraordinary, but the founding principle remains the same: running is for everyone, not just elite athletes.
2. The Route: From Newcastle to South Shields
The iconic course is one of the reasons why the Great North Run is adored. Starting in Newcastle upon Tyne, runners pass over the famous Tyne Bridge, cheered on by thousands of spectators. The bridge crossing is one of the most photographed and symbolic moments in UK sport, often featuring the Red Arrows flypast for added spectacle.
The route then winds through Gateshead, before finishing by the seafront in South Shields, where crowds line the final mile to welcome runners home. The mix of urban scenery, community hubs, and coastal beauty makes it a course like no other. For many, the finish line on the Leas overlooking the North Sea is both emotional and unforgettable.
3. The Atmosphere: A Festival of Running
Ask anyone who has run the Great North Run, and they’ll likely talk about the atmosphere. Unlike smaller races, this event feels like a festival. From the moment runners gather on Newcastle’s central motorway, there’s a palpable buzz of excitement.
Spectators line nearly every mile of the course, offering water, sweets, and encouragement. Bands play live music along the roadside, giving the race a carnival feel. Families set up barbecues in their gardens, handing out drinks to strangers who are united by one goal: finishing the run.
This atmosphere is one of the Great North Run’s most defining features. It isn’t just about running; it’s about celebration, unity, and joy.
4. Accessibility: A Run for Everyone
Another reason why the Great North Run is so cherished is its inclusivity. Unlike elite-only events, the Great North Run has always been about mass participation. From world-class athletes chasing records to fun runners in fancy dress, everyone has a place on the start line.
People walk, jog, or run the 13.1 miles. Wheelchair athletes, first-time runners, seasoned veterans, and those completing it as part of personal challenges all share the same course. This inclusivity has created a sense of belonging, where no one feels excluded from the experience.
5. The Red Arrows Tradition
Few images are as iconic as runners crossing the Tyne Bridge beneath the Red Arrows. The aerobatic display team has long been part of the Great North Run, and their dramatic flypast has become one of the highlights of the event.
For many, this moment represents the pride of the North East and the national significance of the race. It’s both a symbol of achievement and a reminder that this is not just any half marathon—it’s the Great North Run.
6. The Role of Television and Media
The Great North Run is also loved because of its strong presence on television. Broadcast annually by the BBC, millions of viewers across the UK tune in to watch the live coverage. This exposure has cemented its place in British sporting culture, alongside events like Wimbledon, the London Marathon, and the FA Cup Final.
The coverage doesn’t just focus on the elite race. Heartwarming human-interest stories, tales of charity fundraising, and images of the crowds help viewers connect emotionally with the event, even if they’ve never run a mile in their life.
7. Celebrity and Elite Runners
From Mo Farah’s six consecutive victories to the presence of global stars like Haile Gebrselassie and Paula Radcliffe, the Great North Run attracts some of the greatest names in athletics. Their participation gives the race international prestige.
At the same time, celebrities from outside athletics—such as actors, TV personalities, and musicians—also take part, often raising money for charity. This blend of elite athletes, famous faces, and everyday runners adds to the race’s universal appeal.
8. Charity at the Heart
One of the strongest reasons the Great North Run is loved is its role in charity fundraising. Every year, the event raises over £25 million for good causes, making it one of the biggest charity fundraising events in the world.
For many runners, this is their main motivation. Whether running in memory of a loved one, supporting a hospital that helped them, or raising awareness for national charities, the stories behind the fundraising are deeply moving. The event has become synonymous with generosity, compassion, and making a difference.
9. A Celebration of the North East
The Great North Run isn’t just a race—it’s a showcase of the North East of England. The course highlights the region’s landmarks, from Newcastle’s urban centre to South Shields’ coastline. Local communities embrace the event wholeheartedly, turning it into a regional celebration.
For many Northerners, the Great North Run is a source of pride. It puts the region on the global map, showcasing its warmth, spirit, and resilience. It is, quite simply, one of the best advertisements for the North East.
10. The Emotional Side: Stories of Triumph and Hope
What truly sets the Great North Run apart are the personal stories. Every runner has their own reason for taking part—whether overcoming illness, celebrating recovery, remembering loved ones, or achieving a life-long goal.
Spectators often say they are as inspired by the stories as they are by the running itself. Tears and smiles mix freely along the course. For many, completing the Great North Run represents hope, healing, and triumph over adversity.
11. Community Spirit
The North East is known for its sense of community, and nowhere is this more evident than during the Great North Run. Strangers encourage one another, neighbours come together, and entire towns embrace the event.
This spirit is infectious. Visitors who come from across the UK and beyond often remark on the friendliness of the locals and the support they receive from complete strangers. The Great North Run is more than a race—it’s a community celebration.
12. The Finish Line Experience
Crossing the finish line at South Shields is an unforgettable moment. For first-time runners, it’s a mix of exhaustion and euphoria. For seasoned participants, it’s another chapter in their running journey. The sight of the sea, the sound of cheers, and the sight of medals being placed around necks is deeply emotional.
Many runners describe the Great North Run as addictive. Once you’ve experienced the finish line once, you want to come back again and again. This explains why thousands return year after year, making it a permanent fixture in their lives.
13. The Economic and Cultural Impact
The Great North Run also has a huge impact on the economy of the North East. Hotels, restaurants, and shops benefit from the influx of runners and their families. Cultural institutions and local businesses see a surge in activity, making it one of the most important weekends of the year.
Beyond the financial benefits, the race reinforces cultural identity. It shows the world what the North East stands for: resilience, pride, and a warm welcome.
14. The Legacy of Brendan Foster
Another reason for the affection towards the Great North Run is the man behind it—Brendan Foster. As a local hero, his vision and dedication have shaped the event into what it is today. His continued involvement and passion resonate with people across the region and beyond.
The Great North Run isn’t just a race; it’s Foster’s gift to the community, and that personal legacy is a big part of why it is so loved.
15. Why the Great North Run Endures
In a world where sporting events come and go, the Great North Run has endured for over four decades because it represents more than just sport. It is about community, inclusion, pride, and purpose. It connects people, raises money, celebrates health, and honours the spirit of the North East.
Conclusion: A Run Like No Other
The Great North Run is loved so much because it is more than a half marathon—it is an experience, a tradition, and a celebration. It’s the Tyne Bridge, the Red Arrows, the fancy dress runners, the cheers of strangers, the personal triumphs, the charities, the pride of the North East, and the feeling of crossing the line in South Shields.
For many, it’s the race of a lifetime. For others, it’s an annual tradition. But for everyone, the Great North Run represents the very best of human spirit. That’s why, year after year, tens of thousands of people lace up their trainers and take to the streets of Newcastle—not just to run, but to be part of something truly special.