Frequently Asked Questions
Below are answers to some frequently asked questions. If your question is not answered below then please do not hesitate to contact us.
What happens if I am no longer able to take part?
We know that situations can change. If you find that you can no longer take part, through injury or other commitments, you must tell us as soon as possible. We will take you through the options to defer your place to 2026. When you defer, you will be charged by the Great Run Company for the cost of an individual place, which will guarantee your entry for 2026. If you do not defer, we will invoice you for the cost of an individual place (or balance thereof). If you defer but do not take a place next year, again, you will be invoiced by us. (Not applicable to Ballot Place runners)
If you defer to next year, your existing fundraising will be carried over, but we advise you to let your sponsors know that this is happening. If you do not take part at all, donations already paid to us will not automatically be refunded, unless your sponsors get in touch with us and ask for a refund. Any donations that you are holding (cash etc) should be returned to your sponsors, unless they wish for the money still to come to the Charity.
How will I get my running vest?
We will order a Qwick-Dri™ Running Vest on your behalf, which will be sent to the address that you registered with. Alternatively, you may choose to have a Qwick-Dri™ Running T-Shirt instead; if you would prefer a t-shirt, simply drop us an email.
What happens if I don't reach my fundraising target?
Most fundraisers find it easier to reach their target than they think. There's pleanty of advice in our Fundraising Guide. If you do find that you are struggling, please do get in touch; we'd be happy to discuss a few additional fundraising ideas with you. In extremis, you may be asked to make up the balance yourself. We have never had to do this so far, but the Charity's allocation of grants to those in genuine need relies on events such as this reaching its overall fundraising target. (Not applicable to Ballot Place runners)
Will you have a marquee in the Charity Village at the end of the run?
We don't have a marquee in the Charity Village. The cost of doing so is prohibitive and would increase the cost of our individual places considerably. We would much prefer that the money raised goes to support soldiers, veterans, and their immediate families, in genuine need, rather than spend it on short-lived frivolities. We also find that most of our runners want to just get away from the crowds once they have finished - or walk back slowly to meet us at our Cheering Point on the Coast Road!
Do you have cheering points along the route?
Yes, we generally have two cheering points. The main Cheering Point is on the Coast Road, within the last mile of the route. We also have a Cheering Point on the A184 (Felling Bypass) just beyond the Heworth Interchange (there is a metal footbridge that crosses the dual carriageway) supported by our local volunteer committee. Please feel free to encourage your family and friends to come and join us!
Can I transfer my place to a friend?
It depends upon how long is left before registration closes. Once registration has closed, names are locked in. For safety reasons, you should not run under another runner's name, as this is linked to that person's emergency contact details. If you have any concerns, please get in touch with us.
What should I do about transport and accommodation?
You are responsible for your own transport and accommodation, but there are useful links on the Great North Run website, and on the Newcastle and Gateshead Council websites. Most people travelling into the City either do so by public transport into the City Centre, or drive to the end of the course on the Coast Road (there is ample but rather expensive parking on the sea front). Whichever way you travel, it will be busy, so please factor that into into your planning. Accommodation can also spike in price over the Great North Run weekend, so you are advised to book any accommodation as early as possible.
How much do places cost?
Whilst we only charge our runners £35.00 for each place, the actual cost to the Charity is £65.00, plus a charity administration fee. As a consequece, if you do not take part (or do not defer your place), we will have to invoice you for the full cost of a place, in order to ensure that the Charity does not loose money.
