The Great North Run is the world's favourite half marathon. Each year over 60,000 runners take part, raising over £25 million for different charities. Running from Central Newcastle, through Gateshead to finish in South Shields, the Great North Run is a truly iconic event.
This page is for Ballot Place Runners only.
Sunday 13th September 2026
Run for the Army Benevolent Fund
If you were lucky enough to secure your own ballot place, please consider using it to raise money for our charity. There is no fundraising target attached if you have your own place, and you will still get the same support as you would do if running with one of our own places, including a free running vest. If you would like to do so, please use this 'Ballot Place Entry' page. For further information, please email Barney or Amy at northeast@armybenevolentfund.org. If you would like to apply for a Charity Place, please follow this link.
We do have to apply Terms and Conditions (not all apply to our Ballot Place runners) to cover our places, both to protect the interests of the Charity, and you. These can be found at the bottom of this page, and we can forward a separate copy should you require it. When you register, you will be asked to accept these Ts&Cs.
The Great North Run starts in Central Newcastle, running through Gateshead and finishing on the Coast Road in South Shields. It is a pretty fantastic route lined with cheering spectators.
We aim to have at least two cheering points (dependent upon the availability of volunteers):
- On the A184 (Felling Bypass) just beyond the Heworth Interchange; there is a metal footbridge that crosses the dual carriageway at this point - please look up!
- On the A183 (Coast Road) between the 12-mile point and finish.
Team ABF Communities
When you register to run with Team ABF, you will be invited to join our private page on Facebook. Here you will be able to connect with your fellow ABF Great North Runners, swap training tips and advice, and stories about your running journey.
You will also be invited to join our new Strava Club; here you will be able to compare your training and progress with others, and revel in the shared encouragement provided by the platform. If it's not on Strava, it didn't happen! 
Fundraising
We will help as much as we can to advise you on your fundraising. Our Fundraising Guide has plenty of top tips to get you started!
"This was my second time running the Great North Run for the Army Benevolent Fund. It was hard work, but I know that the money that I raised will be put to good use.
As a member of Northumbria OTC, I know what a difference support from the ABF can make to the lives of soldiers, veterans, and their families, in genuine need. The support that I got from the ABF team was fantastic!"
India, ABF Great North Runner, 2022 and 2024
Find out more about why the Great North Run is so important to the region by watching the short video below.
Contact Us
If you have any queries or concerns, please do not hesitate to get in touch with either Barney or Amy in the North East Regional Office:
northeast@armybenevolentfund.org
The Army Benevolent Fund
Hipswell Lodge
Catterick Garrison
DL9 3AX
01748 900236/900237
