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 Charity Place applications only.
Sunday 12th September 2027
Run for the Army Benevolent Fund
Our charity has limited number of guaranteed places to join Team ABF in this incredible event. Our places cost £40.00 each (a non-refundable deposit) with a fundraising agreement for an additional £400.00. In return, we will provide you with support for your fundraising and one of our fantastic new season running vests.
Apply for one of our charity places:
Our application process for 2027 Great North Run is now open! As our places are in great demand, we first take expressions of interest. If your application is successful, we will email you a code and a link to complete the registration process. Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis and we will be in touch should we be able to offer you a spot. To register your interest, please complete this simple form:
Expression of Interest ABF GNR 2027
We do recommend that you also apply for a ballot place if you can as, if successful, this will mean that we can have even more runners in Team ABF!
Once your application has been accepted, click on to 'Run for a Cause - Register Here' tab at the top of this page and use the code we provide to complete the registration process. Got questions? Please email the North East and Yorkshire Team for more information. Team ABF places are normally over-subscribed, so act fast if you want to take part!
We do have to apply Terms and Conditions to cover our places, both to protect the interests of the Charity, and you. We can forward a separate copy should you require it. When you register, you will be asked to accept these Ts&Cs.
The Run
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.
"It truly was a pleasure running for such a fantastic charity. Especially one that is so close to home… Thanks again for all your support throughout my GNR26 journey. It really means more than you know…"
Thomas, 2026 ABF Great North Runner
Great North Run Ballot Places
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 email Barney, Amy, or Janine, at northeast@armybenevolentfund.org.
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.
"Thank you so much for all of your support over the last few months. I felt such a wave of energy and emotion as I passed the ABF flags on Sunday and I had such an incredible time."
Ben, 2026 ABF Great North Runner
Contact Us
If you have any queries or concerns, please do not hesitate to get in touch with either Barney, Amy, or Janine, in the North East Regional Office:
northeast@armybenevolentfund.org
The Army Benevolent Fund
Hipswell Lodge
Catterick Garrison
DL9 3AX
01748 900236/900237
Coundown to the Big Day!
