Over-50s make up a quarter of the Great North Run – here’s why they love it

The brainchild of Olympic 10,000–metre bronze medallist Brendan Foster, the first Great North Run took place in 1981. Foster had run in the Round the Bays race in New Zealand and wanted to create a similar fun run in his home city of Newcastle.

Fast winning times have always been a focus, but anyone who’s run it will tell you that taking part is about so much more – including raising money for charity and, above all, enjoying a community spirit where everybody feels part of the day.

The Great North Run is an event for the whole family. Whilst the over-50s who make up a quarter of the main race do their thing on Sunday, their children or  grandchildren can get involved in the kids’ races the day before.

There’s mini (ages three to eight) and junior​ (ages nine to 16)​ ​races​ on the Saturday, at 1.5km and 2.5km ​respectively, and a junior Great North Run over 4km.

What’s more, at the finish of the 13.1–mile (21.1km) main race there’s a huge charity village packed with everything you need to re-energise for the trip home​.​ 

Standing on the start line of the Great North Run could be compared to playing in the FA Cup final or taking part in the Olympics. It’s such a spine-tingling experience. 

Once things get going, the race continues to deliver. The Red Arrows greet runners as they cross the Tyne Bridge, while along the route there are six “activation zones”, which play upbeat tunes to keep runners motivated and moving. 

The crowd is always as warm, welcoming and enthusiastic as you’d expect from an event held in the North East, too.

A lot of the half-marathon distance is downhill, especially the first four miles – music to the ears of anyone who hates hills.

The route will take you across the Tyne Bridge and past the iconic Gateshead International Stadium, three-time host of the European Athletics Team Championships. Even the dull-sounding Fell Bypass is inspirational, given the huge crowds that cheer you on every step of the way.

And what’s not to like about finishing by the coast, with the sea shimmering on your right for the final mile? 

“I’m 71 and live above Ullswater in the Lake District. I was diagnosed with Parkinson’s in July 2022, and the consultant said that in addition to medication, the best treatment for the condition was exercise, exercise, exercise.   

“In October 2022, we were staying in Whitley Bay with my stepdaughter and family when her husband suggested that I enter the ballot for the Great North Run for 2023. He​r​ runs it every year and was very encouraging. I used to run half– marathons but hadn’t done any running for 15 years.  

“I entered the ballot and was offered a place. I started training and slowly began to run longer distances. The longest I have achieved to date is eight and a half miles, but I am hopeful that I will make the finish line on the day! I’ve had to learn again that the first 20 minutes of every outing is ​​hard work – but it gets easier once you have warmed up.“ 

“And as for the Parkinson’s? I currently feel significantly better than I did before the diagnosis and the start of treatment, of which​ training for the Great North Run has been a major part.”  

If you’ve been inspired by the over-50s running this year’s race, here’s how to apply for a place in next year’s Great North Run.

Places are allocated each year via a ballot system. The general ballot usually opens each year in early January, with the deadline closing a few weeks later, in February.   

You must register, fill out an online application and submit it before the allocated deadline in February if you wish to take part. You will then be notified whether your application has been successful by the end of February.

If you fancy something a bit different, consider the 13 Valleys Ultra. This event will introduce you to rarely used paths and trails in the Lake District.  

Great North Run founder Sir Brendan Foster will be hiking the 20km (12-mile) route, on Saturday, September 30. It starts and finishes in Keswick, and the course runs around Applethwaite and Threlkeld, mostly on trails. It is as much about walking and exploring as it is running, with a generous seven-hour cut-off time. 

“In terms of sustainability, we wanted to make sure to be mindful of the local communities,” says Alice Peyredieu, from the Great Run company.

“We’re donating 5% of every entry fee to the Lake District Foundation, a charity that works to protect the National Park. And we are using local staff and suppliers where possible, to reduce travel and support local communities.”