The ballot for the 2027 AJ Bell Great North Run is now open, marking the start of the application period for the world’s greatest half marathon. Applications are accepted from 8 a.m. on Monday, September 7, until midnight on Sunday, September 20. The draw for entry will take place on Monday, September 21, with applicants notified of their results shortly after the selection process concludes.
Organizers expect this year’s event to be the largest in the race’s history, with 63,000 runners taking part in the 45th edition. This surge in participation reflects the growing profile of the race, which has become a significant milestone for many athletes. The current wave of interest suggests that organizers anticipate a record number of ballot entries for the 2027 event as well.
A Milestone for the Finish Line
Paul Support, Chief Executive of the Great Run Company, highlighted the scale of the event’s history. Since the first Great North Run in 1981, the race has seen over 1.4 million finishers.
Those who miss out in September will have another chance to secure ballot entry in January. Additionally, many charities offer places to run the event, providing an alternative route for participation.
The race is more than just a test of endurance for the individual; it is a logistical and cultural event that defines the region for a day. For the participants, the experience is less about the solitary struggle of the final miles and more about the collective energy that builds along the course. The support from the crowd transforms the physical act of running into a shared community achievement.
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Broadcasting and On-Ground Action
The event features elite men’s, women’s, and wheelchair athlete races at the front, with leading athletes from around the world competing. Behind them, the main field of 63,000 runners takes on the 13.1-mile course from city to sea. Over 200,000 spectators are expected to line the streets, supporting the runners as the region comes together.
Viewers can watch the race live on BBC One from 10 a.m. The broadcast will also reach audiences in over 170 countries worldwide. This global reach highlights the international appeal of the event, which has captured the imagination of runners across the globe since its inception.
The Week of Celebration
The Great Run Company has organized a full week of events running from Monday, September 7, to Monday, September 14. This period is part of the new GNR Fringe, which includes a variety of activities for runners and fans alike. Participants can expect shakeout runs across the North East, a runners’ restaurant weekend, and coffee raves.
Other scheduled activities include a pasta party, the Runner’s World Live Podcast, and personalized merchandise print sessions. Community beach yoga sessions, book signings, and cinema screenings are also on the calendar. The week culminates in an After Party, ensuring the celebration extends beyond the finish line.
The running action begins with the AJ Bell Great North Run 5K race on Friday. This is followed by the 40th edition of the Junior and Mini events on Saturday. These preliminary races serve as a warm-up for the main event, setting the tone for the weekend. For the full 2026 timetable and event guide, interested parties can visit the official website. To enter the ballot for the 2027 event, applications are open at greatrun.org/north.