The entry ballot for the 2025 Great North Run opens this Monday, offering a second, and final, opportunity for people to take part in the world-famous event in September.
From 10am today, January 6, those wanting to be among the tens of thousands of runners in this year’s half-marathon can apply online. And for those currently making new year resolutions to exercise more, securing a place in the Great North Run could tick lots of boxes by giving them something to aim for and train for.
An added incentive no doubt will be the opportunity to help charities through sponsorship at the same time, as the annual run is said to raise around £25m for good causes. Last year saw around 60,000 people cover the 13.1-mile Newcastle to South Shields route and the Great Run Company is expecting record numbers of applications this time around.
The 2025 AJ Bell Great North Run will take place on Sunday, September 7 and, as previously reported, a first ballot for it was held in September, offering people an opportunity to bag a place a year in advance. This early ballot was a first, aimed at offering extra opportunities for people to enter.
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Organisers promised those who missed out that a ballot would follow at the usual time in the first month of the new year and now they have announced this will open at 10am this January 6 and run until 2pm on Wednesday, January 15. This 10-day window is the final opportunity to secure a place in the run.
Paul Foster, chief executive of the Great Run Company, said, “We’re excited to open the January ballot and begin the countdown for the 44th Great North Run. We’re looking forward to celebrating tens of thousands of incredible runners from across the country and the globe, as they achieve personal goals and raise much-needed funds for good causes.
“Each year we’re amazed how the whole of the North East gets behind and celebrates the event to create a truly special occasion.” He said plans are now under way to make this year’s run – which again will be broadcast live on BBC1 and worldwide – the best one yet and he added: “I encourage everyone to enter the January ballot for the chance to experience the incredible atmosphere and roaring crowd support for themselves.”
To sign up for the entry ballot see here. The ballot will be drawn soon after it closes on January 15 and all the applicants who are successful will receive an email confirming their place.