Question 1

When is the Great North Run 2027?

Accepted Answer

Sunday 12 September 2027. It starts at 10:50 on the Central Motorway in Newcastle and finishes 13.1 miles later in South Shields.

Question 2

Where does the Great North Run finish?

Accepted Answer

On the South Shields coast. The finish area is at Bents Park, on the seafront, which is also where the shuttle buses leave from.

Question 3

How many people take part?

Accepted Answer

The 2026 race had a record 63,000 participants. Numbers for 2027 are not yet announced.

Question 4

How do I get a place for 2027?

Accepted Answer

The first 2027 ballot ran from 7 to 20 September 2026, with the draw on 21 September. The organisers said there would be another chance to enter a ballot in January, and that many charities offer places. The January 2027 ballot dates are not yet announced: check the Great Run website.

Question 5

What time do runners reach the finish?

Accepted Answer

In 2026 the elite and club runners started finishing at about 11:00. Timings for 2027 are not yet announced.

Question 6

Is the race shown on TV?

Accepted Answer

The 2026 race was broadcast live on BBC One from 10am. Coverage for 2027 is not yet announced.

Question 7

Can I watch at the start and at the finish?

Accepted Answer

Realistically, no. Pick one spot: the start in Newcastle, somewhere on the route, or the finish in South Shields. Transport is so busy that it's almost impossible to see a runner in more than one place.

Question 8

Where should I stand at the finish?

Accepted Answer

The finish area is very big. Study the map beforehand and arrive early to get a spot on the final straight.

Question 9

How do I find my runner afterwards?

Accepted Answer

Use the official meeting point: flying banners with letters on them. Meet at the letter of your runner's surname.

Question 10

What is the best way to get to the finish?

Accepted Answer

Public transport, because of road closures and limited parking. In 2026 Go North East ran the R1 express shuttle from St Mary's Place in Newcastle to Bents Park from 07:00 to 16:00, and back to Newcastle until about 18:00, with delays on the way home. The 2027 shuttle details are not yet announced.

Question 11

Does the Shields Ferry run on race day?

Accepted Answer

Yes. In 2026 it ran from 07:45 (from South Shields) to 18:00 with extra crossings. It's the ferry's busiest day of the year, with a queuing system on Harton Quay, and the South Shields landing is about a 20-minute walk from the finish. In 2026 a 552 shuttle bus also linked Bents Park with the ferry landing and North Shields. The 2027 ferry times are not yet announced.

Question 12

Can I drive and park near the finish?

Accepted Answer

Car parks are busy and roads along the route are closed, so plan your route to and from the car park in advance and leave extra time. Race-day parking for 2027 is not yet announced. Normal prices: Parking.

Question 13

Which roads close in South Shields?

Accepted Answer

In 2026 the closures included Coast Road (A183) between Redwell Lane and the New Crown roundabout, Prince Edward Road and Redwell Lane, part of Sea Road, Bents Park Road, Seafield Terrace and Mowbray Road, with diversions signposted. The 2027 list is not yet announced; the full 2026 list is on our Great North Run page.

Question 14

Is the South Shields bus interchange open on race day?

Accepted Answer

In 2026 it was closed until about 19:00, and town-centre buses stopped on Station Road instead. 2027 arrangements are not yet announced.

Question 15

How do I avoid the crowds going home?

Accepted Answer

Regular runners' advice is not to rush: rest, have something to eat in South Shields or go to the pub, and let the crowds die down. The Bamburgh pub on The Leas, close to the finish, reopened in November 2026 after a refurbishment. See Ocean Road restaurants.

Great North Run 2027 in South Shields: questions and answers

The race