Great North Run ballot opens and here’s how to enter the iconic half-marathon in its 40th birthday year – Chronicle Live
Thousands of people are set to be quick off the mark on hearing that the ballot for the Great North Run is now open.
From this Monday, January 6 the ballot is inviting general entry into the world’s biggest half marathon and no doubt the race will be on to secure a place in what will be an extra-special event.
The Great North Run is known for setting milestones – just ask Mo Farah who clocked up his sixth consecutive win when he passed the finish line in South Shields last September – and this year will see it celebrate one of its own: its 40th birthday.
And organisers say ‘GNR40’ is to be an “epic” occasion, with plans to mark the anniversary including extra activities and a specially-commissioned film charting its history.
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When it takes place for the 40th time – on September 13 – it also will be covered by four hours of live TV.
The annual event was first staged in 1981 with a then-unprecedented 12,000 runners covering the course from Newcastle to the coast at South Shields.
Now it attracts around 57,000 entries as well as more than 200,000 supporters who line its route to cheer on the runners and last year’s event – at which Brigid Kosgei added to Sir Mo’s record by becoming the fastest ever female to cover its distance – saw entrants of all abilities help raise £15m for good causes.
Keen runners will not want to miss out on GNR40’s opportunity to give charities another boost as well as share in the historic occasion.
It will celebrate the run’s long history, which includes becoming the first event of its kind to welcome home one million finishers back in 2014, as well as the people and places that have helped make the event great.
As usual, the run will take place on the Sunday of a packed weekend of sport which will get under way with the Great North 5k and then include the Junior and Mini Great North Run events on the Newcastle and Gateshead quayside.
Best Great North Run fancy dress as fundraisers make a marathon effort
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“The Great North Run remains the jewel in the crown of a spectacular sporting weekend,” said the spokesman.
Its fans will be keeping fingers crossed that the Red Arrows will make a return for its special day following last September’s non-appearance.
The Royal Air Force’s famous aerobatic team had other commitments last year, when they also missed their usual slot at Sunderland Airshow, but in past years their fly-past – with its red, white and blue smoke-trail – above the crowds of runners crossing the Tyne Bridge has become a defining image of the event.
To register for the Great North Run ballot see . The ballot will close at 9pm on Sunday, February 9 and all applicants are due to receive notification by email no later than Friday, February 14.
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