There’s less than a week left to enter the ballot for a chance to be part of this year’s Great North Run (GNR) - the UK’s biggest running event and world’s biggest half marathon, which will take place this year on Sunday, 8 September.

With 60,000 entrants, the event isn’t just the biggest, it is the most loved too, with 99% of finishers surveyed recommending the event to a friend.

Hundreds of famous faces have taken part in the GNR over the years, and this year’s no different, the first confirmed to be on the start line are from popular TV show The Traitors. They will be led by the show's Diane Carson, watch this space to see who will be joining her!

Running the famous route from Newcastle to South Shields is made extra special when you get to take in the iconic Tyne Bridge, hit the coast road at 1 mile to go, hear the ‘oggy oggy oggy’ chants –combined with the buzz of the loyal spectators, all help to make the Great North Run an experience like no other.

Paul Foster of the Great Run Company said: “This year’s ballot has opened with an incredible enthusiasm from the public, which continues to demonstrate that the Great North Run means a great deal to so many and remains an absolute bucket list event that everyone needs to experience at least once.

“If taking part in a Great North Run is something you’ve thought about, make 2024 your year and sign up to the ballot. We look forward to welcoming new and returning runners for another incredible staging of the event this September.”

The ballot for the AJ Bell Great North Run will run until 10am on Monday, 12 February. You can find out more at the Great Run website.

Image: Great Run