If it's been on your race bucket list, then now's the time to take steps towards ticking it off as the ballot for this year’s AJ Bell Great North Run is now open. The iconic half marathon returns for its 43rd outing on the streets of the North East later in the year on Sunday 8 September.

The Great North Run weekend also includes elite athletics races and a mass participation 5K event on the Quayside on Friday evening. Inspiring the half marathoners of the future, there will also be around 10,000 children taking part on the Saturday in what is the UK’s biggest kids running event.

With 60,000 entrants the Great North Run continues to be the UK’s biggest running event and the world’s biggest half marathon. Many of those taking part will be doing so to support good causes, raising an estimated £25 million in charitable donations.

Paul Foster, Chief Executive of the Great Run Company said, “We’re excited to open the ballot for the 43rd Great North Run and begin the countdown to the start line in September. As always, we’re looking forward to celebrating tens of thousands of incredible runners from across the country and around the world, as they achieve personal goals and raise much needed funds for good causes.

"Each year we’re amazed by the incredible atmosphere our runners and supporters create all along the Newcastle to South Shields course, demonstrating everything that’s great about our region. We’re working on plans to make the 2024 event a truly memorable occasion.”

The event is broadcast live on the BBC and to 169 territories around the world, showcasing the best of the region nationally and internationally.

The ballot for the AJ Bell Great North Run will run from 10am on Monday 8 January until 10am on Monday 12 February. Find out more, and enter the ballot at the Great North Run website.

Image: Great Run