January Ballot Open For The 2026 Great North Run
The January ballot for the 2026 Great North Run is now open, giving runners a limited-time opportunity to secure a place at the world’s biggest half marathon...
Runners dreaming of lining up at the world’s biggest half marathon now have their chance, as the January ballot for the 2026 AJ Bell Great North Run is open. Set to take place on 13 September 2026, the iconic 13.1-mile race will once again see up to 60,000 runners take on the famous route from Newcastle upon Tyne to South Shields. The ballot is open for a limited time only and will close at midnight on Sunday 11 January, with successful applicants notified shortly afterwards.
The 2026 edition marks a major milestone for the event, celebrating the 45th running of the Great North Run. To mark the occasion, organisers have revealed a special collaboration with Newcastle street artist Mul, whose distinctive Running Heart character will feature prominently on the official finisher t-shirt and medal, giving the anniversary race a unique visual identity.
The AJ Bell Great North Run has long been regarded as a bucket-list event for runners of all abilities, drawing participants from across the UK and around the world. Known for its electric atmosphere and unrivalled crowd support, the race has cemented its reputation as one of the most sought-after entries in the global running calendar.
Paul Foster of the Great Run Company, commented: “The countdown has started to the 45th Great North Run. Every year the whole of the North East gets behind and celebrates the event to create a truly special occasion and 2026 will be no exception.
"The Great North Run is one of the great destination running events with thousands of runners travelling to the North East from across the UK and indeed the world each year. It has firmly cemented its position as one of the must do events in the running calendar.
"The January Ballot is one of the final chances to secure a place for 2026 and experience the incredible atmosphere and roaring crowd support for yourself. I encourage anyone who is eager to join us to enter now. Best of luck to you all!"
If you'd like to know more, or enter the ballot, visit the Great North Run website.
Image: Great Run Company
