Great North Run 2025
Your ultimate prep guide for a fantastic race day experience.
The Great North Run 2025 is only days away, and we want to extend our deepest thanks to all those who have chosen to run for the Tyneside and Northumberland Mind charity. We’re so grateful for your support. The funds you raise will make a significant difference to the lives of those experiencing mental ill-health in our local community, and for that, we can’t thank you enough.
We anticipate our runners are fully immersed in their training preparation. We hope it’s going well! We’ve done more than our fair share of the iconic half-marathons and put together a guide to help you prepare to ensure your race day goes as smoothly as possible.
🏅 Review the GNR Event Guide
The Great North Run event guide is your go-to resource for everything you need to know about race day. You can find it here. From start times to route maps, and essential race day logistics, make sure you’ve read through it thoroughly. Familiarise yourself with the location of key points like the start and finish lines, water stations, and medical tents. But try not to overthink this as everything will be signposted.
🏅 Plan how you’ll reach the start line
The excitement of the day starts as soon as you leave your home. Whether you’re driving, taking public transport, or arranging a lift, plan your journey to the start line in advance. Consider any road closures or delays and aim to arrive early to soak up the atmosphere and avoid any last-minute stress.
There will be extra buses, metros and ferry’s on the day. For information about public transport including times, maps and tickets keep a watch on the Nexus Website here: https://www.nexus.org.uk
🏅 Ensure you have any relevant ID / Bib No. readily accessible
Your race bib is your ticket to the Great North Run. Make sure you’ve got it safely pinned to your running shirt and any ID or race day documentation within easy reach. Double-check that your bib number is correctly displayed and that you haven’t forgotten any other essentials like safety pins, and gels.
🏅 Plan your post-run journey home
After crossing the finish line, you’ll likely be both exhilarated and exhausted. Have a plan for getting home or back to your hotel. Whether it’s a pre-booked taxi, a pick-up time/point from family or friends, or a short walk to your car, make sure you’re prepared. Many roads will be closed until 5-6pm on race day. Check this information before establishing the pick-up point, or location of your car and time you plan to leave. Race day road closures will likely be announced end of August.
🏅 Prepare for all forecasts 🌧️
The weather can be unpredictable, and whilst right now we’re expecting clear skies, it’s imperative to be prepared for all possibilities. Last year we had some major rainfall! Check the forecast the night before and on the morning of the race. Whether it’s rain, sun, or something in between, dress accordingly and consider bringing a waterproof jacket, sunglasses, or hat just in case. We recommend a throwaway layer for race day, something old you’re happy to loose incase the morning starts chilly.
🏅 Download the AJ Bell Great Run app for instant run results
To keep track of your progress and receive instant results as you cross the finish line, make sure you download the AJ Bell Great Run App. It’s a pretty awesome app as it even allows us, your charity, to receive real-time updates like when you cross the finish line and other useful race day information. If you’re running with a friend or want to snoop on some other runners times you can do so on the app. Download from the Apple App Store or Google Play Store. Click here to learn more.
🏅 Decide on a meeting point for family/friends
The finish line is hectic with runners and supporters, so it’s smart to decide on a specific meeting point with your loved ones beforehand. This will save you the hassle of trying to locate each other in the crowds and give you a place to celebrate your achievement together. South Tyneside and the costal front has some great pubs/bars, and on race day the atmosphere is electric, just expect lots of crowds!
🏅 Prepare your pre-race plans
In the days leading up to race-day it’s essential you focus on getting plenty of rest, good hydration, and solid nutrition for optimal performance. Many runners like to taper training and focus on pacing with shorter runs. However, always do what works best for you and your body.
🏅 Take advantage of exclusive runner perks
One of the perks of running the Great North Run is the access to exclusive benefits in the Charity Village, such as the TUI massages. After pushing yourself to the limit, a post-run massage is a perfect way to start your recovery. Make sure to stop by the charity village and take full advantage of these perks. You’ll find the designated Mind tent near the entrance, Avenue F, Marquee number 75, ready to celebrate you!
🏅Stay Focused on why you registered for the GNR
Nerves are normal but don’t let them curb your excitement. Remember why you signed up for the Great North Run in the first place. The Great North Run is more than just a race; it’s a celebration of human spirit, community, and the causes that unite us. Take in the atmosphere, enjoy every step, and soak up the surreal experience that is the Great North Run. And thank you for choosing to support Tyneside and Northumberland Mind.
You can read more about what to expect at this year’s run by looking at those of the past in an article on the Great Run website here.
The Tyneside and Northumberland Mind team will be proudly cheering you on every step of the way, and we can’t wait to see you cross that finish line on Sunday September 7th. Look out for us on the Mind bus at the 10th Mile (Prince Edward Road) The Nook area of South Tyneside. If you would like to cheer with us at the Mind bus reach out!
And if you have any questions please reach out now to fundraising@tynesidemind.org.uk
