The Great North Run, set to take place on Sunday, 13 September 2026, is expected to break its own record with 63,000 runners taking part in what is considered the world’s largest half marathon. The event is celebrating its 45th anniversary and will follow its traditional route from Newcastle to South Shields, a path that has become a staple of the annual race. The race will begin at 10:20am BST, with several categories starting at different times. The elite wheelchair race will be the first to start at 10:20am, followed by the elite women’s race at 10:25am. Visually impaired runners will take part at 10:27am, and the elite men’s race along with the mass start will begin at 10:50am. Coverage of the event will be broadcast live on BBC One starting at 10:00am BST, and viewers can also watch the race via the BBC iPlayer app and website. The race route starts in Newcastle on the A167, near Claremont Road, crosses the River Tyne into Gateshead, and ends in South Shields after a final mile-long stretch along the seafront. The course is known for being undulating, with the section from mile 8 to mile 12 considered the most challenging due to its uphill terrain. Among the top contenders are defending champions Alex Mutiso and Sheila Chepkirui from Kenya. Also in the mix is Eilish McColgan, a home favourite from Scotland, who is aiming for her first victory at the Great North Run. McColgan is making a comeback after recovering from a foot injury that kept her out of the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow.