The ballot for the 2022 Great North Run opened at 10:00 GMT today, Monday, 10 January. With race day set for September 11, 2022, the UK’s most popular half marathon is gearing up for a long-awaited return to its historic city to sea course in North East England.
Runners keen to take part are encouraged to sign up to the ballot, which will be drawn at random in February. The event will be returning to its iconic route after two years of pandemic related changes. The event organisers have reported record high interest, with over 15,000 people registered by 13:00 GMT, making it the biggest ever first day of the ballot.
Sir Brendan Foster, founder of the Great North Run, said “We can’t wait to return to our traditional finish line home of South Shields in September. The event is synonymous with its incredible costal finish and the unbeatable support from the communities along the course, including in South Tyneside.
“We’re looking forward to celebrating tens of thousands of incredible runners, achieving personal goals, raising much needed funds for good causes and demonstrating everything that’s great about our region, as they cross the finish line in South Shields once again.”
Cllr Tracey Dixon, Leader of South Tyneside Council said “Hosting the finish line again will be a huge, much-needed boost for our communities and local businesses. The Great North Run is a real inspirational, feel-good event which is what is needed to help lift spirits and get our great region back on track after a very difficult and challenging period.
“South Shields is the historic home of the Great North Run finishing line. It is such a special event, much-loved by not only the people of South Tyneside but the hundreds of thousands of participants and spectators from all over the UK and beyond.
“It normally marks the end of a summer of packed entertainment across South Tyneside and has grown to become one of the most recognisable sporting events in the world, worth millions to the North East economy, not to mention the tremendous amount of money it raises for so many fantastic causes.
“I know that our residents and businesses will be thrilled to welcome runners and spectators back in 2022. We are always extremely proud to host the spectacular finish of the Great North Run that show off our magnificent coastline and wonderful people.”
The ballot for the 2022 Great North Run is now open and will close at 21:00 GMT on Sunday 20 February.
