Top tips for the day
Health
On the morning of the race, make sure you are fit and well. You should not participate in the Great North Run if you are feeling under the weather.
Please be sensible about this as many serious medical problems occur in people who have been slightly unwell, but do not wish to miss the race.
Please don't forget to fill in the details on the back of your race number. This information is invaluable should you require medical assistance on the day.
Journey
Plan your journey meticulously. Make sure you have worked out your exact travel arrangements both to and from the race site, bearing in mind that the race starts and finishes in different locations. Remember that there will be 49,999 other runners who will also be commuting to and from the Great North Run!
The start of the race
The race starts on the central motorway in Newcastle city centre. Please refer to your z-card for exact details.
At the start of the race runners need to assemble according to the colour of their race number, which has been allocated in accordance with runners' predicted times.
Once at your coloured assembly zone you will be asked to show your coloured race number to gain entry.
Red zone - deposit bags by 9.30 am, assemble by 10 am
Green zone - deposit bags by 9.30 am, assemble by 10 am
Orange zone - deposit bags by 9.40 am, assemble by 10 am
Pink zone - deposit bags by 9.50 am, assemble by 10.20 am
White zone - deposit bags by 10.00 am, assemble by 10.30 am
You can join a slower zone than your colour, if you want to run with a friend.
Baggage
Remember to complete all the details on your baggage label and make sure it is attached securely to your bag.
There will be 38 double decker buses for baggage positioned at the back of the start assembly area.
Make sure you leave enough time to get to the buses to deposit your bag as they leave at 10.10am prompt.
All of the baggage buses will be numbered - don't forget the number of the bus that you have put your bag on!
Retain your race number at the end of the race as only runners are allowed to board the buses which will be parked near to the finish line. If the buses have left by the time you finish the race, your bag will be at the baggage information cabin.
Championship
Don't forget to attach your championship with the velcro ankle strap provided, before you start the race. Your chip will activate itself as soon as you cross the start line and again at the finish line. This will provide you with a completely accurate personalised race time.
Drinks stations
Bottled water and Lucozade will be provided at the start and finish of the race.
Drinks stations are located at different points of the course.
Water stations: 3 miles, 4.25 miles, 5.75 miles, 8.5 miles, 10 miles and 11.5 miles.
Lucozade stations: 4.5 miles and 10 miles
Cheering point
Look out for Liz and other Crisis supporters at the Crisis cheering point on John Reid Road (around mile 9). Liz will be wearing a red wig and will try and get a photo of you as you zoom past!
Medical arrangements
British Red Cross and St Johns Ambulance service will provide extensive medical cover at every mile of the event. Additional paramedic cover is also provided from a whole team of doctors, nurses and physiotherapists at the finish.
Toilets and showers are also provided at intervals along the race course.
Welfare pick up points will be locateds at 9.5 miles, 10.75 miles and 11.75 miles. There will be mini-buses for runners who want to pull out of the race and need to go the finish area.
The end of the race
The race finishes in the Leas area in South Shields.
The family and friends reunion area is located around Gypsies Green open air stadium, which contains the finishers' marquee. Unfortunately Crisis was unable to secure a place in the Charity Village. But there will be alphabetical placards around the finishers' marquee so you can make arrangements to meet other runners and your supporters.
At the finishers' marquee, there will be food, drink, entertainment, a post race massage and a very warm welcome!
