The first ballot for the 2027 AJ Bell Great North Run is now open, giving runners an early opportunity to secure a place in the world’s biggest half marathon.
Next year’s race will take place on Sunday, September 12th, with the famous 13.1 mile course once again carrying runners from Newcastle upon Tyne to the seafront at South Shields.
Applications for the September ballot must be submitted by 11.59 pm on Sunday, September 20th. The draw will then take place on Monday, September 21st, with every applicant due to receive their result by email shortly afterwards.
A record Great North Run
The ballot opened as Newcastle welcomed 63,000 participants for the 45th staging of the Great North Run on Sunday, September 13th.
The 2026 edition was the biggest in the history of an event which began in 1981 and has now carried more than 1.4 million finishers across the Tyne Bridge.
Zouhair Talbi won the men’s race in 59:47, finishing 14 seconds ahead of defending champion Alex Mutiso, who crossed the line in 1:00:01.
Former marathon world record holder Brigid Kosgei controlled the women’s race and claimed victory in 1:06:15. Defending champion Sheila Chepkirui finished second in 1:08:19.
There was also a strong Irish presence near the front of the field. Hugh Armstrong placed 13th in 1:03:37, with Killian Mooney finishing 18th in 1:04:48.
The day was also marked by tragedy after two 25 year old runners from the North East died following separate collapses. The Great Run Company offered its condolences and said it was continuing to support both families.
What is the Great North Run route like?
The Great North Run begins on Newcastle’s Central Motorway before sending runners across the Tyne Bridge and into Gateshead.
The opening half contains several long and straight sections, including a gradual climb between miles three and five. Runners then gain some relief on the descent towards mile eight.
The toughest part comes during the sustained climb between miles eight and 12. The first sight of the North Sea provides a welcome lift before the course drops towards South Shields and turns onto the seafront for one of road running’s best known finishes.
It is not the easiest half marathon course on the calendar, but the crowds, roadside entertainment and sheer scale of the event have helped make it a target for runners across Britain, Ireland and further afield.
How does the Great North Run ballot work?
The listed entry fee for the 2027 Great North Run is £70.
Applicants must complete the online ballot form and provide their payment card details. A bank may ask the applicant to authorise the payment, but the race entry fee will not be taken when the ballot form is submitted.
Payment will only be collected if the applicant receives a place in the draw. The exception is any optional merchandise marked as “Buy Now”, which is charged immediately regardless of the ballot result.
Applicants should make sure sufficient funds are available by Sunday, September 20th. If someone is selected but the organisers cannot collect the full payment, the application will be treated as unsuccessful.
A confirmation email should arrive shortly after the ballot form has been completed. Anyone who does not receive one should check their spam or junk folder.
When will applicants find out?
The September ballot will be drawn on Monday, September 21st.
Every applicant will receive an email confirming the result shortly after the draw. Successful runners will automatically receive a place in the 2027 race and will be sent further event information during the months leading up to race day.
Applicants who miss out will not be charged the entry fee.
What happens if you are unsuccessful?
An unsuccessful application in September is not the end of the road.
A second ballot will take place in January 2027, when the remaining general entry places will be allocated. Those who miss out in September will receive information about applying again in the new year.
Charity places will also be available. Fundraising requirements vary, so runners should contact their chosen charity directly before committing.
A limited number of Great North Run memberships can provide guaranteed access without entering the ballot. Membership places are limited and runners must still register and pay the standard race entry fee each year.
Key dates for the 2027 Great North Run
Sunday, September 20th, 2026, at 11.59 pm: September ballot closes.
Monday, September 21st, 2026: Ballot draw takes place and results are issued.
January 2027: Second ballot for the remaining places.
Sunday, September 12th, 2027: Great North Run race day.
Runners can enter the 2027 Great North Run ballot here.
