Record 60,000 places for Great North runners

Great North Run organisers have announced they are increasing the number of entries to allow a record 60,000 runners to take part in this year’s event.

The world’s biggest half marathon will celebrate its largest amount finishers yet on September 13, as the race celebrates its 40th anniversary.

It comes after organisers have reported a massive increase in demand for places from both individual runners and charities looking to secure places for fundraisers.

The entry ballot closed at 9pm yesterday.

Organisers Great Run have confirmed that each year they receive more than double the number of ballot entries as they are places – meaning that people would have just under a one in two chance of getting a place.

Paul Foster, chief executive of the Great Run Company

said: “We’re pleased that we’re able to accommodate a few more runners and take our entries to 60,000.

“It’s shaping up to be an exciting weekend, with new experiences and entertainment and with so many people entering the draw for places this year we want as many as possible to get in on the action.

“We’re grateful to all of our partners – the councils, police, NHS trusts, medical providers, fire brigade and Nexus – who have worked with us to ensure that we can accommodate more runners, while making sure they have a happy and safe experience”

This year the Great North Run weekend will kick off on Friday, September 11, with the Great North 5k in a new evening time slot.

Great North Run applicants will find out if they have been successful by Friday.

Visit www.GreatRun.org/ North