With the Great North Run all set to kick off in Newcastle, organisers are already setting their sights on next year's event and those interested in taking part can enter now. The ballot for the 2026 Great North Run opens at 8am this Wednesday, September 3 and applications can be made up until midnight on Sunday, September 14.
Every year the sight of 60,000 runners taking part in the landmark half-marathon inspires others to want to do the same so, as momentum builds for this September 7's event, organisers are giving those interested in doing it next year an early opportunity to sign up. Places are always in high demand so it's expected that many will be eager to seize this first chance to enter, although the traditional January ballot is set to follow and will offer a further opportunity.
The date for the 2026 AJ Bell Great North Run - which will be the 45th - is Sunday, September 13. Paul Foster, chief executive of the Great Run Company which organises it, said: "The AJ Bell Great North Run is world famous for many reasons - its incredible atmosphere, roaring crowd support and charity fund-raising efforts.
"It's no wonder it is top of many runners' wish lists to complete. We wish everyone good luck with their ballot application."
He added: "For those who are aren't successful in September, they will have another chance to secure entry in January, or via one of the many charities who offer places." The autumn ballot, open from September 3-14, can be entered online.
For a chance to secure entry into the 2026 run sign up here. The ballot will be drawn on Monday, September 15 when applicants will be notified of their results.
A second ballot will be held in January, with the final places being confirmed then. Due to the ever-increasing profile of the Great North Run, which is now the most celebrated half-marathon in the world, organisers expect this year's ballot to be the biggest ever.
Since the first event in 1981, the 13.1-mile Newcastle to South Shields route has been covered by more than 1.4m finishers and these include world-class athletes, charity fundraisers and first-timers. As reported on Monday, run founder Sir Brendan Foster was in the city centre to kick off Great North Run week with the unveiling of a display in Fenwick's window, showing the new 2025 T-shirt and medal which this year's runners will receive on Sunday.
He confirmed the team is already working on plans for next year. He said of the run: "It's getting bigger and the affection for it in the region and outside the region, nationally and internationally, is growing so we're in a good place."
Run sponsor AJ Bell has nominated a new official charity for the 2026-27 Great Run Series, which will be Alzheimer's Society. AJ Bell chief marketing officer Stephen Vowles said: "Together we want to invest in a future without dementia - the UK's biggest killer.
"We look forward to cheering on the Alzheimer's Society runners at the Great Run events next year and hope that this partnership with AJ Bell will raise vital funds to improve the ways we research, diagnose and treat dementia to support those affected across the country."
A huge range of charities benefit from the annual Great North Run, thanks to sponsorship efforts of those taking part. This Sunday's event is set to raise around £25m for worthy causes: see a guide to the day here.
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