All new AJ Bell Great North 10k set to hit Newcastle's streets tomorrow

Over 4,500 runners are set to take part in the AJ Bell Great North 10k on Sunday 2 July. The event, which has a new look course for 2023, will start on the Central Motorway, cross the Tyne Bridge and wind through the city centre, giving runners the opportunity to enjoy the city from a whole new perspective.

Runners will run past the landmarks of Grey’s Monument, Old Eldon Square, and the Civic Centre, before triumphantly crossing the finish line on the Town Moor.

The event is being staged in partnership with the Newcastle United Foundation. Former Newcastle United Goalkeeper and Foundation Trustee, Steve Harper, will have the honour of firing the starting gun.

Many of those running will be supporting good causes and those supporting the Foundation will be recognised with a special black and white striped run number.

Runners will be treated to an array of on course entertainment, including; live bands, motivational playlists, and even an interactive karaoke zone.

Another first for 2023 will be the inclusion of a Team Challenge. Businesses from around the North East are set for some healthy competition as they line to see who has the "fastest team in toon".

Those taking part include law firm Clifford Chance, who are taking part to support Claire’ Challenge. The charity was set up by motivational speaker and disability advocate Claire Lomas to raise money for spinal injury research, who will be taking part alongside them. They will be joined by the likes of Ryder Architecture, Ryecroft Glenton, Zentia, and Robson Laidler, lending a competitive edge to the run.

"Fantastic opportunity for runners to interact with the city"

Brendan Foster, founder of the Great Run Company, is enthusiastic about the new features of the event. He stated, "The all-new AJ Bell Great North 10K offers a fantastic opportunity for runners to interact with the city in a new way

“We hope the city will be out to support the runners, so if you’re out and about shopping on Sunday morning, make sure you go and give them a cheer.”

Organisers announced a minor change to the route yesterday, following the closure of the Northbound carriageway of the A167 Central Motorway, due to a fire last week.

Event Manager Anna Thompson explains. “As a result of the continued road closure, we are announcing a small change to the event route, however it will remain a 10km distance.

"We would like to thank the emergency services and Newcastle City Council for their support in ensuring the event can go ahead as planned.

“After running through the Southbound tunnel under 55 Degrees North runners will cross the Tyne Bridge on the Northbound carriageway, they will turn anti-clockwise and cross back over on the Southbound Carriageway, taking the slip road on to Manors roundabout before re-joining the original planned route on Market Street.

“The event will remain a 10km distance.”

For more information, please visit www.greatrun.org/north10k

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