Great North Run organisers announce record 60,000 places for runners - but what are the odds of getting a place?

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.
By Sophie Brownson
Published 7th Feb 2020, 16:53 BST
Updated 7th Feb 2020, 19:02 BST
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The world’s biggest half marathon will celebrate it’s 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.

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With the entry ballot set to close at 9pm this Sunday, February 9, runners are urged to get their applications in before the deadline to avoid missing out on this must-do event in the running calendar.

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Organisers of the Great North Run are preparing to celebrate the 40th staging of the event.Organisers of the Great North Run are preparing to celebrate the 40th staging of the event.
Organisers of the Great North Run are preparing to celebrate the 40th staging of the event.

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.

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“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”

Great North Run revealed that a record 60,000 places will be available to runners in 2020.Great North Run revealed that a record 60,000 places will be available to runners in 2020.
Great North Run revealed that a record 60,000 places will be available to runners in 2020.

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. Entries open on Monday, February 10.

On Saturday, September 12, the Junior and Mini Great North Run event returns to the Newcastle Gateshead Quayside – the biggest children’s running event in the UK.

Entries for the junior event opens on Tuesday, February 18, and the mini one takes place on Tuesday, February 25.

The Great North Run applicants will find out if they have been successful by Friday, February 14.

To enter visit: www.GreatRun.org/North

Related topics:OrganisersNHS