60,000 incredible AJ Bell Great North Run participants run from the heart of Newcastle upon Tyne to South Shields each year to fundraise, have fun, achieve a fitness goal, and join an amazing running community, no matter their experience or ability. From the rush of the Red Arrows flying overhead to the oggy-oggy-oggy chants, Great North Run magic can be hard to understand – until you’ve experienced it for yourself. This iconic race has welcomed millions of runners since 1981, and this year we mark an incredible 45 years of the famous event.