Great North Run 2019

[newf]

Has anyone got a place?
I have been offered a charity place and thinking I should take it but can't quite click the commit button! I've done a half before (in 2017) and have been keeping going since but with shorter distances (10ks mainly). How is the course? Undulating or flat?
Should I do it?

[Thecatisboss]

I've got a charity place for it as well. I've heard that the course is undulating but also that it isn't too bad and that you can't get a good time due to the number of people there.

[MrsPworkingmummy]

It's an absolutely fantastic race with a brilliant atmosphere. Challenging at points, but the people and crowd get you around. Do it!!

[RevealTheLegend]

It’s Fucking amazing and you should do it.

Undulating course, but nothing horrific (Except for that last mile on the seafront)

The atmosphere is fantastic. Just don’t try to use the loos at the start though. Go halfway round if you have to go.

[maidenover]

Go for it, I’ve done it a few times and absolutely love it, it’s a great experience. The course is up and down and miles 10-12 do stand out, but the last mile on the seafront is (sort of) a reward. There is a wide variety of levels so you’ll be in good company whatever your pace.

[gwhizz75]

I’ve just signed up too OP, got a charity place through my work (NHS). I dithered a lot before deciding to go for it but have heard such great things about the atmosphere/experience. You should definitely sign up - we can all support each other on here as we train!

I only started running late last year after doing the couch to 5k but I did a 10k in April and have another couple coming up over the summer - including the Blaydon Races which I’m super excited about.

Click that commit button!!

[newf]

Thank you all for your replies, I'm going to click and commit tonight!

[newf]

Gwhizz what are blaydon races? I'd love to have a little group of people on here who could support each other through summer training. I'm signed up for a few thjngs between now and then, I just need to increase my mileage a bit and get it in my head that I'm doing it so I keep up to my plan.

Is it so busy then that it makes your course time slower (as mentioned upthread)?

[newf]

I've done it and got my confirmation email!

[gwhizz75]

Well done newf, now we’re both committed! How much do you have to raise for charity? My target is £200.

Everyone I know who has done the GNR has said the same thing re: it being too busy to get a good time. I think my goal will just be to complete it and enjoy the day! I’ve been struggling to find the motivation to run for the past couple of weeks but feel like I don’t have much choice now... Think I need to aim for 3-4 times per week.

Blaydon Races is a really famous run up in Newcastle. It’s just under 10k and there is a song about it (sung in Geordie dialect). It’s meant to have a great atmosphere so I’m really looking forward to that one!

[newf]

I have to raise £295 but keep being told that is manageable. I try and get out for a run twice a week at the moment and intend to keep up with that. I have a good few races booked in over the summer, the longest is 8 miles, and it's hilly where I am so that's good training .

As you are already in the North East I imagine the GNR will be extra special for you.

[maidenover]

Glad you decided to go for it. If you can run 8 miles you can do 13.1. Good luck with the training and fundraising, there have definitely been GNR training threads on here before, I can’t do it this year but hoping to do 2020.

[gwhizz75]

If you can manage a hilly 8 miles, I’m sure you’ll be fine for the half marathon. I’ve been struggling to get out regularly lately, super busy at work and always seem to have stuff going on outside of work at the minute. Went for one of those ‘not feeling it’ kind of runs last night and ended up coming home after less than a mile!

That’s a shame you can’t do it this year maidenover, fingers crossed for next year. Although I’ve been running for 6 months + now, I still don’t really like it so thought I better get the GNR done out the way before I inevitably give running up!

[newf]

6 weeks to go!

[Thecatisboss]

Did 10miles last weekend (albeit walking bits!) how is your prep going?