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Original poster

Great North Run - logistic tips

91 replies

HippyDays · 30/08/2023 13:22

I am doing the GNR - I have never done a proper race before. Training has gone to plan (so far!) and I have read all the official stuff that has been sent to me.

But I’m still feeling woefully unprepared about things. I don’t know what those things are! If I had to get up and run 13.1 miles, I’d be ok - I know what to eat/drink, I know what I’ll wear etc. But it is the transport, the toilets, the finish, spectator plans - all that stuff that I feel clueless about. And there will be things that I don’t even know that I don’t know…

Aiming for about 2:30-2:40 finish time, staying near Tynemouth and getting the metro in. My friend is coming with me to support and plans on picking me up at the finish in the car to head home.

So what do you think I need to know?

Thank you!

OP posts:
PotteringAlonggotkickedoutandhadtoreregister · 30/08/2023 13:23

The drive back will be horrendous, the drive in to get you worse. You are better off walking down to the shields ferry afterwards, queuing up, getting the ferry across and then walking back up the hill to tynemouth.

PotteringAlonggotkickedoutandhadtoreregister · 30/08/2023 13:24

https://www.nexus.org.uk/ferry

Ferry | nexus.org.uk

https://www.nexus.org.uk/ferry

Original poster
HippyDays · 30/08/2023 13:30

Thanks Pottering. I was thinking that even if the drive out was a nightmare at least I’d be sitting down. Things I’ve read suggest the metro and ferry are also a nightmare. Maybe that is flawed thinking though?

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PotteringAlonggotkickedoutandhadtoreregister · 30/08/2023 15:32

The thing about the roads is that lots of them are closed for the run so, unless your friend is very local and can rat run her way there, she’s not actually going to be able to drive to the finish in the first place.
parts of the coast road will close from 8am on the Sunday - your friend will have a very long wait for you!
the other option is to drive there on Saturday, leave the car and then your friend can get the ferry from North Shields to South Shields and walk to the finish and then you can fight the cars out!

PotteringAlonggotkickedoutandhadtoreregister · 30/08/2023 15:33

(And obviously you can both do it in reverse on Saturday!)

enjoy it - the atmosphere is fabulous!

putthehamsterbackinitscage · 30/08/2023 15:43

Another thing to be aware of is that once you get close to the finish line, even supporters on public transport, the sheer number of people means mobile coverage just doesn't work - contention is too great.

Plan where you will meet and stick to it as otherwise you'll struggle to find each other.

And though you'll have a start time of 11am, so does everyone else - I have a green wave, my other half orange, and a friend is in the elite/club start but we all have 11am start times. This means it may be anything up to an hour later that you cross the start line so you won't be finished by 1:40 pm. The runner tracker will be useful for your friend to see when you will finish.

It's a fabulous day but just be prepared it will be all day - and the metro will be packed too so go in early.

catsnhats11 · 30/08/2023 15:46

The metro and ferry will be busy, but they are (should) be prepared for it, it's the busiest day of the year for that area and the way most people will travel in and out.

Original poster
HippyDays · 30/08/2023 16:20

PotteringAlonggotkickedoutandhadtoreregister · 30/08/2023 15:32

The thing about the roads is that lots of them are closed for the run so, unless your friend is very local and can rat run her way there, she’s not actually going to be able to drive to the finish in the first place.
parts of the coast road will close from 8am on the Sunday - your friend will have a very long wait for you!
the other option is to drive there on Saturday, leave the car and then your friend can get the ferry from North Shields to South Shields and walk to the finish and then you can fight the cars out!

Thanks Pottering that makes sense, I need to think about it again. I like the idea of leaving the car on Saturday.

OP posts:
Original poster
HippyDays · 30/08/2023 16:25

putthehamsterbackinitscage · 30/08/2023 15:43

Another thing to be aware of is that once you get close to the finish line, even supporters on public transport, the sheer number of people means mobile coverage just doesn't work - contention is too great.

Plan where you will meet and stick to it as otherwise you'll struggle to find each other.

And though you'll have a start time of 11am, so does everyone else - I have a green wave, my other half orange, and a friend is in the elite/club start but we all have 11am start times. This means it may be anything up to an hour later that you cross the start line so you won't be finished by 1:40 pm. The runner tracker will be useful for your friend to see when you will finish.

It's a fabulous day but just be prepared it will be all day - and the metro will be packed too so go in early.

Thank you! I’m in the pink wave so I think I am at the back of the back. Do you know if this means I can join later, or does everyone have to be in place by the same time and the people at the back just wait around?

I’m not running with my phone so we have already planned the finish as I read there are marked areas with letters, so we are meeting at the letter of our surname (which coincidentally is the same letter).

OP posts:
Sirzy · 30/08/2023 16:26

Leave plenty of time to get to your starting point. I had walked about 12000 steps before I even began the race!

PotteringAlonggotkickedoutandhadtoreregister · 30/08/2023 16:29

Are you coming up Friday or Saturday? Also be aware that the traffic is very heavy in (and then out on Sunday!) of the north east in general on GNR weekend so the A1 / A19 (assuming you’re going back south!) will be very busy. Allow extra time to get here and get back!

Original poster
HippyDays · 30/08/2023 16:32

catsnhats11 · 30/08/2023 15:46

The metro and ferry will be busy, but they are (should) be prepared for it, it's the busiest day of the year for that area and the way most people will travel in and out.

Thanks. I’m so worried about my legs being wobbly and not being able to do the waiting/standing. I did my longest run on Sunday and was very wobbly. But I guess this happens to lots of people and others manage so no reason I won’t.

OP posts:
Original poster
HippyDays · 30/08/2023 16:33

Sirzy · 30/08/2023 16:26

Leave plenty of time to get to your starting point. I had walked about 12000 steps before I even began the race!

Oh no!!!! They don’t put that level of detail in the event guide 😂. That is a useful warning thank you!

OP posts:
Ohmylovejune · 30/08/2023 16:34

I loved the GNR which I ran in 2003!!!

I'll give you hints on things that have probably not changed. I recall running through the tunnel at the start and everyone chanting.

I plodded my way to about mile 9ish? Don't go out too fast if you've not run a half before - take it really easy and ignore the speedy runners around you. If you've got lots left in the tank after mile 9 then you can up it a bit as you are well past half way.

They had a walking group when i went so I was never "last".

I recall about mile 9 it is slight uphill for a long way. I met a guy and we chatted through that bit!

Then I recall a very steep down hill about mile 11/12 - watch your knees, its very steep, but at least it's down. Then, that takes you know the seafront which is really long but you can see the end! That's the stretch I was overtaken by Mr Tickle! This bit goes on and on....but it's flat!

Then there the end and we were given a fab goody bag.

I was staying with mates and they had friends whi lived close by the finish. Their son ran it too so we were all invited to eat there after. It meant we missed the crowds, so I don't have much advice on it.

Enjoy it. It's a lovely run.

Original poster
HippyDays · 30/08/2023 16:38

PotteringAlonggotkickedoutandhadtoreregister · 30/08/2023 16:29

Are you coming up Friday or Saturday? Also be aware that the traffic is very heavy in (and then out on Sunday!) of the north east in general on GNR weekend so the A1 / A19 (assuming you’re going back south!) will be very busy. Allow extra time to get here and get back!

Edited

We’re coming from near Preston so heading back West. We’re coming across early Saturday so I can get a good lunch and dinner in. I’m not worried about timings after the race. I will just be glad to get it done as this is so far out of my comfort zone. My friend has also said she knows it will be late on Sunday (but to be fair I have sat through a lot of things for her over the years 🙂)

OP posts:
putthehamsterbackinitscage · 30/08/2023 16:39

If your start time says 11am then yes you need to head to the start around 10:30 to be in the pens before they close for the warm up... you'll be way back up the motorway from the actual start line and just shuffle forwards as everyone ahead of you starts.

We usually have a 2 ish mile walk to the metro then get off at central and walk through town to the start ... we start the journey in around 6:45 ish to get the early metro and get breakfast in town later... it's a lot of waiting around so bring a bin bag if it might be wet or cold as you'll be on your own once you head for the start pens.

putthehamsterbackinitscage · 30/08/2023 16:41

Don't worry about distance etc. there will be plenty of people (me included) whose training hasn't gone to plan due to health or injury. A lot of people will be walking or running and walking.

Just remember, the aim is to finish and keep well.

My aim is to make it to the beer tent before my DH is too pissed 😂😂😂

catsnhats11 · 30/08/2023 16:50

HippyDays · 30/08/2023 16:32

Thanks. I’m so worried about my legs being wobbly and not being able to do the waiting/standing. I did my longest run on Sunday and was very wobbly. But I guess this happens to lots of people and others manage so no reason I won’t.

Show quote history

Everyone will be the same and the atmosphere will carry you along even after you finish! :) you can always rest for a bit first, it finishes on a grassy bank near the beach (and a few pubs)

Original poster
HippyDays · 30/08/2023 20:02

Ohmylovejune · 30/08/2023 16:34

I loved the GNR which I ran in 2003!!!

I'll give you hints on things that have probably not changed. I recall running through the tunnel at the start and everyone chanting.

I plodded my way to about mile 9ish? Don't go out too fast if you've not run a half before - take it really easy and ignore the speedy runners around you. If you've got lots left in the tank after mile 9 then you can up it a bit as you are well past half way.

They had a walking group when i went so I was never "last".

I recall about mile 9 it is slight uphill for a long way. I met a guy and we chatted through that bit!

Then I recall a very steep down hill about mile 11/12 - watch your knees, its very steep, but at least it's down. Then, that takes you know the seafront which is really long but you can see the end! That's the stretch I was overtaken by Mr Tickle! This bit goes on and on....but it's flat!

Then there the end and we were given a fab goody bag.

I was staying with mates and they had friends whi lived close by the finish. Their son ran it too so we were all invited to eat there after. It meant we missed the crowds, so I don't have much advice on it.

Enjoy it. It's a lovely run.

Thanks so much, this has made me feel quite excited! I suspect Mr Tickle is very fast, I might be overtaken by Mr Slow though!

OP posts:
Original poster
HippyDays · 30/08/2023 20:05

putthehamsterbackinitscage · 30/08/2023 16:39

If your start time says 11am then yes you need to head to the start around 10:30 to be in the pens before they close for the warm up... you'll be way back up the motorway from the actual start line and just shuffle forwards as everyone ahead of you starts.

We usually have a 2 ish mile walk to the metro then get off at central and walk through town to the start ... we start the journey in around 6:45 ish to get the early metro and get breakfast in town later... it's a lot of waiting around so bring a bin bag if it might be wet or cold as you'll be on your own once you head for the start pens.

Bin bag! Genius, thank you. Added to the list.
I have it down as getting off at Haymarket, is Central better?
Does all the walking/standing around affect your performance?

OP posts:
Original poster
HippyDays · 30/08/2023 20:11

putthehamsterbackinitscage · 30/08/2023 16:41

Don't worry about distance etc. there will be plenty of people (me included) whose training hasn't gone to plan due to health or injury. A lot of people will be walking or running and walking.

Just remember, the aim is to finish and keep well.

My aim is to make it to the beer tent before my DH is too pissed 😂😂😂

Sorry to hear your training has not gone to plan. I still fear something going wrong in the next 11 days.

I have found stats for the average finish time, but I but can’t find the most common finish times. Not sure if that makes sense, but an idea of how many people cross the finish line in various times. I guess if Mo Farah finishes in an hour he’ll skew the stats! It would be good to get an idea of how busy it will be at my finish time. I know busy is not good, but if I’m bringing up the rear and a bit of a straggler that will be stressful!

Your beer tent target made me laugh!

OP posts:
Mumski45 · 30/08/2023 20:11

When I did it years ago we parked the car at Jarrow and went to the start on the metro. Then afterwards got the metro back to the car. Whilst there was a queue for the metro once we got back to the car traffic wasn't too bad at all.

Ohmylovejune · 30/08/2023 20:21

I don't recall waiting was a huge issue. Everyone was chatting away and excited. It was decent weather though. Not too hot nor raining. I think there were warm ups going on too.

The elites go off at the front but it's with directly behind so to speak, not separate like London Marathon, although that might have changed in 20 years. Paula Radcliffe ran and won our year. That was exciting too! I ran a race with Paula! Records don't count though, as its a downhill race (because of that steep end bit I reckon!)

If its your first race (sorry I've not read the whole thread) don't treat it as a race. Aim is to get round and enjoy it. Once you understand the distance then race another time.

I ran Bath as my first half in 2003. Went out with a 10k PB (by a lot!) and hit a wall at 10 miles. I had to walk the rest. Its OK, I did it, but I didn't enjoy it. I did much more training for the GNR but I learnt from that and took the first half steady and I absolutely loved it and ran all the way.

Toomuchleopard · 30/08/2023 20:27

I ran it last year and was very different from when I had run it previously in 2007 and 1996/1997. It took about 1.5 hours from arriving at the start area to getting to the start line. Queues for the toilets were 45 mins long. You put your bag in a baggage bus which gets taken to the finish and you had to queue to get on these. You also had to queue to get to the start line (about 20 minutes). The start line area is fenced in with heras fencing and when the published closing time for these areas came you can’t get in so make sure you get there early. It’s probably not a massive problem in pink wave as you can keep walking further back. I was in an early wave so I didn’t want to be at the back.
At the finish there are thousands of people there so you need to pre arrange somewhere to meet your friend. It’s quite a trek to get back to the baggage buses unless you keep your phone with you. We got the bus back to Newcastle which took 2 hours as the main roads are closed so traffic is bad. It’s a great event but logistically difficult and time consuming. I prefer small events as you can probably tell! On the route there are plenty of water stations and toilets and friendly locals giving out sweets and ice pops. The support is great. Enjoy it!

tigerbear · 30/08/2023 20:29

Dont worry too much OP, try to go with it and enjoy. If you’re unsure of anything on the day, just ask other runners. The GNR always has a great sense of camaraderie, most people are very friendly and helpful.

do be prepared for just how busy it is at the start, the first mile or so, and at the finish. It’s a loud, buzzy, busy run, with music and commentators along the way.
A friend of mine who ran it with me years ago felt quite overwhelmed by it all, it’s a lot to take in if you’ve never done it before.

Feeling quite jealous now / I got a place, but didn’t train at all, so wont be going 🥺