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A GREAT year
Of Running
2022 Unwrapped
What a year it’s been, with a full calendar of Great Run events at last, PBs & records galore, and tens of millions of pounds raised for charities.
Over 175,000 runners joined us on start lines across the country, and the atmosphere has been electric. Whether running to support a charity, to smash their PB, or simply for fun, our 2022 runners have blown us away with their energy and enthusiasm.
Let’s take a quick look back at all we’ve achieved this year…
Great Moments
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Our 2022 Recap
In May, the Great Birmingham Run was back! The Brummies set the standards for the year ahead with a spectacular comeback event (the first event in the city for 3 years!) and a carnival atmosphere. It felt even more special that the event kicked Birmingham’s summer of sport, with the Commonwealth Games following soon after.
Later in May the Great Manchester Run roared through the city centre with more than 20,000 runners taking on the challenge. At the front of the field an epic race between Hellen Obiri and Eilish McColgan ensued, with Eilish narrowly finishing second but claiming an incredible European 10km record.
Into July, and showtime on the River Tyne (or should that be Showtyne?!). The Great North 10k returned with a new riverside route, showcasing some of the North East’s most spectacular sights.
We were deeply saddened by the news of the death of Queen Elizabeth II in the days leading up to the Great North Run. The run went ahead with a minute’s silence and the National anthem on the start line – in tricky circumstances our runners, charities, supporters and partners did us proud. The event also marked a return to the original city to sea route, and it was truly special to see South Shields buzzing again.
2022 Highlights
To the South West, and stunning running through the streets and past the sights of Bristol. The Great Bristol Run was electric, with an atmosphere buoyed by charity cheering points and a soundtrack provided by local artists. The event also saw the second staging of the VI Runners challenge, maintaining the event’s legacy going as one of the UK’s most inclusive.
This year marked the first Great Scottish Run for three years, and over 20,000 runners lined up to be part of the action. Callum Hawkins and Eilish McColgan starred at the front of the field, taking the Great Scottish Run titles on home soil. It was a fantastic celebration of running together again, through the famous streets and stunning parks of Glasgow.
Onto the final Great Run event of the season and one of the very best – 10 miles of glorious running at the Great South Run on the South coast. Our Great South runners are renowned for their fundraising spirit and fancy dress costumes and they didn’t disappoint! The crowds were roaring and the sun was shining on what was a spectacular season finale.
Bring on 2023
Plans are already in full swing to make next year’s Great Run events even greater! If you’re feeling inspired now’s the time to sign up to your next challenge.
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AJ Bell Great North Run
Join 60,000 runners at the world’s biggest and best half marathon. There’s an iconic route and a warm Geordie welcome waiting. We’ll see you on the start line.
AJ Bell Great North 5k
Smash your 5k dash before joining the afterparty on the Quayside. It’s the curtain-raiser for the North East’s biggest weekend of sport - let’s celebrate.
AJ Bell Great North 10k
Tyneside never looked so good. Prepare for stunning views and the ultimate finish line feeling. Sign up for your summer 10k running challenge today.
AJ Bell Great Birmingham Run
Passion, spirit and an unbeatable carnival feel - we love you, Birmingham! Take your place on the start line of the Midlands’ biggest and best running event.
AJ Bell Great Bristol Run
Looking for a super-scenic, fast, flat race? You’ve got it - with incredible views, history and urban art. THis year;s event is SOLD OUT
AJ Bell Great Manchester Run
The North West’s original and best running event is back. Manchester comes alive on race weekend and we want YOU to bring the party. Sign up today.
AJ Bell Great Scottish Run
These iconic 10k and half marathon routes are a love letter to Glasgow, and the UK’s friendliest city never disappoints. Get your spot on the start line.
AJ Bell Great South Run
10 coastal miles with stunning views and sea air. The AJ Bell Great South Run is one of our most recommended races - sign up and see what the fuss is about.
AJ Bell Great South 5k
Seasoned pros and running newbies love this fun, fast, flat 5k route. Stunning views and all the usual Great Run energy you’d expect. Book your spot today.
Great Achievements
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Great Fun
We’ve reminisced on all the GREAT FUN we’ve had at the Great Run events in 2022! We looked back on the fun our runners had on-course, the crazy fancy dress costumes we saw, and of course the Junior and Mini and Family Runs which were more than entertaining!
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Great Support
To kick off our 2022 Unwrapped review, we celebrated GREAT SUPPORT. We shouted about our wonderful volunteers who make each event safe, fun and enjoyable and our supporters – who are some of the very best!
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