Junior & Mini Great North Run
Good Luck!
We want to wish the very best of luck to all Junior and Mini runners this weekend, we hope you have an amazing day, soak up the atmosphere and enjoy your finish line moment.
Other than the date of the event, everything else remains as planned – Run numbers, timetables, the unveiling of Tyney the Tortoise, a fantastic atmosphere, a brand new event village, food and drinks stalls, and of course, the medals and goody bags. We are aware that some of our runners will have been lucky enough to have had a Birthday since the original date. All runners will take part in the wave that they were originally scheduled to run in, using the original race number.
We really hope you enjoy what is shaping up to be a fantastic celebration of the next generation of runners!
Don’t forget to come back and check out your official event photos and results (junior runners only) from the day. They’ll be live here on the website after the event.
2022 Event Guide
The Junior and Mini Great North Run event guide has all of the information and useful details you need to prepare.
We highly recommend you take time to read through it to ensure you’re ready for the big day.
Run Numbers
Run numbers have been posted to entrants. Once you have your run number, you’re all set for race day, simply attach with safety pins and head for the start line. Run numbers are still valid for Saturday, so please wear the number that has been posted out to you.
If your run number hasn’t arrived, don’t worry, you can visit the information point to collect a replacement on event day.
Tyney has arrived...
We’re excited to share with you our official Great Run mascot Tyney the Tortoise. A true Geordie at heart, Tyney takes inspiration from the iconic Newcastle Tyne Bridge. A symbol of perseverance, strength and leading a happy and healthy lifestyle, Tyney is the friend that everyone needs.
On event day you’ll get warmed up with the shell shake, watch out for Tyney’s first ever red carpet appearance near the start line and then head to the event village in the afternoon for your chance to meet Tyney!
Why don’t you come dressed up like Tyney? Get your headbands and trainers at the ready…and don’t forget to wear your special Tyney the tortoise t-shirt that you’ll be receiving through the post along with your run number.
Event Timetable
Below is the Junior and Mini Great North Run timetable and wave start times.
Please note that this is subject to change, and we will communicate your specific wave, assembly and start time on your run number.
Travel & Parking
The event starts and finishes on the Newcastle side of the river. The best way to get to the start is on foot or by public transport due to a number of road closures in place for the event. You can plan your journey here. The start is a short walk (approx. 10 minutes) from Central Station and Gateshead Metro Station. Up to three children under the age of 11 can travel for free on Metro and Shields Ferry services when accompanied by a fare paying adult, see nexus.org for more details.
Metro Service Update: On Saturday 8 October, Metro will have a normal service throughout the network, apart from:
• Between Pelaw and South Shields, where there will be replacement buses instead of Metro trains as there is a major line closure
• Between Pelaw and South Hylton, where there will be no Metro trains running because there is a Network Rail strike (which Metro is not part of, but means that Metro trains are unable to operate on this section of line).
• Metro season tickets will be accepted on the following bus services in the affected area: Stagecoach services X24, 18/18A, 8, 10/11, Go North East services 9, 56 and Gateshead Central Taxis 558.
Should you need to park, you can find more information on parking in Newcastle city centre here.
Wheelchair Access
The course is suitable for wheelchair users and we will have a dedicated wheelchair start on the 1.5K course. Participants in a self-propelled wheelchair will be automatically allocated to this wave, other wheelchair participants have the option to go into this wave, or take part in the age specific mass waves.
The route will involve going over the Millennium Bridge, involving an adverse camber, so those choosing to participate may want to do so accompanied by an adult support runner – all participants should take special care on sections that might be tricky at high speed.
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Mini 50
The Mini 50, a 50m short course for children who wouldn’t ordinarily be able to participate in the age group events, due to their specific needs, will be taking place again in 2022. You can find more information here.
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The Course
All runners will start by crossing the Swing Bridge. Junior runners will then do an out and back section towards the Redheugh Bridge, before re-joining the Mini route that heads along the Gateshead Quayside, past the Sage Gateshead and the Baltic Centre for Contemporary Art. All participants will then run across the Millennium Bridge before their big finish on the Newcastle Quayside, near the Law Courts.
Reunion Area
To ensure accompanying adults and children are reunited easily and quickly we have a number of exit gates after the finish line signposted by large signed letters at each one. Please ensure that both the child and the adult meet, and exit, at the letter that corresponds to the letter that is printed on their run number.
Road Closures
Quayside Road
From 14:00 Until 19:00
Friday 7th to Saturday 8th October
Sandhill
From 06:00 Until 19:00
Saturday 8th October
Swing Bridge
From 06:00 Until 19:00
Saturday 8th October
Close
From 06:00 Until 21:00
Saturday 8th October
Bottle Bank
From 06:00 Until 19:00
Saturday 8th October - Access to HIlton only
Pipewellgate
From 06:00 Until 19:00
Saturday 8th October
South Shore Road
From 06:00 Until 19:00
Saturday 8th October - Closed to Hillgate
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What You Get
In addition to lots of high fives and cheering supporters, runners will be awarded with:
- Finisher’s bag
- Well-deserved Junior & Mini Great North Run medal
- Security of closed roads
- Official event photos available to purchase
- Being a part of the biggest and best kids running events.
