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Become
A Runner
Training and Advice
Great Run are delighted to bring you the best advice and support on your running journey.
Whether you’re training for your first event or have your eye on a PB, we’re here to support you every step of the way.
Training plans
Our 6 to 16 week training plans are designed to get you run ready.
Whether your goal is to complete your first 5K or you’ve set your sights on a half marathon, you’ll find the right training plan for you.
Training Advice
1/20
Running Through The Winter
Keeping moving and running through the winter months can be both rewarding and fun when you follow these few basic tips and keep yourself both s…
Running In The Dark
Do you have a busy schedule? Are there not enough daylight hours in the day? As the summer draws to a close and days get shorter, sometimes the…
Five Ways To Fall Back In Love With Running
We all know that running is a) great and b) good for you but what do you do when you lose your spark? Here’s some tips to get that mojo back…
Last Minute Half Marathon Training Tips
With 10 days to go to the Virtual Great North Run, your tapering should be just about underway. Here are a few tips (and reminders) to keep you…
Plan Your Virtual Running Route
We can’t run the famous 13.1 mile route from Newcastle to South shields this year… which means you need to plan your own 13.1 mile running route…
Recovery Nutrition Faq
What you eat after a half marathon can have a huge impact on your recovery; from combating fatigue, to supporting immune function. This FAQ guid…
Top 10 Tips For Summer Running
Hello summer. Hello sunshine. Hello heat! Here's some tips to keep you running over the summer.
Five Workouts You Can Do At Home
Getting the opportunity to fit exercise into your schedule at the moment can be a challenge - here's our tips to get the most out of your sessio…
Monitor Your Training
By keeping a track of your training activity, you can monitor your progression and identify what works for you.
So Your Plans Have Changed – What Now?
If you've had a change of plans in your running schedule, we’ve got some tips for you so that all of your hard work does not go to waste.
Five Ways To Run In The Sun
Longer nights, mixing it up, new gear and tackling the trails - running in the summer is guaranteed to be a great time…
Setting Goals? Stay Motivated With These Tips
Tips to help you ride the motivation wave…
Don’T Snooze? You Lose!
Sleep is an often overlooked but vital component of athletics performance, as Professor John Brewer explains…
10 Best Places To Run In Birmingham
Looking for new training routes whilst out running in Brum? Here are Johnny Cullen's handpicked locations to inspire you.
Brummie In A Hurry? Check Out These City Running Routes
Short running routes around Birmingham to get you going when time is limited.
Choosing A Bristol Running Club
With Great Bristol Half Marathon approaching, could joining a running club help with your pace?…
Pump Up The Protein
Kate Percy, author of Go Faster Food, gives us the lowdown on top protein sources…
Try These Recipes For Some Great Meal Inspiration
If like us, you’ve been trying to cook a little more while you’re at home, try new recipes, or maybe eat healthier to combat moving around less,…
Stay Positive
Regardless of the circumstances around us, we can influence how we respond to any situation. Read our tips to help you stay positive and look af…
Activities To Keep The Whole Family Moving
We’ve put together a list of activities to help keep the whole family moving and entertained while spending more time than ever at home.
Event day tips
1/19
So You’Ve Signed Up To Run, Now What?
Lululemon, the official sportswear partner of the Simplyhealth Great Manchester Run, on tips and tricks to take you from sign up, past the finis…
Keeping You Safe
There are a few things we’d ask you to be aware of when you’re at a Great Run event…
Everything You’Ll Experience At Great Bristol 10K
If you’re thinking about signing up to take on your own challenge at the Simplyhealth Great Bristol 10k, whatever your reason for running, here’…
10 Ways To Smash Your Fundraising Target In Bristol
These simple tips can help you to get your fundraising off the ground and have lots of fun while preparing for your challenge at the Simplyhealt…
Your Great North Run Starts Right Here
Successful or unsuccessful in the ballot? We've got you covered.
Six Ways Your First Marathon Can Change You
If you’re thinking about entering a marathon, there’s no doubt it will change your life.
Keeping Cool In Fancy Dress
Every year we see hundreds of you dressing up for your chosen charities. So whether you’re wearing an inflatable T-Rex costume or a Panda onesie…
5 Ways To Beat The Weather
Snow, rain or sunshine, make sure you are ready for whatever conditions are thrown at you on your big day, advises PROFESSOR JOHN BREWER…
Tips For Event Day Success
The training is done and dusted, and your big day is almost here. Read our top tips on making event day a success...
5 Tips To Crush Your 10K
Manchester running crew Still Waters Run Deep give their top tips for Great Manchester Run.
7 Of The Best Post-Run Places To Eat In Manchester
We’ve teamed up with Manchester blogger Frankie’s Weekend to bring you her top 6 restaurants around the city where you can relax and refuel afte…
10 Top Tips To Taper Like A Champion
Did you see the date already?…
Top Tips On Respecting The Challenge
Seven top tips from Great Run - respect the challenge.
Recovering After Your Great Run Event
Don’t let yourself get cold by standing around after you have finished.
10 Great South Run Hacks For 10 Miles
With the Simplyhealth Great South Run almost upon us, over 20,000 runners will descend on Portsmouth on the weekend of 21-22 October for the wor…
10 Hacks Ahead Of The Simplyhealth Great East Run
Here are 10 essential hints and tips to get you through the Simplyhealth Great East Run on Sunday 24 September fuss-free.
Marathon Advice: The Do’S And Don’Ts
First ever marathon? Here’s some words of advice, from the runners themselves.
Health Advice Ahead Of Your Great Run
For a fit, happy and healthy run please make sure you read our advice ahead of your challenge.
Last Minute Tips For Great Bristol Half Marathon
Bristol-based fitness blogger Rachael Power shares her last minute half marathon tips…
Run Ready
1/20
Common Running Injuries And How To Spot Them
Most running injuries are overuse ones - meaning that they creep up on you gradually.
Essential Prehab – Rehab Preparation
It’s important to properly prepare and rehabilitate yourself following injury to help you go the distance.
Home-Based Prehab To Be A Better Runner
All of these exercises can be done at home with minimal equipment - you'll see the benefits when it's time to get back to training for your even…
Why Warming Up And Cooling Down Is Vital
Warming up and cooling down are essential to ensure your body is ready to run and recovers well. Here, physiotherapist Paul Hobrough explains ho…
Post-Run Stretching At Home
During training you should remember to stretch regularly, especially after your long run. Stretching after a run, when your muscles are warmed u…
Joint Preparation: ‘Motion Is Lotion’
Physiotherapist Jenny Blizzard's advice on joint preparation and how to maintain good joint health.
Stretching To Reduce The Risk Of Injury
Sarah Harradine (thatsquatbot), personal trainer and blogger, is here to talk you through a series of stretches to help you look after your ever…
Your Simplyhealth Stretch Zone
Sarah Harradine (thatsquatbot), personal trainer and blogger, is here to talk you through a series of stretches to help you look after your ever…
Stretches For Your Quads And Hip Flexors
Sarah Harradine (thatsquatbot), personal trainer and blogger, is here to talk you through a series of stretches to help you look after your ever…
Stretches For Your Hips And Glutes
Sarah Harradine (thatsquatbot), personal trainer and blogger, is here to talk you through a series of stretches to help you look after your ever…
Stretches For Your Hamstrings And Calves
Sarah Harradine (thatsquatbot), personal trainer and blogger, is here to talk you through a series of stretches to help you look after your ever…
Daily Exercises To Strengthen Your Muscles
Effective muscular activity enhances the storage and release of energy from your tendons, which is free, no oxygen cost!…
Why Massage Is So Good For Runners
Massage isn’t just a feel-good way to indulge or pamper yourself, it is a powerful tool to help you take charge of your health and wellbeing. Ch…
Getting To The Point Of Acupuncture
Have you ever wondered what acupuncture actually is? Our resident physio gets to the point with this quick guide…
5 Top Tips To Keep You Off The Couch
Injuries are a runner’s worst enemy – we all hate spending time on the sidelines, especially if there’s a big event coming up. Here, our residen…
Paper Tape Can Prevent Blisters
BLISTERS, caused by a combination of friction and moisture around the feet, are the scourge of runners in long distance races, afflicting up to…
How To Avoid A Stitch
YOU’RE powering your way through a run or workout when suddenly you are gripped with a stabbing pain that threatens to bring all your efforts to…
Case Studies: Shin Splints – How To Prevent Them
Shin splints have been causing problems for runners of all abilities for many years now. Here, physiotherapist Paul Noble talks us through how h…
Case Studies: Dealing With An Itb Injury
The iliotibial band – otherwise known as an ITB or an IT band – is a source of problems for many of our runners which is caused by a number of i…
Seven Ways To Avoid Injury
Avoiding injury is one of the most important components to getting the best out of your running. Here, muscoloskeletal expert Dr Peter Francis s…
Your next event
1/16
Great North Run
57,000 determined and dedicated runners make the Great North Run the World’s biggest and best half marathon.
Junior & Mini Great North Run
The Worlds biggest and best kids running event is back in 2021.
Great North 10k
Test yourself on the slog of the Tyne at the Great North 10k.
Great North 5k
Great North Family Run
A run for the whole family, taking place on the Great North 10k weekend.
Great Bristol Run
Bristol’s much-loved running events return to the city’s streets. For the first time the 10k and HM will take place on the same day.
Great Bristol Family Run
Make it a family event at the Great Bristol Run weekend.
Great Manchester Run
Manchester’s iconic event returns to the city’s streets. Take your place on the 10k or HM start line and be part of the unbeatable atmosphere.
Junior & Mini Great Manchester Run
Don't leave it all to the grown ups, come and get involved in the Junior & Mini Great Manchester Run.
Great East Run
Ipswich’s much-loved Half Marathon returns. Take your place on the start line and be part of the celebration.
Great Birmingham Run
Birmingham’s biggest and best running events return to the city’s streets. For the first time the 10k and HM will take place on the same day.
Junior & Mini Great Birmingham Run
The Junior & Mini Great Birmingham Run takes place on the Great Birmingham Run weekend.
Great Scottish Run
Scotland’s biggest running celebration returns to Glasgow, and this year it's all about the comeback! Take your place on the 10k or HM start line.
Junior & Mini Great Scottish Run
The Junior & Mini Great Scottish Run will return to Glasgow in October. Make it a fun day out for the whole family.
Great South Run
The Great South Run is the south coasts biggest and best running event. 10mile and 5k. Not to be missed!
Junior & Mini Great South Run
Mini 1.5k & Junior 2.5k. Make it a Great day out for all the family in Portsmouth, the UK's best waterfront city.
