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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.
Personalise Your Experience
I run to Choose wanting to Choose
Your choices will help to improve your Great Run experience and allow us to serve up information tailored to you.
Great Run 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 here.
Training Advice
1/21
Put The Spring Back In Your Step
We can all do our part to stay healthy and protect those who are more vulnerable at this time, but there is one thing we can still do for oursel…
Why training is really important
5 Reasons Why Training Is Really, Really, Really Important So, you’ve signed up for a Great Run – bravo! We’re thrilled that you’re going to be…
Training For The Great Manchester Run
Your 12-week plan to go from gentle jogger to 10 kilometre ace. With just twelve weeks to go until the Great Manchester Run now is the time to d…
10 ways to #LoveRunning even more
You might already be completely in love with running (like we are here at Great Run) or maybe you like to run but you wouldn’t say you’re in lov…
How Often Should I Run?
All you need to know on how many times a week you should be running…
Improve Your Running Technique
Anyone can put one foot in front of the other, but to run with good technique or 'form' takes a little skill and practice.
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…
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…
Blow Off The Cobwebs!
Check out our top tips to keep you running this Autumn…
Hydration Tips Ahead Of Your Great Run
It's important that your body stays hydrated – keeps the right level of water – so that it can function properly.
Monitor Your Training
By keeping a track of your training activity, you can monitor your progression and identify what works for you.
How To Run A 10K Pb
Keen to clock your fastest ever 10k this spring? Want to run so well that your social media will explode with likes? Ready to turn the tarmac be…
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…
Should I Eat Breakfast Before An Early Morning Run?
Most of us need to eat something to kick our body and brain into action…
Plan Your Ultimate Training Diet
Fuelling your body to train well on a daily basis is essential.
Setting Goals? Stay Motivated With These Tips
Tips to help you ride the motivation wave…
How Does Gait Analysis Help Me As A Runner?
Gait analysis can identify bad habits which can lead to injury. Here is our handy guide from physiotherapist and runner Jenny Blizard…
What To Eat To Fuel Your Run
The best advice when training is to stick a healthy, balanced diet.
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…
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,…
Event day tips
1/13
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...
10 Ways To Smash Your Fundraising Target
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…
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 Tips To Crush Your 10K
Manchester running crew Still Waters Run Deep give their top tips for Great Manchester Run.
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’…
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.
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…
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…
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…
Marathon Advice: The Do’S And Don’Ts
First ever marathon? Here’s some words of advice, from the runners themselves.
Run Ready
1/21
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…
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.
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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 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…
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…
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…
Joint Preparation: ‘Motion Is Lotion’
Physiotherapist Jenny Blizzard's advice on joint preparation and how to maintain good joint health.
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!…
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…
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…
There’S Nor Other Way To Save Your Hamstrings
The Nordic curl is billed as the ultimate hamstring saviour, but is its reputation deserved? Peta Bee finds out…
Your next event
1/8
Great Manchester Run
If you're going to do a run in Manchester, make it the greatest. 2023 Earlybird entries are now open - don't miss out!
Great North 10k
We’re excited to announce a brand new 10k route for 2022, taking runners on a tour of the Tyne.
Great North Run
57,000 determined and dedicated runners make the Great North Run the World’s biggest and best half marathon.
Great North 5k
Soak up the atmosphere and join us for a fun and fast 5k on the Friday of the Great North Run weekend.
Great Bristol Run
Bristol’s much-loved running event returns to the city’s streets in 2022, with the 10k and HM taking place on the same day.
Great Scottish Run
Scotland’s biggest running celebration returns to Glasgow in October 2022.
Great South Run
The Great South Run is the south coasts biggest and best running weekend and not to be missed! Take on the 5k or 10 mile in 2022, Entries are now open!
Great Birmingham Run
Birmingham’s biggest and best 10k and half marathon running event returns to the city in May 2023. Sign up to be notified when entries open!
