The Run
Get Race Ready
We have created a series of Great Run Solo challenges to guide you through your event training, keep you motivated and get you in start-line shape.
Run up To
Race Day
The challenge is to complete 25 runs (or more) in the 8 weeks building up to your Great Run. The final run can be the event day itself (if you’re taking part) if you want to finish in style & with a round of applause!
It costs £15 to join, however if you have an entry into a 2021 Great Run event the challenge price is discounted to £12.50. Your entry fee includes a unique finishers medal, access to training plans & tips, and support throughout the challenge.
The challenges are open to everyone – you do not need to be taking part in a Great Run event to join in. You can join any time from now until entries close 4 weeks into the challenge.
Join the challenge and Be Your Greatest in 2021.
The Challenges
Complete 25 runs in 8 weeks
There is a Great Run Solo challenge for each Great Run event. Each challenge starts 8 weeks before the event date, and finishes on the event day.
Simply complete 25 runs (or more) at any pace or distance comfortable to you during the challenge period.
You have the option to use our online tracker to log your runs as you go – you can start logging runs from the challenge start date – or use your own tracking app or device to record your activity.
Once you have completed 25 runs (or more), come back and submit your results and confirm that you have completed the challenge to receive your medal.
To enter, simply select your challenge below and get ready to run up to race day!
If you are yet to enter a 2021 Great Run, you can choose to take part in the Great Run Solo challenge on entry.
1/6
Great Bristol Run Solo
Sign up before 23 August.
Great Manchester Run Solo
Sign up before 30 August.
Great East Run Solo
Sign up before 30 August.
Great Scottish Run Solo
Sign up before 6 September.
Great Birmingham Run Solo
Sign up before 13 September.
Great South Run Solo
Sign up before 20 September.
Training Kit
If you’re taking on the challenge, get the t-shirt! We’ve created a range of official Great Run Solo merchandise to accompany our challenges.
Our range includes branded technical t-shirts, running hoodies and accessories for men and women, and a premium unisex hoody.
Buy online now from the Great Run Shop.
Train & Prepare
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... Read More.
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 a grinding halt. Sound familiar? Read More.
10 Top Tips To Taper Like A Champion
Did you see the date already? Read More.
5 Tips To Crush Your 10K
Manchester running crew Still Waters Run Deep give their top tips for Great Manchester Run. Read More.
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 Read More.
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, we have some tips on how to get round without having to ditch the outfit after mile 1. Read More.
Recovering After Your Great Run Event
Don’t let yourself get cold by standing around after you have finished. Read More.
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 up will help improve your flexibility Read More.
The Challenge
Get Race Ready
How it works
Tracking Your
Activity
We recommend using a tracking app to log your running activity during your challenge – any tracking app or watch can be used. You also have the option of using our online tracker to log each run as you go, this is available here on the challenge page from the start of the challenges (26 July). You can log in and start tracking runs as soon as your challenge starts.
View our guide to tracking your runs and providing evidence for your Great Run Solo challenge.
The Reward
Get Race Ready
Complete the challenge and you’ll be rewarded with a very special medal! Now that’s worth running ( a long way) for!
What You
Get
The Great Run Solo challenge medals will look spectacular on their own, but they have also been designed to attach to the Great Run event medals to form a very special medal.
Your challenge fee also includes access to our online run tracker to monitor your progress through training – accessible from the start of your challenge – and support throughout the challenge.
Note: For international runners, there is an additional £3.50 charge to cover medal postage.
Challenge Extras
Over the course of the 8 weeks we will set additional tasks to keep you moving and motivated. From snapping a selfie at the top of your city’s biggest hill to running backwards for 1 minute, we’ll set you a series of challenge extras over the course of the 8 weeks to keep you on your toes!
Join the action on Strava and our social channels using #GreatRunSolo
