The Run
Great North Run Solo
Whether you need a training motivation boost, you want to kickstart your fundraising, or you want to join the Great North Run fun but can’t be on the start line, this challenge is perfect for you.
Your Challenge
Submit your results or log and track each run as you go
You can start to log activity once the challenge has started.
Enter the last seven digits of your Great Run Solo Registration ID and date of birth to log in.
Your Great Run registration ID is the unique reference number found in your entry confirmation email. e.g. if your reference is ACAP23S4686R5162121, enter 5162121. Help.
21 in 42 Days
To celebrate the 42nd year of the AJ Bell Great North Run, you have 42 days to complete 21 runs (or walks, or WalkRuns), each one representing a kilometre of the iconic route from Newcastle-upon-Tyne to South Shields. Kicking off on Sunday 30 July and finishing on the big day itself, Sunday 10 September, the challenge awaits!
Your 21 runs (or walks, or WalkRuns) can be of any distance and as a reward you’ll earn a fantastic sustainable medal. Entries open on Friday 21 July and it costs £15 to sign-up, which guarantees you a unique finisher’s medal, digital finishers’ certificate, access to our online tracking tool, and support throughout the challenge.
Great Run Ambassador Eilish McColgan says; “If you’re planning to take part in the Great North Run but you’re struggling with motivation for training this challenge is for you. It will help you create a habit of getting out for your runs, walks or a mixture of both.”
Entries are now closed and the results submission deadline has passed.
The Challenge
Run or walk at any pace and distance that works for you. Just make sure you do at least 21 of them between Sunday 30 July and Sunday 10 September to complete the challenge and earn your medal. It’s a very special seed medal, which, once you’ve finished admiring it, you’ll be able to plant so you can grow your own wildflowers, creating a haven for wildlife such as bees and butterflies.
You will also be rewarded with a unique digital certificate. There’s also an optional distance challenge, with a bespoke digital certificate awarded to anyone who completes a distance award.
Distance Challenge
Add an extra dimension to your #GNRSolo challenge to keep you going throughout the 42 days. There are 3 digital certificates up for grabs to reward you for the distance you cover. Log your activity with our online activity tracker which goes live when the challenge starts on 30 July. Once you’ve completed all of your challenges, simply submit your results and we’ll have your digital finisher’s certificate with you in a flash.
Inspired by Sir Mo’s final ever race at this year’s AJ Bell Great North Run, the distance awards up for grabs are a nod to the Metro stations he might find along the route (or close to at least!).
👟 Mo’ument – 65 Miles
🏆 Farah past Jarah – 100 Miles
🎖️ SirMoSide – 150 Miles
Training Advice
We’ve picked a selection of our running training articles to help with training and preparation for the big day.
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.
What To Eat Before A Run
Don’t let hungry thoughts eat into your run! Read More.
How Often Should I Run?
All you need to know on how many times a week you should be running 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 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 Simplyhealth Great Bristol 10k Read More.
Everything you need to know about your first half-marathon
First ever marathon? Here’s some words of advice, from the runners themselves. Read More.
The Challenge
Great North Run Solo
How it works
Tracking Your
Activity
We recommend using a tracking app to log your running activity during the challenge – any tracking app or watch can be used. You can also use our online tracker to log each run as you go if you wish and monitor your progress. This will be available here on the challenge page and you can log in and start tracking runs as soon as the challenge starts on Sunday 30 July.
View our guide to tracking your runs and providing evidence for your Great North Run Solo challenge.
The Reward
Great North Run Solo
Complete the challenge and you’ll be rewarded with a very special Great North Run Solo medal!
What You
Get
Complete the challenge by 10 September (The day of the AJ Bell Great North Run!) and submit your results, and we’ll send you a unique seed medal.
The seed medal is completely handmade from 100% recycled paper and card, and filled with wildflower seeds, enabling you to plant it and help wildlife. With a plant-based ribbon, the medal is 100% biodegradable and plastic free. The medal image is printed on biodegradable materials, it’s even sent to you using biodegradable envelopes and labels.
Digital certificates are available to download (and share!) when you submit your results and are available to download until the results submission deadline on 18 September.
