Great North 10k route and timetable as plans gather pace for Newcastle's big day

One of the city's most popular runs makes its return on Sunday, slotting into a big weekend of sport.

As the England team gear up for their next big match on Saturday and excitement builds over the Silverstone grand prix to follow on Sunday, Newcastle will be seeing some action of its own when the Great North 10k gets under way. The popular event, seen by many as an ideal training session ahead of September's Great North Run, takes place on July 7 following the new city centre route that was introduced last summer.

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It means that runners set off from the same start line as the Great North Run and will cross the iconic Tyne Bridge, taking in more city landmarks along the way. The event is now full and is on track to be the biggest and most popular 10k yet, say organisers.

Paul Foster, chief executive of The Great Run Company, said the 10k is a chance for those doing the Great North Run to kick-start their training and fund-raising. “The 10k city centre route showcases some of the most legendary sights in Newcastle, starting on the Great North Run start line and crossing the Tyne Bridge twice," he said.

“We look forward to welcoming some of the region’s top club runners and all those taking on the 10k for a personal challenge, for fun, or to fund-raise.” Sunday's run will mark the second year of a partnership between the AJ Bell-sponsored 10k and Newcastle United Foundation, following on from the success of last year's collaboration.

And another way of runners in black and white are set to take part and there will be a special cheering zone too. Steve Beharall, chief executive of Newcastle United Foundation which is all about creating opportunities and raising aspirations in sport, said the money raised for the Foundation will help people ranging from disabled footballers to older footballers involved in 'walking football', which helps reduce social isolation.

He said: "We're hopeful that this year we’ll surpass the number of runners from last year", adding that the 10k is a great way to raise funds for any charity. Here is a guide to what to Sunday's event.

Great North 10k timetable

The AJ Bell Great North 10k invitation to 'Run the Toon' on Sunday, July 7 will see the first action get under way at 10am. Organisers say that timings can be subject to change.

8am - event site opens

10am - start time of the Orange and fast-paced wave of runners

10.08am - Green wave start

10.14am - start of the Newcastle United Foundation Black and White wave

10.16am - Pink wave start

Route

The route will begin where the Great North Run starts, on the Central Motorway. It will cross the Tyne Bridge and back.

The city centre stretch will pass landmarks including Grey’s Monument and The Great North Museum: Hancock and, with a reduction of last year's gravel section to the Town Moor finish line, runners can expect a smoother transition on the Great North Road before the final 1k stretch on the Town Moor to that finish line.

At the finish

Those completing the run will receive a commemorative T-shirt and a gold and red medal plus a 'finishers' bag' of goodies. This year's runners were invited upon entry to choose to have a donation made - instead of a T-shirt - to the National Trust Woodlands Appeal.

Organisers expect the total of donations to amount to around £20,000. At the finish, runners also will be an opportunity to buy official photographs.

Entertainment

Adding to the buzz of the day will be music and charity cheer points along the route. At the finish line on the Town Moor, a DJ will be playing party tunes to boost the mood even more.

The 2025 Great North 10k

Runners can sign up now for first updates about next year's event. To receive notification of when 2025 entries open, plus information and tips about other runs, see here.