Travel arrangements to the Great North Run 2023 are just one of the many things participants and spectators will be arranging as the world’s biggest half-marathon is only days away.
Whether you plan on travelling there by car, Metro or bus, there are several ways you can get to the start line in Newcastle and the finish line in South Shields.
Here is what you need to know before the big day on Sunday, September 10.
How to get to the Great North Run 2023 start line in Newcastle
The starting line at the Great North Run in Newcastle is an estimated 15-minute walk from Haymarket in the city centre.
When travelling to the area, there’s a Metro station and bus station at Haymarket, as well as buses going to nearby Eldon Square bus station and many on-street bus stops, reports Nexus.
More transport includes shuttle bus services that will be running to Haymarket including St Mary's Place and Percy Street, and Barras Bridge from the finish area in South Shields.
If you are considering driving to the Newcastle start line for the event, Nexus explains: “Parking is free all day on Sundays at the Metro stations marked with a ‘P’ on the Metro map (except at Heworth, which is £2.50 all day).”
See you on Sunday! #OneMoTime #GNR23 @Great_Run @Mo_Farah pic.twitter.com/fxKj62Tapa
— Tyne and Wear Metro (@My_Metro) September 6, 2023
Temporary Metro station closures for the Great North Run 2023
The following Metro closures have been confirmed by Nexus but please note closure times may vary on the day due to “operational requirements.”
- Haymarket - No entry into the station (exit only) from 8am until 10.40am. Please use Jesmond.
- Jesmond - Closed from 10.40am until early afternoon. Please use Haymarket.
- Manors - Closed from 10.40am until early afternoon. Please use Haymarket.
- Chichester - Closed from about 1pm until early evening. Please use South Shields.
How to get to the Great North Run 2023 finish line in South Shields
If you want to travel to the finish line in South Shields, it’s advised people should hop on the Metro from Haymarket or Monument to South Shields.
There will be a train every 7.5 minutes once the Great North Run has started.
Similar to the start line arrangements, shuttle bus services will also be running from Haymarket, including St Mary's Place and Percy Street, and Barras Bridge to the finish area.
Nexus says the Shields Ferry will “operate extra crossings between North Shields and South Shields and will start at 8.45am."
However, when it comes to leaving the event, the transport company explains: “Metro, the Shields Ferry and buses will be very busy due to the number of people travelling, so people should expect a significant wait when returning home.”
If you are planning on leaving the area via Metro, South Shields Metro station is around a 15-minute walk from the finish line.
Here, there will be a train every 7.5 minutes after the race.
Additionally, planned shuttle bus services will run to Newcastle and South Shields.
Nexus adds: “The Shields Ferry between South Shields and North Shields will operate extra crossings and will run until 6pm.”
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