Road closures for the Great North Run
A series of road closures will be in place for the Great North Run on Sunday (13 Sep).
An incredible 63,000 runners will take on the world’s greatest and best half-marathon, the AJ Bell Great North Run, starting in Newcastle.
Now in its 45th year, more runners than ever will run from Newcastle city centre, making the iconic Tyne Bridge crossing, as they run 13.1 miles from Newcastle to South Shields.
To facilitate this major event, a series of road closures will be in place across Tyneside, including the Tyne Bridge, and people are urged to plan ahead.
Road closures will be in place around the start area near the Town Moor and Exhibition Park, from 8pm on Saturday evening until 6pm on Sunday. This includes the North West Radial (A167) and associated slip roads between Grandstand Road and Great North Road, and North Terrace between Claremont Road and Town Moor.
Central motorway (A167M) between Great North Road and the Tyne Bridge, and the Tyne Bridge itself, will be closed on Sunday from 8.45am until around 2.30pm.
Runners and spectators coming into the city are encouraged to use public transport where possible. Park and ride facilities operate from many Metro stations and from the MetroCentre, just off the A1.
With the Tyne Bridge undergoing major restoration and only one footway open, spectators will not be able to congregate on the Tyne Bridge and will need to find alternative places to cheer runners on. Marshalls will be in place to ensure the footway is kept clear for people crossing the river.
Cllr Colin Ferguson, Leader of Newcastle City Council said: “The Great North Run is the sporting highlight of the year and we are incredibly proud to host the start in Newcastle.
“Each year it gets bigger and better, and we look forward to welcoming all the runners and their supporters on what will be a fantastic weekend for the city.
“Once again, our Tyne Bridge will play a key part as 63,000 runners are expected to make this iconic crossing. With the restoration works taking place, as well as improvements to central motorway, we have worked closely with the organisers to ensure this is another successful event.
“I wish everyone taking part good luck.”
Once the last runner has gone through, teams will move in to begin the mammoth task of removing the road closures, with the Tyne Bridge opening from 2.30pm.
North of England contractor, Esh Construction, is delivering the restoration of the Tyne Bridge in partnership with Newcastle City Council and Gateshead Council.
The Tyne Bridge multi-million-pound restoration is funded by the UK Government, as well as monies from the North East Strategic Mayoral Authority, Newcastle City Council and Gateshead Council.
For the full list of road closures in Newcastle, go to https://new.newcastle.gov.uk/news/2026/road-closures-great-north-run