Six Weeks to Go—Pain Hits: What Now?

This is the conversation I have most often in the run-up to the Great North Run. Somebody has trained sensibly for two months. Something has started niggling. The race is close enough that stopping feels unthinkable, and near enough that carrying on feels reckless. They’ve usually been ignoring it for a fortnight already, hoping it would sort itself out. And underneath it all is a question they’re slightly afraid to ask out loud: am I still going to be able to run it? Let’s work through it properly, because the answer depends on things that can actually be established.

The Ultimate Impact of the Great North Run on Your Legs

Most Great North Run guides talk about the course in terms of pacing and scenery. I want to talk about it in terms of tissue. Because the route from Newcastle to South Shields makes a very specific set of physical demands, in a very specific order — and almost every runner I see in the weeks afterwards has been caught out by one of them. Usually the same one. Here’s what each section of the course is actually asking of your body, and how to prepare for it during your training block.

Great North Run 2024: Essential Tips for Peak Performance

great north run

The Great North Run is just around the corner, and whether you’re a seasoned runner or a first-timer, now’s the time to fine-tune your preparation. With less than two weeks to go, making sure you’re in peak condition can make all the difference on race day. We’ve put together some simple tips and essential stretches … Read more