Last chance to enter Great North Run ballot for 2022 - when it closes, and when you will find out if you have a place

Registration for the places draw closes at 9am on Monday, February 21. You can enter online at https://www.greatrun.org/events/great-north-run/

How much does it cost?

Anyone entering will be asked to put in their payment details for the £59 entry fee, though organisers stress no cash will actually be taken unless the entry is successful.

When will I find out if I have a place?

The ballot draw will take place on or around February 21, and anyone entering should find out no later than 5pm on Friday, February 21.

What are my options if I don’t get a place?

Anyone missing out will still have the chance to get a place running for a charity.

Will the race definitely finish in South Shields?

Some 57,000 runners will return to the original Great North Run route on Sunday, September 11, 2022.

Organisers of the world-renowned half marathon sparked outcry and dismay in July 2021 when they announced last year’s event would both start and finish in Newcastle due to covid concerns.

The move meant the loss of the race’s dramatic finish along The Leas in South Shields.

But as well as disappointing runners and spectators, it was also a bitter blow for hospitality businesses in South Tyneside already battered by the pandemic, for whom Great North Run is usually a bumper weekend.

Organisers said the changes, which also included runners setting off in waves rather than at the same time, would reduce crowding and the volume of passengers on public transport.

Great North Run founder Sir Brendan Foster gave assurances ahead of the 2021 race that the half marathon would return to South Shields ‘as soon as it was safe to do so’.

And he confirmed the return at the official launch of the Great North Run ballot on January 10 at South Shields seafront.

Speaking at the event, Sir Brendan said: “I’m absolutely delighted because it has been three years since we were last finishing in South Shields.

"Obviously 2020 it was cancelled and 2021, we had to reorganise the course because we weren’t allowed to start and finish in separate places.

"So now finally after three years, the Great North Run is back to its traditional route from the city to the sea and the ballot is opening today so I’m delighted.”

“South Shields and South Tyneside have made the Great North Run what it is – it will be the 40th anniversary of finishing in South Shields.”

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