Great North Run ballot 2023: Dates, price and what to do if you’re unsuccessful

The ballot for the Great North Run 2023 will open this month and hopeful participants have a limited time to apply and put their name in the mix.
Watch more of our videos on Shots! 
and live on Freeview channel 276
Visit Shots! now

It may feel like only yesterday that 60,000 participants took part in the Great North Run last September in a powerful tribute to the late Queen Elizabeth II, but already this year's participants are getting ready to hit apply on the ballot for 2023.

Great Run organisers have confirmed details for this year's ballot and hopeful runners will have to stay in the loop with dates to ensure they don't miss the date to register their interest.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

The official ballot is of course not the only way to get a place on the start line come Sunday, September 10 2023. Thousands and thousands of participants land their number through a charity and commit to raising money for their cause.

NewcastleWorld has all you need to know about the ballot process and alternative ways you can get into the Great North Run 2023.

When does the Great North Run 2023 ballot open?

The Great North Run makes an almighty return in 2021, although with a different route to usual.The Great North Run makes an almighty return in 2021, although with a different route to usual.
The Great North Run makes an almighty return in 2021, although with a different route to usual.

The ballot for the Great North Run this year opens on Monday, January 9. Hopeful participants will then have six weeks to complete the application form before the deadline of Monday, February 20.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

When entering the ballot, you will be asked to commit to paying the entry fee for the Great North Run - which is normally around £59. This will only be taken if you are successful in securing a place.

When do I find out the results of the ballot?

Participants can bypass the ballot by becoming members (Image: Getty Images)Participants can bypass the ballot by becoming members (Image: Getty Images)
Participants can bypass the ballot by becoming members (Image: Getty Images)

The ballot for the Great North Run 2023 will be drawn "on or around" the day it closes, Monday, February 20. Organisers remind entrants that they must have the necessary funds for the event in their account on this day.

Runners won't all find out their fate at the same time. Confirmation emails will be sent out with news regarding your application from that date, but no later than 5 pm on Friday, February 24.

What happens if I am unsuccessful in the Great North Run 2023 ballot?

The Great North Run may not go ahead on Sunday (Image: Getty Images)The Great North Run may not go ahead on Sunday (Image: Getty Images)
The Great North Run may not go ahead on Sunday (Image: Getty Images)

If you don't get yourself a place in the Great North Run through the ballot this year but are still set on taking part, don't worry.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

You can guarantee your place on the start line by running for a charity. There are so many causes that offer places at the Great North Run in return for funds raised (different charities ask for different amounts). Given how many there are, you're best off looking up the charity directly, although Great Run do signpost some of the bigger ones on their site.

Great Run does also offer memberships which guarantee a spot at the event for three years running, however, these have now sold out. If that's something that might interest you, keep an eye out for an announcement later this year for editions of the Great North Run to come.