Great North Run hack that allows participants to bypass ballot for guaranteed entry

Runners can avoid the stress of the ballot system by securing their Great North Run 2023 place already
Toby Bryant
By Toby Bryant
Published 19th Sep 2022, 15:49 BST
Updated 20th Sep 2022, 07:30 BST
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Participants keen for a place at the Great North Run 2023 can bypass the ballot and secure their place on the start line thanks to a handy scheme put on by organisers.

It's been just over a week since over 60,000 participants took part in this year's Great North Run as Tyneside came together to mark the passing of Queen Elizabeth II in a poignant manner.

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Runners raised £25 million for charities on the day, a staggering amount that will help many brilliant causes as the cost of living crisis continues to hit.

Read more: If there was anything the UK needed on Sunday, September 11 - it was the Great North Run

After a moving event in 2022, it's likely more people than ever will be feeling motivated by the Great North Run and fancying a go next year.

Here's all you need to know to secure your place early.

How do participants get a place at the Great North Run?

The Red Arrows, pictured here at the 2021 Great North Run - which followed an amended route around Newcastle - are always a highlight of race day for runners and spectators. Picture: Getty Images.The Red Arrows, pictured here at the 2021 Great North Run - which followed an amended route around Newcastle - are always a highlight of race day for runners and spectators. Picture: Getty Images.
The Red Arrows, pictured here at the 2021 Great North Run - which followed an amended route around Newcastle - are always a highlight of race day for runners and spectators. Picture: Getty Images.

Traditionally, there are two ways to secure a place at the Great North Run.

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Hopefuls can either gain their entry via a ballot or by running for charity.

If entering through the ballot and successful, the runner pays a fee - normally around £59 - and secures their number for the half marathon.

There is less luck involved with charity places. These can normally be guaranteed if the participant commits to raising a set amount decided by each respective charity.

How can I bypass the ballot for the Great North Run 2023?

A number of changes have been implemented ahead of the Great North Run on Sunday (Image: Getty Images)A number of changes have been implemented ahead of the Great North Run on Sunday (Image: Getty Images)
A number of changes have been implemented ahead of the Great North Run on Sunday (Image: Getty Images)

If you are really keen to be taking part in the Great North Run 2023 and don't want to take any risks with the ballot, you can guarantee your entry already.

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To do this, you must become a Great North Run member. Doing so will not only secure you a starting spot for next year's event, but also for the two editions that follow.

Once the subscription is purchased, members are contacted in November with information on how to claim their place via email. More info here.

How much does a Great North Run membership cost?

NEWCASTLE UPON TYNE, ENGLAND - SEPTEMBER 12: Runners wait for the start as they take part in the 40th Great North Run on September 12, 2021 in Newcastle upon Tyne, England. Approximately 57,000 runners are expected to take part in the marathon to raise money for a variety of different charities. The event, which was cancelled in 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic, is being held with several coronavirus safety measure in place, including route changes, staggered start times and hand sanitiser stations. (Photo by Ian Forsyth/Getty Images)NEWCASTLE UPON TYNE, ENGLAND - SEPTEMBER 12: Runners wait for the start as they take part in the 40th Great North Run on September 12, 2021 in Newcastle upon Tyne, England. Approximately 57,000 runners are expected to take part in the marathon to raise money for a variety of different charities. The event, which was cancelled in 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic, is being held with several coronavirus safety measure in place, including route changes, staggered start times and hand sanitiser stations. (Photo by Ian Forsyth/Getty Images)
NEWCASTLE UPON TYNE, ENGLAND - SEPTEMBER 12: Runners wait for the start as they take part in the 40th Great North Run on September 12, 2021 in Newcastle upon Tyne, England. Approximately 57,000 runners are expected to take part in the marathon to raise money for a variety of different charities. The event, which was cancelled in 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic, is being held with several coronavirus safety measure in place, including route changes, staggered start times and hand sanitiser stations. (Photo by Ian Forsyth/Getty Images)

The fee for the Great North Run membership is £63 for the years of 2023, 2024 and 2025.

Members still have to pay the race entry fee each year on top of this when confirming their place.

As well as guaranteed entry, members benefit from an exclusive technical training top worth £20 and free professional medal ceremony photographs on race day each year.

Related topics:ParticipantsElizabeth II

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