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- 19th Aug 2026
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The ultimate Great North Run weekender: where to stay, watch, eat and celebrate
Every September, the Great North Run turns Newcastle, Gateshead and South Shields into one giant finish line party, as tens of thousands of runners take on the world’s biggest half marathon along the iconic 13.1-mile route from Newcastle’s Town Moor to the South Shields seafront.
This year’s race falls on Sunday 13th September 2026. Whether you’re lacing up yourself or cheering from the pavement, a bit of local knowledge goes a long way, so we’ve created the ultimate guide to making a full weekend of it, from where to stay and eat to the best spots to watch and celebrate.
Quick Facts:
Date: Sunday 13th September 2026
Distance: 13.1 miles (half marathon)
Start: Newcastle’s Town Moor
Finish: South Shields seafront
Runners: Around 60,000 take part each year
Where to stay for the Great North Run
Because the race starts on Newcastle’s Town Moor and finishes 13.1 miles away on the South Shields seafront, most runners and spectators base themselves in Newcastle or Gateshead, where transport links make both ends of the course easy to reach.
Right on the Gateshead Quayside, the Hilton Newcastle Gateshead overlooks the river almost exactly where runners cross at the two-mile mark, making it a great option if you want a view of the action before heading out for the day. Just across the water, the Copthorne Hotel and Roomzzz Newcastle sit on the Quayside itself, within easy walking distance of the start and close to the Castle Keep and Theatre Royal if you fancy exploring beforehand.
For something central, Sandman Signature and INNSiDE by Meliá and Motel One all sit near Metro stations if you’re travelling across to the finish line.
If you’d rather stay somewhere quieter, Jesmond Dene House is tucked away just five minutes outside of the city.
Worth noting, none of these hotels sit right by the finish line in South Shields itself, so build in extra time on race day, as the Metro gets very busy after the race.
Best spectator points along the route
The atmosphere is loudest in the first couple of miles, so the start line on Newcastle’s Town Moor and the crossing of the Tyne Bridge are both excellent early spots, and it’s often where the Red Arrows fly over.
On the Gateshead side of the bridge, the area around the Baltic Centre for Contemporary Art and The Glasshouse International Centre for Music offers a great vantage point right as runners come off the bridge and pass the Gateshead International Stadium.
Further along, the course settles into a long coastal stretch, so if you want more breathing room than the crowds around the bridge, head further east towards the final turn at the 12-mile mark, where runners get their first proper sight of the sea before the run into South Shields.
Wherever you choose, arrive early, this is one of the best-supported half marathons in the world and pavements fill up fast.
Where to eat, before and after the race
Pasta is the best bet the night before a half marathon, and Newcastle’s Quayside has three excellent options for carb-loading.
Prima is set inside a historic railway arch under the High Level Bridge and has been serving generous pizza and pasta for over two decades, while Gino, the Gino D’Acampo restaurant inside INNSiDE by Meliá on the Quayside, does classic Italian pasta, pizza and risotto with river views. Or for something more casual, Zucchini Pasta Bar at the bottom of Pilgrim Street hand rolls its pasta fresh on site every day.
If you’d rather have a steak the night before, Gaucho on Pilgrim Street has a reliably good steak and pasta menu, while Dakota is the more refined choice for prime cuts in a quieter dining room.
Over in Gateshead, Sorella Sorella, a family-run Italian tucked away in Sunniside, is worth the short trip for its spaghetti marinara and rib-eye steaks.
Once the race is done, Colmans Fish and Chips is the place to refuel, a five-generation South Shields institution and one of the best-regarded fish and chip restaurants in the country – best book now if you want a table.
Best pubs near the finish line
Once you’ve crossed the line (or found your runner), South Shields has a handful of solid options for a celebratory pint, which are always a brilliant vibe on race day.
The New Sundial, on Sea Road, is closest to the finish and gets busy fast, so it’s best for a quick first pint before moving on. The Fountain, on Highfield Road around a mile from the finish, is known for its grilled food and makes a good spot for a post-race burger.
The Westoe Pub, in Westoe Village just under a mile away near Chichester Metro station, is a handy stop if you’re heading back into town.
If you’re catching the ferry home, The Steamboat sits right by the South Shields ferry port on the banks of the Tyne, and for something a little further from the crowds, The Bamburgh offers the same relaxed food-and-drink setup a bit further down the road.
If you’d rather stay in the thick of it, the official event village and Après Run Zone by the finish has bars, food vendors and entertainment running throughout the afternoon.
Great North Run weekender, your questions answered
When is the Great North Run 2026?
The Great North Run takes place on Sunday 13th September 2026, running 13.1 miles from Newcastle’s Town Moor to South Shields seafront.
Where’s the best area to stay for the Great North Run?
Newcastle and Gateshead are the best bases, since transport links make it easy to reach both the Town Moor start and the South Shields finish.
Where are the best pubs near the Great North Run finish line?
South Shields has several options close to the finish, including The New Sundial on Sea Road, The Fountain on Highfield Road and The Westoe Pub in Westoe Village.
Is there anywhere to stay right by the finish line?
No hotel partners sit directly by the South Shields finish line, so allow extra time on race day, as the Metro gets very busy after the race.
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