Great North Run, 11th September 2022 - getting there.

[Skyedriver]

It's that time of year again and if you're not involved then best avoid I guess however for those running (me) what's it really like getting to and back from the event?
I had planned to get dropped off and collected at Heworth Metro but I've just been told it's chaos there by 6.30am.
Anyone any experience?
thanks

[Gad-Westy]

Depends where you're coming from but I used to get the metro into newcastle from Whitley Bay direction in the morning with no major issues. If you're coming from somewhere south of the river, maybe a train might be easier than metro. Afterwards I got the ferry back over to North Shields. Not nearly as busy as the metro especially if you don't hang around in South Shields too long after you finish.

[Skyedriver]

Thanks for that, have the decision of staying with Sister in Cullercoats or FIL in Washington.
Had seen pics of the ferry, thought it was pretty busy there, maybe I need a rethink.
Was thinking more him dropping me and picking me up at Heworth until advised it's busy there by 6.30.

[p4cks]

South Shields resident here, and of the options you've got my suggestion would be the ferry. The Metro is a disaster on GNR and always will be.

If you're wanting to kill some time in South Shields until the crowds have gone, and if charity shops are your thing, you'll love King Street. If shopping isn't your thing and you fancy a drink, there's always The Mechanics or Lambton Arms. The former is ideal if you like a sing-song with your fight.

[Gad-Westy]

Skyedriver said:

Thanks for that, have the decision of staying with Sister in Cullercoats or FIL in Washington.
Had seen pics of the ferry, thought it was pretty busy there, maybe I need a rethink.
Was thinking more him dropping me and picking me up at Heworth until advised it's busy there by 6.30.

I’d stay at cullercoats then and do metro to the start and ferry back and metro from North Shields.

[Skyedriver]

Thanks p4cks but I'll pass on the pint and a sing song. I've a 250+ mile drive home once changed out of sweaty things and a shower.

What time should I aim to get to Newcastle, obvs before the start, but 9.00, 9.30? Guess traffic will delay buses etc, but not the Metro?

[Hedgetrimmer]

The Metro on route home only works if you are sub 1.40 time and you intend to leave straight away. After that its carnage.

I wouldn't go anywhere near Heworth Metro. Better to park somewhere near Gosforth or Ilford Road if you intend to do a good time then jump on an early return metro.

[Skyedriver]

Expected time likely to be about 2-10 plus the time it takes to get to the actual start from Wave 7.
Been looking forward to the GNR for months having not done it for 40 years but having completed a coupe of 10K races and 11.6mile in training.
Beginning to regret the whole thing now, it's a 500 mile round trip to do it as well. Oh well, i"t is what it is" as they say

[Hedgetrimmer]

Its worth the hassle on the day as the atmosphere is special. I would recommend parking in North Shields and getting the Ferry back across after the race as suggested earlier. You can get away from North Shields by car easily and the Ferry is much easier than the Metro.

[Skyedriver]

Looks like I'm staying in Washington Saturday night, doing the run, back to Washington, shower, bite to eat then off home....It does seem like a base north of the Tyne would work better but...

[jaf65]

I live about an hour away from Newcastle and have done the run 10 or 11 times in the past. My usual plan is on saturday I leave my car near South Shields Town hall. Its a bit of a walk at the end and you will still get stuck a bit but much quicker than the Metro or parking closer in my experience. Then on Sunday morning get dropped off somewhere near the football ground.

[Skyedriver]

From the GNW web site this evening

8 SEPTEMBER 2022
We are deeply saddened by the news of the death of Her Majesty the Queen.
We offer our heartfelt condolences to the Royal Family. In light of this sad news, we are assessing our plans for the Great North Run weekend and will provide a further update on Friday morning.

[Skyedriver]

From the GNR 2022 web site this lunchtime:

We are deeply saddened by the news of the death of Queen Elizabeth II. We offer our heartfelt condolences to the Royal Family. In light of this sad news, there will be a number of planned changes to the Great North Run weekend.

Sunday’s Great North Run will go ahead as planned. The event has traditionally been a celebration of the extraordinary achievements of ordinary people, this year it will be an opportunity for us to come together and express our condolences, while celebrating the life of our extraordinary Queen.

The thousands of runners taking part are expected to raise an estimated £25 million pounds in much needed charitable donations, a fitting tribute to the Queen, who lived her life in the service of our country and its people.

Elements of the runner and spectator experience will be more subdued out of respect to the Royal Family. Whilst we want runners to enjoy the day, we will be encouraging everyone to be mindful of the very sad and very special circumstances in which the event will be taking place, and encourage them to communicate their respect in whichever way they feel appropriate.

Details of all changes will be directly communicated to participants across the weekend in due course.