The Simplyhealth Great North 10k takes place in Gateshead on Sunday, July 9 - here's some information about the event and how to enter
Who's excited?
Well, we are and several thousand of you too no doubt as the North East's biggest 10k running event - the Simplyhealth Great North 10k - is fast approaching.
Up to 5,000 runners are set to take part on July 9, in what's described as the perfect trainging run for the world's biggest half marathon, and it will be lining up for action on the iconic Gateshead International Stadium track.
Once they reach that staring line, the'yy be safe in the knowledge that their training is all behind them and a wonderful experrience lies in store ahead.
The route will take place in the Quayside landmarks including Sage Gateshead, BALTIC Centre for Contemporary Art and the Gateshead Millennium Bridge before the runners cross the finish line back at the track.
Due to the extraordinary popularity of all things Great Noreth, especially the Junior and Mini Great North Run which quickly reach capacity, the Great North 10k Gateshead now features two extra family events, the Great North 10k Family Mile and the Great North 10k Toddler Dash.
These inclusive events - for all enthusiactic runners aged three upwards - are to help families get active together and they also both finish inside the stadium.
If you're one of those inspiring runners taking part in the Great North 10k here is our guide to all you need to know about the event.
What is the Great North 10k?
Only the North East's biggest 10k running event with around 5,000 runners taking part. It was originally staged in Sunderland, where it made its debut in 2009, beofre moving to Gateshead four years ago.
Lots of Great North Runners like to take part in the 10k as a warm-up for the main event in September. That was the case for almost of last year's 10k runners.
That saw Sparrow Morley first the finish line while the winner of the women's race was Michelle Nolan.
When does the race take place?
The morning of Sunday, July 9, 2017.
How do I enter?
You have to been at least 15-years-old.
check out entry details here.
Runners may be able to run on behalf of charity if they raise some sponsorship: For information about some organisations see here.
Is there a charge to enter the 10k?
It costs £27.
What's the timetable for the day?
Here's how the timings for Great North 10k event will go on Sunday, July 9:
8am - Information point and baggage drop-off facilty opens at Gateshead International Stadium
9.15am - Assembly area opens - Saltmeadows Road
9.48am - Start of mass warm-up
10am - Start of Great North 10k orange wave and fast-paced runners
10.08am - Start of Great North 10k white wave
10.16am - Start of Great North 10k green wave
10.24am - Start of Great North 10k pink wave
12.40pm - Start of Great North 10k Toddler Dash
1pm - Great North Family Run warm-up
1.05pm - Start of Great North Family Run
NB. As you'll have noticed, these are very precise timings so they may be subject to change in the lead-up to the event.
What route does the course follow?
It's a visually spectacualar one.
The view alone will be enough to put a spring in your step.
The Great North 10k course starts on Saltmeadows Road behind the Gateshead international Stadium and makes it way to the Gateshead Quayside, passing its landmarks of Sage Gateshead, Gateshead Millenium Bridge and BALTIC Centre for Contemporary Art.
The route heads underneath the Tyne B
ridge to the half-way point, where runners turn around and begin their route back towards the satium.
Finishing on the track inside the stadium, runners will no doubt be cheered on by family and friends watching from the stands as they complete their triumphant last lap.
The latest addition to the 10k course is the infamous Slog on the Tyne section: a steady uphill climb that will really put runners' training to the test.
GOOD LUCK!