There are two key things to bear in mind at the finish: the first is what to expect, and the second is what to do once you’re through the finish system. The information below will answer the first point, and then we suggest you take a look at the following pages describing some of the things to do in
South Shields. Leaving at peak times will inevitably involve long queues whether you opt for car, bus, metro or ferry so why not stay for a while?
We operate four finish systems side by side so please be guided by the marshals as to which funnel they would like you to use. The finish is the finish and no matter which funnel you are asked to go down, your time and placing will be automatically worked out for you by the chip timing system. Although it may seem very, very tempting to stop, please keep moving as you cross the line.
There will still be thousands of runners behind you all equally desperate to get over that line. Keep moving through the finish into the chip return area. This is a self-service area – simply remove your Velcro ankle strap and chip as one and either hand them to one of the chip collection team or drop them in the chip return bags. If you are injured or too stiff to bend down and remove the chip, keep moving past the self-service chip return area and into the assisted area where staff will remove the chip for you. If you need medical attention as soon as you finish, staff will be on hand to look after you.
AQUA PURA
Your bottle of Aqua Pura water is waiting for you after the chip return area. Just keep moving through the finish to the water stations. Please take only one bottle each.
RACE SOUVENIRS
All your race souvenirs (including your t-shirt and medal) will be in your finishers pack. Simply follow the overhead signs in accordance with the t-shirt size you indicated on your application form and collect your pack accordingly. Your pack contains your t-shirt, medal, space blanket and a bottle of Powerade. Non-finishers, or non-participants in the Bupa Great North Run, are NOT eligible for race souvenirs or any form of refund. Please don’t ask for a second bag for anyone else.
Once you have left the funnel system there are no more drinks stations however there is a water station at South Shields Metro station if you are heading in that direction. Make sure that you have fluids in your bag, with friends or in your car.
You can refill your water bottles at the signed drinking water points behind the finishers’ marquee and by the baggage buses.
RECLAIMING YOUR BAGGAGE
The baggage buses are parked near the finish on the grass by Bents Park Road. Retain your number as only runners are allowed on board the buses. If the buses have gone by the time you finish then your bag will be at the Baggage Information Cabin (see above map). Changing marquees and toilets are situated on the grassed area beyond the buses.
MEETING UP
The family reunion area is at the exit from the finish, on the grass on the seaward side. Follow the signs to ‘Family Reunion.’ Meet up under the A-Z banner that matches the first letter of the runner’s surname. So if you’re meeting a runner called John Smith, stand under ‘S’.
MESSAGE BOARD
If you can’t find someone, try using the Message Centre next to the Information Point. If that doesn’t work then speak to the information team.
FINISHERS’ MARQUEE
Gypsies Green open air stadium contains the finishers’ marquee – complete with food, drink, entertainment and that all-important post-race massage! Nike will also be there to welcome you. The stadium contains the main toilet block as well, although you will find more in the Charity Village and in the family re-union area.
CHARITY VILLAGE
There are 94 charities with marquees in the charity village to meet and greet runners. Contact your charity to see if they will be there.
RESULTS
Results will be available online instantly after you have completed the race. Also check out the website for certificates and photo downloads.
WHAT TO DO AFTERWARDS
The foreshore area at South Shields has some great pubs and cafes, and if you’re looking to keep children entertained whilst waiting for a runner don’t forget about the South Marine Park, Ocean Beach Pleasure Park and Dunes bowl & amusements centre, and of course the fantastic beach. There are more places to eat and drink in the town centre, including the world famous Ocean Road with its huge choice of Indian restaurants and the award winning Colman’s fish and chips.