MEDICAL POINTS ON THE COURSE
We have a full medical team in place at the event including doctors, nurses, physiotherapists, the North East Ambulance Service, British Red Cross and St. John Ambulance.
There are at least 21 first aid posts along the course as well as mobile medical units. Medics will be situated at each mile point and drinks station and of course at the finish. If you have any medical condition, for example asthma or an allergy, detail this on the back of your race number, along with any medications, so the doctors have the information – just in case you are one of those who need attention.
If the medical staff think it’s unwise for you to carry on, they will suggest you retire from the event – nobody can be forced to stop, but it is recommended that you heed their advice.
RUNNERS’ WELFARE
Pick up points This year we have two pick-up points along the course at the 9½ and 10¾ mile points. These mini buses are for runners who want to pull out of the race and need to go to the finish area. You will be dropped off as close to the baggage bus area as possible, traffic permitting.
DRINKS STATIONS
In addition to the start and finish, there are six drinks stations on the route. Bottled Aqua-Pura water is available at 3 miles, 5¾ miles, 8½ miles and 11½ miles. Powerade will be available at the start and finish and also at 4½ and 10 miles. (see course map above).
It is recommended that you try Powerade in advance before trying it on the run. Please remember that there are thousands of thirsty runners behind you so please move on from the tables once you have taken your drink. Mains water is available as an emergency back-up, courtesy of Northumbrian Water. Toilets are available on the course at all six water stations.
DRINKS BOTTLES AND POUCHES
Please take care when disposing of your used bottles and pouches. Discard them on the side of the road when you get an opportunity, as they can be hazardous to runners behind you.
SHOWERS
Showers will be set up on the course, so if you need to cool down don’t grab extra bottles of water just to pour over yourself. There are three fine mist sprays between eight and twelve miles – look for the large “shower ahead” signs.
ENTERTAINMENT ON COURSE
There are 15 official Bupa Great Run “Bands on the Run” that are in position at set locations around the course to help motivate and entertain you throughout your run. There will also be a Powersong Zone which is a wall of sound designed to give you an extra push at around 10 miles. We also have 10 charity cheering points to cheer you on as you pass. For the location of your charity please refer to the key to the right of this page and the map above.
WALKERS
If you are planning on walking the Bupa Great North Run or at any stage in your run you need to walk for a period, please keep to the left so your fellow participants who are running can pass you with ease.
BLUE LIGHTS
During the planning of the Bupa Great North Run we take every care to ensure the emergency services can still go about their duties with limited hindrance. However, if an emergency situation does arise and a vehicle with blue lights needs to cross the course, we ask you to make this as easy as possible by clearing a route for the vehicle to cross safely.
CHARITY CHEERING POINTS
1.Diabetes UK 2.Cancer Research UK 3.Cystic Fibrosis Trust 4. The Stroke Association 5. Macmillan Cancer Support 6.Leukaemia & Lymphoma Research 7.Kidney Research UK 8.British Heart Foundation 9.Alzheimer’s Society 10.Guide Dogs 11.Children with Leukaemia 12.Cancer Research UK.