Great North Run 2025: Half Marathon From Newcastle To South Shields Drives Uk Sports Tourism Boom

Published on September 8, 2025

The Great North Run 2025 erstwhile again proved why it is much than conscionable a race. This half marathon from Newcastle to South Shields attracted runners, families, and visitors from crossed nan globe. With each stride, nan arena not only celebrated diversion endurance but besides fueled a clear UK sports tourism boom. From nan lively commencement successful Newcastle metropolis centre to nan spectacular decorativeness on South Shields’ coastline, nan title created unforgettable memories. Tourists filled hotels, restaurants, and attractions, bringing a immense assistance to nan section economy. Moreover, nan half marathon highlighted nan taste heartbeat of nan North East, wherever organization tone met world-class sport.

As nan crowds shouted and nan Red Arrows roared above, nan Great North Run 2025 showcased really athletics and recreation activity manus successful hand. It proved that nan UK is thriving arsenic a destination for sports tourism.

Today’s Great North Run wasn’t conscionable a race—it felt for illustration a region-wide celebration. I could almost smell nan salty sea-air arsenic 60,000 runners group disconnected from Newcastle metropolis centre, shouted connected by a oversea of faces lining each agelong of nan route. From commencement to decorativeness successful South Shields, this arena grounded me. Seeing athletes push done and crowds ray up—well, that’s nan magic of this half-marathon.

World’s Biggest Half Marathon Returns

The 44th Great North Run unfolded connected 7 September 2025, staging what’s often called nan world’s biggest half-marathon. The arena pulled successful 60,000 runners and astir 200,000 spectators crossed Tyneside and into South Shields.

Highlights from nan Elite Races

Men’s Race

Kenya’s Alex Mutiso claimed nan men’s elite title, crossing nan decorativeness successful an awesome clip of 1:00:52.

Women’s Race

In nan women’s elite race, Kenya’s Sheila Chepkirui took apical honours. Scottish runner Eilish McColgan pushed for a podium spot and secured 3rd spot contempt windy, overcast conditions.

Flights Overhead and Cheers Along nan Way

At 11:30 am, nan iconic Red Arrows soared complete Tyne Bridge, sketched successful red, achromatic and bluish smoke—a stirring show arsenic runners streamed underneath.

Fans turned nan way into a festival, pinch packs of supporters offering everything from upbeat cheers to quirky costumes. The statement felt alive, buzzing pinch communal energy.

Travel Chaos and Metro Caution

Road Disruptions and Transport Advice

City roads were unopen disconnected arsenic runners passed done Newcastle, crossed nan Tyne Bridge, done Gateshead and toward South Shields via B184, A194, Jarrow, past on nan seafront stretch.

Spectators and participants were urged to trust connected nationalist transport—especially Metro, buses and Shields Ferry—due to constricted parking and wide roadworthy closures.

Metro Struggles

Metro was Metro’s busiest time of nan year: trains ran, but were afloat and delayed. Stations for illustration Jesmond closed early, crowd power kicked in, and hold times surged.

Emergency Alert Siren Adds Surprise

At precisely 3 pm, an emergency alert trial triggered siren-like sounds that echoed crossed nan decorativeness area. Runners and onlookers paused mid-camaraderie, trying to fig retired what was happening.

Homeward Bound—Still a Challenge

Metro Stations Open pinch Caution

By early evening, stations for illustration Jesmond and Manors reopened. But trains remained “exceptionally busy,” meaning group needed other patience to committee safely.

Alternative Options

Shields Ferry and shuttle buses offered alleviation from nan congestion. Ferries ran till 6 pm; buses linked South Shields to Newcastle into nan evening.

Summary Travel Tips

• Use nationalist transport—but scheme ahead. Metro was packed, but still moving frequently.
• Avoid driving. Road closures made car recreation tricky.
• Check position updates. Some closed early; others reopened late.
• Have backup plans. Ferries and shuttle buses offered smart options to skip nan crowd crush.

A Finish That Hits Home

Walking crossed that decorativeness statement successful South Shields, rainfall tapping connected your back, crowd roaring—it’s much than a race. It’s people, heart, grit, and a shared memory. Even arsenic Metro trains packed and roads jammed, that decorativeness statement felt for illustration a hug from nan full North East.

Source: Chronicle Live