Record Numbers Join North East's Biggest 10K

The sold-out AJ Bell Great North 10k took place this morning (Sunday, 6 July) with 10,000 runners setting off from the new Great North Road start line before running through the sights of the City Centre – crossing the Tyne Bridge twice, passing Grey’s Monument, Newcastle University, and Great North Museum, to name a few. With on-course entertainment, cheer zones, a live finish-line DJ and a fun-filled event village to greet finishers on the Town Moor – the atmosphere was electric.

The popular 10k sold out in advance of the event, with demand for places stronger than ever, proving the running boom is most certainly still in effect with a big jump on participation this year with 10,000 participants marking a new milestone for the AJ Bell Great North 10k event.

First held in 2009, the 10k has grown in popularity each year, with the current boom of 35 and under, and 25 and under ages bolstering the event to new heights.

There was also a fantastic show of support in the Newcastle United Foundations Black and White wave, with 500 runners joining the Foundation’s wave this morning.

A live stream on Great Run TV (YouTube) was also available showing runners crossing the finish line, with participants able to scroll back to see themselves.

10k top 3 results

• Dean Williamson of Colchester Harriers AC won the men’s 10k race in 30 minutes 20 seconds, while Lewis Hannigan of Kilbarchan AAC came second in 30 minutes 21 seconds, and Kieran Walker took third in 30 minutes and 54 seconds.
• Louise Small, Aldershot Farnham & District A. C. took first place in the women’s race in 33 minutes and 35 seconds, while Gemma Steel, Charnwood A C came second in 35 minutes and 4 seconds and Ellen Leggate, Cambridge & Coleridge AC crossed the finish line third in 35 minutes and 27 seconds.

Gary Wright, Chief Operating Officer of The Great Company, said: “The atmosphere was fantastic today and the scale of the event has gone from strength to strength, not only as the biggest and best 10k in the North East, but by building the excitement in the lead up to the Great North Run, which is two months to go today, taking place on Sunday, 7 September.

“We were inspired once again by the thousands of runners taking on the 10k distance, we have seen and heard so many inspiring stories today, including runners for the Newcastle United Foundation, who we were proud to partner with again this year to help highlight the great work they do.”

Steve Beharall, Newcastle United Foundation CEO, said: “This is our third year partnering with the Great North 10k.

“The fundraising people do for us helps further our charity work across the North East through education, employability, sport and wellbeing programmes for people of all ages and abilities.

“We were proud to be official race starters and to stand with our own black and white wave of 500 runners. I’d like to thank everyone who joined us, cheered us on, and raised funds for our foundation.”

2026 now open 

Entries for next year’s AJ Bell Great North 10k, taking place on Sunday, 5 July 2026, are now open. For one week only, entries are available at a Super Earlybird price giving a saving of £9. Find out more and enter at: https://www.greatrun.org/events/great-north-10k/