BUPA Great North RunHere's how RW members rated this race in the past (1517 votes). 2012 race reviewed by: Andy C 350
 | | Overall score | | 80% | | Would you do it again? | | Yes | | | | Details: | | Scenery | | 40% | | PB potential | | 60% | | Atmosphere | | 80% | | Organisation | | 80% | | Value | | 40% | | Beginner-friendliness | | 100% |
In short: Not quite as good as last year.
In full: Perhaps it's because I was looking back at 2011 (my first 1/2 Marathon) with Ross-tinted specs but for some reason this years didn't quite match up to what I was expecting.
Although I had an Orange number, I elected to start back in the first White Zone with my running partner (same pen as last year). Once again, people clearly lie about their times on their application forms as a common sight within the first mile is people walking, making a mockery of the whole system. I found myself getting very frustrated with people stopping dead in front of me from mile 2 onwards.
That said the atmosphere is good, seemed less so than last year even on the last mile but I suppose that was because of the rain. Can't be helped. The novelty of the Red arrows absolutely makes this event and its brilliant that the go over at the start so everybody has a chance to see the, at least once. Luckily I finish ft enough to see the display later on too!
The medal is of good quality but I notice that it was the same template design as the Great Manchester Run from earlier in the year. At well over £40 per race I would expect a unique design, ESPECIALLY for the GNR, arguably their flagship event.
I sound like I'm moaning a lot when in reality I thoroughly enjoy my weekend in the North East and as a stand alone event (not race) the experience can't be beaten. I have two races left on my membership and can't wait to get up there next year, I'll just make sure that my entry form has a time that might make Gebrselassie sweat.
Date of review: October 5, 2012
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2012 race reviewed by: Georgie Robertson
| | Overall score | | 80% | | Would you do it again? | | Yes | | | | Details: | | Scenery | | 40% | | PB potential | | 60% | | Atmosphere | | 100% | | Organisation | | 80% | | Value | | 60% | | Beginner-friendliness | | 100% |
In short: First time - fantastic, I'm still smiling!
In full: This has been my aim for this year - I've never done anything like this before and never even done a 1k race! The atmos was unbelievable, fantastic support from locals all along the route. Scenery wasn't the best, but the last mile more than made up for it. Go out for dinner etc after the race and emerge to miraculously clear roads! We combined it witha holiday in Alnwick which was a really good idea. Can't wait for next year. Didn't even mind the wait at the start as the buzz is fantastic waiting to go. Loo line was a bit long though...!
Date of review: October 5, 2012
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2012 race reviewed by: Sennaton
| | Overall score | | 60% | | Would you do it again? | | No | | | | Details: | | Scenery | | 40% | | PB potential | | 40% | | Atmosphere | | 60% | | Organisation | | 80% | | Value | | 60% | | Beginner-friendliness | | 60% |
In short: Do it, but just once
In full: My first GNR. Dont know if it was just hyped up too much but I thought the scenery was awful most of the way - boring dual carriageways; crowd was OK but I have been to better (Bath Half springs to mind); long waits at the begining (expected with the number of people taking part); roads very crowded in places.
BUPA organisiation excellent however. I would recommend the official Nirvana shuttle coach to/from Hotel - worked like clockwork and got us in (OK VERY early but better that than late) and out quickly at the end.
Red Arrows were fantastic but overall I think there are other races I would rather try than doing GNR again.
Like I said above - one to do but maybe just the once.
Date of review: October 1, 2012
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2012 race reviewed by: Anne Solley (Clumsy)
| | Overall score | | 80% | | Would you do it again? | | Yes | | | | Details: | | Scenery | | 60% | | PB potential | | 60% | | Atmosphere | | 100% | | Organisation | | 80% | | Value | | 60% | | Beginner-friendliness | | 100% |
In short: 2nd year and a HUGE PB
In full: Having run last year I was aware of the everlasting long uphill inclines. Last year I think I showed these too much respect but this year I really attacked them & stunned myself by getting a PB by over 2 1/2 minutes.
The crowd support was totally amazing, despite the wet weather &, although it's a very busy course, it is possible to weave around people to overtake. It's also quite a surreal experience to see a dual carriage way chockablock with runner.
The finishing strait is amazing & The Leas are really beautiful. Crowds were at least 3 deep along this stretch & really cheer the runners on.
The Tyne Bridge & Red Arrows make this an iconic race to run. PLus it's not every day you get to run with 44,000 other runners!
Date of review: September 27, 2012
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2012 race reviewed by: alan southwick
| | Overall score | | 80% | | Would you do it again? | | Yes | | | | Details: | | Scenery | | 60% | | PB potential | | 40% | | Atmosphere | | 100% | | Organisation | | 40% | | Value | | 40% | | Beginner-friendliness | | 60% |
In short: First time for me and enjoyed the race immensely
In full: These are my views based on my experiences.
The race itself:
Ques for the loos were astronomical, luckily being a bloke and not a shy one I used natures toilet (a bush) there needs to be more and is a common gripe amongst runners. Didn't need luggage buses left my stuff with my family at finish and travelled light on metro to start so can not comment on that aspect. Got to my pen in plenty of time and good atmosphere the red arrows were amazing. Main gripe about start and again a common one. I was in orange b and going for sub 1:30 I spent the first three miles zig zagging and weaving between walkers and slow runners. How or why are these guys in this pen? Please be realistic and go in an appropriate pen. As for scenery a few people have moaned about it being dull but to be fair there's that many runners amongst you it's kind of hard to see anything around you so the scenery could be amazing and all you will see is the back of a mans head. However the bands were great the cheering stations were excellent the crowds and locals were amazing especially in the rain. The drinks and powerade stations were excellent but so much wastage, defo agree with previous comment, provide smaller bottles to reduce wastage. Route was tough not steep inclines but continuous gradual inclines that seemed to go on for miles. With no let up or respite. Finish line was great along the sea front. Medal t shirt and goody bag was the best I've had from a race. Overall a great experience.
Other points to consider.
Accommodation almost impossible to find, defo recommend paying extra or travelling further on the day rather than go for cheapest or nearest option (like I did) as I had a rubbish nights sleep. If travelling from the north to south shield in morning main route in is choca use the back roads, they were empty. Metro buy your band weeks before on line no queing. Metro will get rammed so be prepared to be sardined. Follow the crowd from the station don't worry about finding the start. Cell phone at finish is poor make arrangements to meet up at a specific point because you will be lucky if you get through. Either leave immediately or stay as late as possible otherwise you will be stuck in traffic for ages, also take back roads out of south shield as they will be empty. Hope these tips hep.
Overall a must do race even if it's just the once.
Date of review: September 27, 2012
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2012 race reviewed by: runningpro101
| | Overall score | | 40% | | Would you do it again? | | Maybe | | | | Details: | | Scenery | | 40% | | PB potential | | 40% | | Atmosphere | | 80% | | Organisation | | 40% | | Value | | 40% | | Beginner-friendliness | | 40% |
In short: Too crowded! Not for PB!
In full: Did this the second time. Not very pleased with this year's race. First of all, engineering works for the public transportation weren't coordinated with the a big event like this - waited for 35mins for a train from Sunderland to Newcastle due to limited services from engineering works. **And by the way, why can't they provide free ride on the Metro on the day of competition to all runners? That way, participants have one less queue to get through! They do that with the tubes in London during the London Marathon.
When we arrived at Newcastle, the luggage buses have left and the late luggage vans were located at the furthest point from the start line. More than a mile to walk!
Upon completing the run at South Shields, all mobile networks were down. Can't contact running members who need to convene and catch a train back to London.
Overall an unpleasant experience. Notice I didn't mention the wet weather but it's not their fault anyway.
Date of review: September 26, 2012
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2012 race reviewed by: Buster Hamstring
| | Overall score | | 80% | | Would you do it again? | | Yes | | | | Details: | | Scenery | | 60% | | PB potential | | 80% | | Atmosphere | | 100% | | Organisation | | 100% | | Value | | 60% | | Beginner-friendliness | | 100% |
In short: Always a great occasion and very well organised.
Date of review: September 25, 2012
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2012 race reviewed by: Sparky 89
| | Overall score | | 80% | | Would you do it again? | | Maybe | | | | Details: | | Scenery | | 60% | | PB potential | | 80% | | Atmosphere | | 80% | | Organisation | | 100% | | Value | | 40% | | Beginner-friendliness | | 100% |
In short: Proud to have ticked it off my list..
In full: Great race as has been said many times. I agree with previous comments about not enough loos and the 'dull as dishwater' route between miles 3 and 11.
Atmosphere and support was excellent but having done the BUPA Birmingham Half last year I have to say that Brum was better!
The rain was nice - it kept the runners cool and it wasn't as windy as was expected so weather was near perfect.
I'd like to come back again - but I won't rush to sign up for next year. It's an expensive weekend if you're not local.
Date of review: September 25, 2012
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2012 race reviewed by: Raybs
| | Overall score | | 100% | | Would you do it again? | | Yes | | | | Details: | | Scenery | | 60% | | PB potential | | 80% | | Atmosphere | | 100% | | Organisation | | 80% | | Value | | 40% | | Beginner-friendliness | | 100% |
Date of review: September 24, 2012
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2012 race reviewed by: dhale750
| | Overall score | | 80% | | Would you do it again? | | Yes | | | | Details: | | Scenery | | 80% | | PB potential | | 60% | | Atmosphere | | 100% | | Organisation | | 80% | | Value | | 40% | | Beginner-friendliness | | 100% |
In short: Usual highs and lows, but still a must-do event!
In full: Second year running this. Crowds can be a real problem for a lot of people as the organisers don't seem to make enough of an effort to sort people out into a proper order. The course is mostly bland dual carriageway but this is cancelled out by the tyne bridge, the amazing start line and first mile down the motorway, and the south shields sea front. Some pretty special places to run..
The whole event is full of atmosphere right from the start area to the finish and this is a definate highlight of the event. Drink/ aid stations are frequent so top marks there. Course not too fast or slow even if you get a clear run, downhill overall but many undulations to deal with.
Major criticism though would be the baggage 'buses'; who the hell thought they were a good idea!? hundreds of runners clambering up and down a narrow bus trying to find their bag that is inevitably burried amongst hundreds of others! When most events make do with baggage lorries and assistants to get your bag. An event of this calibre should have a much more high tech system in place.
Overall though a top, must-do event and I will certainly be back for many years to come!
Date of review: September 24, 2012
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