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If you're one of the 50,000 runners gearing up to pound the streets of Newcastle on September 20 then this page is just for you!

From the perfect two-week taper to nipping race-morning nerves in the bud, trouble-free transport to supporter hotspots, we've pulled together a feast of articles for you to pore over for the next thirteen days...

Half-Marathon Solutions

Beginner, elite, veteran or fundraiser - these two articles will equip you with the technical know-how to run your first (or fastest) half:

• How To Run A Half-Marathon
• Essential Half-Marathon Q+As

Tapering

Two weeks out from the big day and you should be thinking about easing up your training, allowing your mind and body time to recover from months of hard work. Cast your eyes over our half-marathon taper guide (non-subscriber preview) for advice on adapting your schedule, tweaking your diet and boosting your mental strength over the course of the next fortnight.

Predict your pace

Type in your target time, and we'll calculate the mile or kilometre splits you'll need to hit along the way. Print it out and pop it on your wrist for race-day; print out another and give it to your supporters so they'll know when to spot you.

The Big Day

Bookmark these essential event guides to help your day run like clockwork...

• Interactive Course Map
  Get to know every twist and turn, gentle incline and crowded hotspot, so there's nothing left to surprise you on race morning.



• Race Route
  Another no-nonsense mile-by-mile guide, leading you from the famous Tyne Bridge to the deafening crowds at South Shields.


• Survivor's Guide
  Crowds, Geordies, beer en route - brace yourself for one racing experience you definitely won't be forgetting in a hurry...


• Spectator's Guide
  Make sure your support crew have a memorable experience too with this handy guide to sneaking the best views, soaking up the atmosphere and escaping the bedlam after.


• A Great North Weekend
  Make sure your Great North Run weekend runs like clockwork by following our guide to getting the most out of your stay in Newcastle.


• 2008 Race Ratings
  Cast your eyes over more than 120 first-hand accounts of last year's event and you'll get a real feel of what to expect from start to finish.


• Costume Drama
  One for the sunflowers, hot dogs and cartoon characters among you.


• Great North Run Website
  The official race website, including more detailed travel information, details about the start and finish areas and a guide to the celebrity line-up.

Last-Minute Reads

• The Long Good Weekend - our step-by-step guide to the perfect race weekend.
• Quell the butterflies with these tried-and-tested strategies to beating race-day nerves.
• Smart pacing can make the difference between triumph and disaster (non-subscriber preview).
• Race-day bliss - eight keys to racing perfection.
• Avoid these mistakes with our must-read 'what went wrong' article.

Join The Chat

Need advice? Fancy meeting up with fellow RW members at the start? Pop onto the GNR thread for a healthy dose of pre-race banter.

Good luck!