Now for the hard part. With a record 60,000 entrants potentially taking part on Sunday, September 13, here are one veteran plodder’s 10 tips aimed at first-time participants. They include valuable warm-up races along the way.
9. Play the crowd
Great North Runs are the nearest us mere amateurs come to taking part in live spectator sport. Thousands of people are there to support you along the final two-three miles through South Shields. Use them to inspire you. | JPIMedia Photo: Tim Richardson
10. Be realistic
Say you are doing the Run and the standard response is: "What time are you aiming for?" Answer once you come back for second helpings and know the course. Simply finishing in any time is an achievement. There's only one Mo Farah. | JPIMedia Photo: Stu Norton
3 / 3