BUPA Great North Run 2012
- Race date:
- Sun 16 September 2012
- Distance:
- 13.1 miles
- Sponsorship pledge:
- £350 (including £50 registration fee)
- Register now

The BUPA Great North Run is one of the biggest events in the sporting calendar and the electric atmosphere makes it one of the best!
Join 54,000 runners on the road from Newcastle Upon Tyne out to South Shields for the world's most popular half-marathon.
How we will support you
- Fundraising advice and tips to help you meet your sponsorship target.
- A training guide.
- An adidas/Shelter running vest to show your colours on race day.
- A free cheerer's T-shirt for all of your supporters.
- Post-race reception: enjoy a much-needed massage and refreshments - relax with friends and family and celebrate your achievement!
How much do I need to raise?
You must pledge to raise £350 (including a £50 registration fee) for a guaranteed Shelter place. If you have your own place in the race, you can still join the Shelter team and raise as much as you like!
Race map
Hover your mouse over the map to reveal advice and comments from
previous Shelter runners
Start
'Communication was great from Shelter leading up to the race – fantastic!'
Sean Cooper
Mile 1
'
What a day, it was like having a party every few miles – fantastic atmosphere and music and encouragement, brilliant!'
Guy Hutchins
Mile 2
‘Crossing the Tyne Bridge with thousands of other runners was definitely the highlight of the Great North Run for me. The atmosphere was electric!’
Tom Raymond, runner
Mile 3
‘It’s become a proud event for the local area, with a really good atmosphere.’
James Dawson, runner
Mile 4
‘It was a pleasure to feel as though I have done a small amount to help others less fortunate than my self and to assist such a great team with their fantastic work’
Guy Hutchins
Mile 5
‘I really liked the race packs that Shelter sent through and it was really useful that there was a team contact number for over the race weekend.’
Rosaling Vandyke, runner
Mile 6
‘I found the communication from Shelter really good. We had lots of emails and phone calls that helped us organise and spur on our fundraising.’
James Dawson
Mile 7
‘It was an amazing day, a great experience and the Shelter team made it even better!’
Mark Gibson
Mile 8
‘Really good atmosphere and people providing sweets and drinks really helped. ’
James Dawson
Mile 9
‘The best point was towards the 9th mile, real community atmosphere. We had 15-20 volunteers. You feel very, very proud to be part of something that makes a difference.’
Maxine Banforth, volunteer
Supporters at Shelter's cheerer point
Mile 10
‘Everyone was so enthusiastic and supportive which made running the Great North Run more enjoyable and memorable!’
John Nolan, runner
Mile 11
The last 3 miles will always stick in my mind. That really long climb uphill at mile 11 it was tough: I mean really tough; but I can remember laughing through gritted teeth at a local guy shouting encouragement and waving his can of beer!’
Guy Hutchins
Mile 12
‘Mile 12 was a pleasure, downhill heading towards the sea, all the pain in your legs just faded away.’
‘What a day, it was like having a party every few miles – fantastic atmosphere and music and encouragement, brilliant!’
Shelter runner
Mile 13
‘Finally the big one, mile 13 along the seafront, it seemed endless but then so did the support of the crowds; it was magic, even in the pelting rain the crowds must have been 10 deep.’
Guy Hutchins
The Shelter reception was brilliant. I had my knee massaged, food and drink - everything I needed.’
Sean Cooper, runner
Post run massage
Finish
‘Crossing the line I remember feeling such a sense of achievement and pride, not just for completing the run, but because I ran it for Shelter and the people they represent.’
Guy Hutchins
Guy with Colin Jackson
About the BUPA Great North Run
The BUPA Great North Run is the world’s most exciting half marathon. Shown live on BBC TV, the race sees 54,000 participants running the course from central Newcastle to South Shields, cheered on by thousands of supporters along the way. It’s a race that every runner should take on at least once!
Questions?
For more info, just get in touch. Call our Running Events team on 0344 515 1190 or email running@shelter.org.uk
Photography: Matt Muir
Register now