The Great North Run starts in Newcastle and finishes in South Shields over 13.1 miles, and the 45th year of the event brings major road closures across the city.
For readers asking what time does the Great North Run start, the key road changes begin before race day. Closures around the start area near the Town Moor and Exhibition Park are due to start at 8pm on Saturday evening, 12 September 2026, and stay in place until 6pm on Sunday.
When the main Sunday closures begin
The Central Motorway and the Tyne Bridge are scheduled to close at 8.45am on Sunday 13 September. They are expected to reopen at around 2.30pm.
That is the main timing point for people planning travel across Newcastle on race day, particularly those who normally use the Tyne Bridge and Central Motorway route.
Why the closure matters
The Great North Run is expected to attract 63,000 runners, and the Tyne Bridge will again be a central part of the event. The bridge is currently undergoing major restoration and only one footway is open, but it remains a key landmark for runners making the iconic crossing.
Cllr Colin Ferguson, Leader of Newcastle City Council, said the Great North Run is the sporting highlight of the year and that the city is incredibly proud to host the start in Newcastle. He also said the event keeps getting bigger and better and wished everyone taking part good luck.
He added that the council has worked closely with organisers to manage the event alongside restoration works and improvements to the central motorway so the weekend can run successfully.
What happens next
With the start area closures in place from Saturday evening and the Tyne Bridge and Central Motorway shut from 8.45am to around 2.30pm on Sunday, anyone travelling in or through Newcastle should plan ahead well before race day.
For runners and supporters, the timeline is straightforward: arrive early, expect disruption, and allow extra time around the city centre while 63,000 runners take part in one of the UK’s biggest road races.
