For thousands of runners, securing a place in the Great North Run can be one of the most stressful parts of race planning. Every year, demand is huge, and many runners are left hoping their name comes out of the ballot.
That's why the newly released Great North Run Membership is attracting plenty of attention. It offers runners the opportunity to bypass the ballot and secure guaranteed entry for the next two years, alongside a range of additional benefits.
What Is the Great North Run Membership?
The membership scheme is designed for runners who know they'll want to take on the iconic Newcastle-to-South Shields half marathon in future years.
The biggest attraction is simple:
- Guaranteed Great North Run entry for 2027 and 2028
- No need to enter the public ballot
- Additional member-only benefits and discounts
Great Run currently offers two membership levels: Member (£90) and Member Plus (£125).
What's Included?
Member (£90)
The standard membership includes:
- Guaranteed Great North Run place for 2027 and 2028
- Exclusive Great North Run technical training top (first year only)
- Free official race photo each year
- 10% discount on one Great Run Series event (excluding the Great North Run)
- £10 merchandise voucher
Member Plus (£125)
For runners looking for a few extra perks, Member Plus includes everything above, plus:
- 15% discount on three Great Run Series events
- £15 merchandise voucher
- Free iTAB personalised medal attachment
- Entry to the AJ Bell Great North 10K in the first year
Important: Membership Doesn't Cover Your Race Entry Fee
One detail worth noting is that membership provides priority access and guaranteed entry, but you'll still need to pay the Great North Run entry fee and complete your registration each year.
Members are sent a unique entry link and instructions before entries open, allowing them to secure their place without entering the ballot.
Is It Worth It?
That depends on your goals.
If the Great North Run is a race you return to year after year, membership could provide peace of mind and remove the uncertainty of the ballot.
When you factor in the guaranteed entry, free race photos, training top, merchandise vouchers and event discounts, many runners may feel the membership represents good value, particularly if missing the ballot would be disappointing.
For runners who only occasionally take part in the Great North Run, the standard ballot may still be the better option.
Why You Shouldn't Wait
Membership opportunities like this rarely remain available forever. Once sales close, you'll likely be back to relying on the public ballot system.
If the Great North Run is already on your bucket list for 2027 and 2028, securing membership now could remove a major source of uncertainty and give you confidence when planning your future racing calendar.
With the Great North Run continuing to be one of the UK's most sought-after running events, guaranteed access is understandably appealing to many runners.
Final Thoughts
The Great North Run is more than just a half marathon. It's a celebration of running, community and personal achievement, with unrivalled crowd support from start to finish.
If it's a race you love, or one you've always wanted to experience, the membership scheme is certainly worth considering while applications remain open.
As always, think carefully about your goals, your racing plans and whether the additional perks offer value for you. For many runners, avoiding the uncertainty of the ballot alone may make membership worthwhile.
Thinking About Running the Great North Run?
Whether you're aiming to complete your first half marathon or chase a new PB, having a structured training plan can make all the difference. Consistent training, sensible progression and a clear race strategy will always give you the best chance of enjoying race day and achieving your goals.
At Steve Daniels Coaching, we help runners of all abilities prepare for events from 5Ks right through to major half marathons and marathons, including the Great North Run. If you'd like support with your training, get in touch and let's start building your plan. 🏃♂️💙🧡
Click here to buy your Great North Run Membership:
https://www.greatrun.org/new-great-north-run-membership/