Money-off deals on the Great North Run programme are on offer this week so that families can sign up and start planning for post-lockdown activities.
Organisers of the Great North Run and the series of other events that take place around it have announced the dates for this year's diary and for one - the upcoming Great North 10k - there is a special entry price on offer this week to celebrate the launch of the programme.
Following the widescale cancellation of running events last year due to Covid, the favourites are set to make a return from the summer onwards with full safety measures in place.
The Great Run Company organisers say: "We know that there is still a lot of uncertainty in our lives right now so, whilst there is still a lot of work and planning taking place behind the scenes, we felt it was the right time to give you something to look forward to, something to keep your spirits up and boost your motivation levels in these testing times.
"Our calendar looks a bit different with some events later in the year than usual but we’re pulling out all the stops to make it a great year of running.
"To keep runners safe we’ll be introducing Covid-19 procedures but the thrill of running through your city’s streets and the unbeatable feeling of crossing the finish line will be even more special this year."
Here are the Great North events for the North East calendar. The Great Run company is also hosting events in Scotland; the south, east, Bristol, Birmingham and Manchester and they have some entries now open too. The special launch price is valid only for the first 500 entries in each event: see here.
The year will also see the continuation of some virtual runs to help reach as many people as possible.
Virtual events
Ahead of the main events, there are some solo challenges which runners can sign up to and one gets under way this week.
Great Run Solo Accumulator Challenge
This February's challenge invites people to complete 14 runs, or more, of any distance during the month to earn a medal.
Entry costs £15 and those interested can sign up between now and February 8. The challenge must be completed by February 28 with runners required to keep track and submit their final results. See here how it works and to sign up.
Make It Yours
This Great Run Solo virtual distance challenge is designed to keep people active over a seven-day or 28-day period.
Entry costs £10 and runners can pick a distance of 7km, 7 miles, 50k, 100k and 150k. Sign up here.
Great Run events 2021
Great North 10k - July 4
This run, which starts and finishes in Gateshead International Stadium; takes in the banks of River Tyne and passes Sage Gateshead and Baltic art gallery, is open for entries now with money off the cost for those who apply this week..
See here.
Great North Family Run - July 4
Part of the Great North 10k weekend, this fun event will feature a buzzing atmosphere plus a medal and goodies at the finish.
See here.
Great North 5k - September 10
This run, also on the Newcastle and Gateshead quaysides, sets the atmosphere ahead of the main Great North Run weekend.
See here.
Junior and Mini Great North Run - September 11
The run - now the largest children's single running event in the world - will be back on the Newcastle and Gateshead quaysides. See here.
Those who had places in 2020 will receive priority entry for 2021, with details to be announced.
Great North Run September 12
This year will mark the world-famous half-marathon's delayed 40-year anniversary so everyone can expect celebrations fitting of the milestone.
Organisers will be unveiling a GNR40 campaign in the near future.
With entrants to the cancelled 2020 event having been rolled over, this run is already at capacity. There are, however, a number of charity places still available.
