Q: When and where is the run?
Next year’s run is on Sunday 10 September 2017 in Newcastle.
Q: How long is the run? Do I have to be an athlete to take part?
It’s a half-marathon, which is 13.1 miles, or 21.1km. It’s a ‘run’ not a ‘race’, and people of all levels take part, so you can do it at your own pace.
Q: How can I enter?
There is a ballot for places. You can sign up for an email reminder when the 2017 ballot opens via the Great North Run website. If you get a place, you can then join the Jubilee Debt Campaign team.
Q: Do I have to raise a minimum amount? / What does it cost to enter?
As Jubilee Debt Campaign does not pay for places in the run, there is no minimum amount you need to raise, but we do ask that you pay the registration fee (of £53 in 2016) yourself. There are ultra-generous concessions for students! We also ask that all runners pledge to do their very best to raise sponsorship from the run.
As a member of our team we will provide you with a free campaign t-shirt (certified fairtrade cotton) for the run, training instructions and support for getting sponsorship funds.
Q: I’ve never run a half-marathon before. How do I know what my ‘Estimated Time’ should be?
The estimated time is used to stagger the start of the race. If you haven’t run before and don’t have a target time in mind, the accuracy of your estimated time is not as important. For guidance, most people complete the course in under 3 hours.
Q: Where will the money go?
All the funds raised, including Gift Aid, go directly to the Jubilee Debt Campaign and Stop AIDS Campaign (you can choose how much goes to the Stop AIDS Campaign from 10% to 50%). The only expenses deducted are for the cost of your race t-shirt.
Q: Can you help with accommodation in Newcastle?
Newcastle University Jubilee Debt Campaign will attempt to find accommodation for team members not based in Newcastle, although we cannot guarantee this. There is also information about accommodation options on the Great North Run website.
Q: Can you help with travel costs?
Unfortunately we’re not able to help with the costs of getting to Newcastle for the run. Advanced train tickets go on sale three months ahead and we recommend you book them as early as possible. The Great North Run website also contains information on other travel options.
Q: Do I need to do a lot of training?
A training programme will greatly improve your ability to complete the run. Once you are registered, the Great North Run website will provide you with tips on creating the right training programme for you. You will also be sent information and tips from the Newcastle University team in advance.
Any other questions? Have a look on the Great North Run website, or get in touch with team organiser David Golding, david.golding@newcastle.ac.uk.