The Red Arrows, a stalwart of the Great North Run celebrations for decades, return to this year’s event on Sunday 7 September 2025.
A much loved feature of the world’s greatest half marathon, The Red Arrows will perform a fly past over runners on the course, before returning later in the morning to do an extended display over the sea at the finish in South Shields.
The Red Arrows first joined the event in 2002 and have been part of most Great North Runs ever since, with the odd exception including 2024 when they were on a tour of North America and Canada.
Founder of the Great North Run, Sir Brendan Foster said: “The roar of the Red Arrows overhead is a truly special moment. It’s a spectacle to see them soar over the Tyne Bridge, leaving vibrant streaks of red, white and blue in their wake before they head to the Coast for their famous South Shields performance at the finish. Make sure to give them a wave and a cheer when you spot them, you won’t be alone!”
The 2025 AJ Bell Great North Run is televised live on the BBC each year and broadcast across 167 countries. The event will feature some of the world’s leading athletes competing in the elite Men’s, Women’s and Wheelchair races, which set off before 60,000 runners take on the 13.1 mile course from Newcastle to South Shields.
Demand for the 2025 event hit an all-time high, with registrations for ballot places increasing 100% year on year. Those keen to be part of this festival of running can still take part by securing a charity place to fundraise for one of the events many charity partners – find out more at greatrun.org/events/great-north-run/#gnrcharities.
