Great North Run 10 September 2023
Great North Run is the busiest day of the year for Metro, with thousands of runners and spectators coming to the North East. Not everyone will travel by Metro but our trains will be very busy.
The run starts in Newcastle and ends in South Shields. The nearest station to the start of the run is Haymarket in Newcastle city centre; about a 15 minute walk to the start line. The nearest station to the end of the run is South Shields again about a 15 minute walk.
There will be additional Metro services to help runners get to the start of the run and home afterwards. However, trains will still be extremely busy so please make sure you leave extra travelling time and be prepared to wait in long queues. Crowd control measures will be in place at some stations.
It is almost impossible to see a runner in more than one location, as stations and trains will be very busy and because it takes time to reach the route. If you plan to see your relatives or friends take part in the run we recommend you choose one place to see them, either setting off at the start in Newcastle city centre or at the end in South Shields.
Tickets
Avoid ticket machine queues on the day by buying your travel ticket in advance. You can buy a Great North Run Day Rover ticket in advance from any Metro ticket machine (on sale from 12 August). The ticket costs £6.00 and is valid on Metro, the Shields Ferry and buses in Tyne and Wear, Northumberland and County Durham and on Northern Trains between Sunderland and Newcastle.
Take the kids for free: up to three kids aged 11 and under can travel for free on Metro and the Shields Ferry, all day, every day when accompanied by a fare-paying adult. Find out more about take the kids for free here.
Look after yourself
Listen to guidance from our customer service teams and to station announcements. When waiting on platforms stand behind the yellow line and when the train arrives allow people to get off before trying to board.
Remember to stay hydrated before, during and after the run. If you feel unwell speak to a member of the customer service team or contact control using a station Help Point.
Temporary station closures
To assist with the movement of customers and improve crowd control we'll be temporarily closing the following stations:
- Haymarket - No entry into the station (exit only) from 8.00am until 10.40am. Please use Jesmond.
- Jesmond - Closed from 10.40am until early afternoon. Please use Haymarket.
- Manors - Closed from 10.40am until early afternoon. Please use Haymarket.
- Chichester - Closed from about 1.00pm until early evening. Please use South Shields.
Please note, closure times may vary on the day depending on operational requirements.
For the latest live update select here or download the Pop app.
When walking to alternative stations, please take care and use pedestrian crossings or underpasses where available.
After the run
There will be queues for Metro trains to all destinations, so please be prepared to wait. If you have a Metro ticket have it handy, if you don't have a ticket, you'll be able to buy one from a member of the customer service team.
If you'd rather let the queues reduce before joining them, there are a number of cafes, restaurants and pubs in South Shields to visit.
For help planning your journey call 0191 20 20 747 (lines are open Monday-Friday, 9.00am-5.00pm).