Get Ahead of the Game: Start your 2026 Great North Run Training Early

May 17, 2026

Great North Run 2026

With the Great North Run in September, now is the perfect time to build a good routine and habits that will help you with training and race day. Whether this is your first half marathon or you’re aiming for a new personal best, getting the basics right early makes a big difference later.

Building Your Training

Keep easy runs easy

At this stage, most of your running should feel comfortable. You should be able to chat while running. If not, slow it down.

This helps you:

• Build endurance
• Recover properly
• Avoid injury

Add some faster sessions

As your training progresses, include 1-2 faster sessions each week:

• Intervals (short, quicker efforts)
• Tempo runs (steady, challenging pace)
• Occasional race pace efforts

This will help you feel more confident running at your goal pace later in your training block.

Include strength training

A common mistake runners make is skipping strength training from their weekly plan, but it can really help how you feel and perform.

Adding 1-2 short sessions each week can help you:

• Run more efficiently
• Stay stronger for longer
• Reduce your risk of a sports injury

Keep it simple and focus on:

• Legs (squats, lunges)
• Calves (calf raises)
• Core strength (planks, dead bugs)

It doesn’t have to be complicated. A simple and consistent routine can have big benefits as your mileage increases.

Start practising nutrition early

Don’t wait until race day to figure this out.

During longer runs:

• Try simple carbohydrate options (like gels or snacks)
• Practise drinking on the move
• See what works best for your stomach

This will make race day much easier.

Consider sports massage

As your training volume increases, recovery becomes just as important as training.

• Reduce muscle tightness and soreness
• Support recovery
• Identify potential problem areas early

It can be especially useful:

• During heavier training weeks
• If you’re feeling particularly tight or fatigued
• In the lead-up to race day (but avoid trying anything new right before the race!)

As Race Day Gets Closer

In the final few weeks before the Great North Run, focus on staying fresh, practising your race pace and getting ready for the day.

The Final 24 Hours (Save this for race week!)

When race weekend arrives, keep things simple:

• A short, easy jog the day before can help you stay loose
• Check the weather and prepare your kit in advance
• Avoid spending too long on your feet
• Eat regular, balanced meals and stay hydrated
• Avoid alcohol
• Have your main meal in the early evening
• Get an early night (even if sleep isn’t perfect!)

Race Morning Tips

• Stick to a breakfast you’ve practised (1.5-2 hours before)
• Wear familiar kit. Nothing new!
• Bring snacks and fluids in case of delays
• Stay relaxed and give yourself plenty of time

On the Day

• Start steady. It’s easy to go off too fast, a good pace can help you finish strong.
• Settle into your pace and build into the race
• Take on fluids and fuel as practised
• Don’t rely fully on GPS. Focus on effort and how you feel.

Need Support with Your Training?

If you’re struggling with a sports injury or would like advice on preventing one during your training for the 2026 Great North Run, a physiotherapy assessment can be a great place to start.

Our physiotherapists can help you understand what may be contributing to your pain or discomfort and put together a plan to keep your training on track.

To get in touch, email info@physiotherapymatters.co.uk or call 0191 285 8701.