Frequently Asked Questions
What happens if I lose my race number?
If I have moved house, how do I change my contact details?
Where do I need to stand at the start?
What facilities are available on the course?
How can runners meet up with friends and family at the finish?
Where is my race certificate from the 2008 event?
I have entered the wrong estimated running time on my entry form, how do I change this?
I have recently moved house, how do I stop my race pack from being sent to my old address?
I am a wheelchair entrant can I enter a Great Run event?
I am taking part in an assisted wheelchair, what do I do?
I am taking part in a self propelled wheelchair, what do I do?
Do I have to run for one of the charities listed on your website?
I have selected to run for a charity but have now changed my mind, what do I do?
I haven’t received my Sponsorship Pack, where can I get one from?
When will I receive my Race Pack?
What should be included in my race pack?
I have received my Race Pack, what do I do now?
I haven’t received my Race Pack, what should I do?
I can’t take part in the event can I get a refund?
What is the Bupa Great Run deferment policy?
What Start Zone/Wave have I been allocated to?
I want to run in the same Start Zone/Wave as my friend:
I am not happy with my Start Zone/Wave allocation and want to move down to a slower wave:
I am not happy with my Start Zone/Wave allocation and want to move up into a faster wave:
How do I view my race results?
My Time is not displayed in the Results Section, how do I find my time?
How do I view my photos from the event?
What do I receive when I cross the finish line?
I can see my position in my Age / Gender categories, but how do I know how many people are in my category?
What happens if I lose my race number?
If any runners lose their race number or timing chip please email info@greatrun.org, they will verify your entry and give you details as to how you can collect a duplicate pack on race weekend.
All enquiries relating to lost race numbers or timing chips that are handled in person on race weekend must be accompanied by appropriate photo ID. We will not be able to consider any such enquiry unless it is supported by the appropriate identification.
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If I have moved house, how do I change my contact details?
If any runners have moved house since their application form was submitted, send the change of address details to: Customer Services, Bupa Great North Run, PO Box 1RY, Newcastle-upon-Tyne, NE99 1RY.
Don’t forget to provide details of the runner’s full name together with their old and new address details. Please ensure we are notified in good time, or the race certificate could be sent to the old address.
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Where do I need to stand at the start?
At the start, runners are advised to assemble according to the colour of their race number. The different coloured Assembly Zones will be clearly marked on the day.
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What facilities are available on the course?
Toilets, showers and medical stations are provided at intervals down the course alongside a number of drink stations.
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How can runners meet up with friends and family at the finish?
A family area is located after the finish exit before the charity marquees. A-Z banners will be located on the grass on the seaward side of the finish exit – meet up under the first letter of the runner’s surname. If you’re running for a charity with meet and greet facilities at the charity village, why not arrange to meet up there?
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Where is my race certificate from the 2008 event?
As part of our environmental policy and as we build our site of web services we are actively removing paper based communications from our business and replacing them with electronic versions. This move means we will not be producing a paper based results magazine or certificate post race, instead we are offering the opportunity of downloading your personalised certificate from our Great Run website. This is offered free of charge when purchasing photos, or for a small charge of £2.99 if not. The charge is to cover production and download costs.
As this service of supplying paper certificates has been removed we have added additional services to our website which are all provided free of charge. This includes all our online training and communication services as well as free SMS results (Bupa Great Manchester/North and South Run). Of course if you do not want to use this service you can still gain your results and split times free from our on-line results service.
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I have entered the wrong estimated running time on my entry form, how do I change this?
If you would like to amend your estimated running time please send an email to info@greatrun.org clearly stating your full name, postcode, which event you have entered and your new estimated running time. We will then be able to amend this for you. This is an important safety measure and we ask that you enter an accurate time. We will verify your time if you have completed a Great Run event in the last two years.
Please ensure you notify us at least six weeks prior to the event (ten weeks if you have entered the Bupa Great North Run) otherwise we will be unable to amend.
Alternatively you can send your details to Customer Services, Great Run, PO Box 1RY, Newcastle-upon-Tyne, NE99 1RY.
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I have recently moved house, how do I stop my race pack from being sent to my old address?
If you would like to update your personal details please log on to your Great ID @ info@greatrun.org
Alternatively you can send your details to Customer Services, Great Run, PO Box 1RY, Newcastle-upon-Tyne, NE99 1RY. Please clearly state your full name, event entered together with your old and new address details.
Please ensure you notify us at least six weeks prior to the event (ten weeks if you have entered the Bupa Great North Run) otherwise we will be unable to amend.
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I am a wheelchair entrant can I enter a Great Run event?
Unfortunately not all of our events are wheelchair friendly, please check the event website for more information or email info@greatrun.org
If the course is suitable and you are taking part in a wheelchair please indicate when asked on the entry form.
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I am taking part in an assisted wheelchair, what do I do?
For those taking part in an assisted wheelchair, both the wheelchair entrant and the assister will need to register for a place in the event.
Once entered into the event both will be allocated a race number and will be asked to line up towards the rear of the field.
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I am taking part in a self propelled wheelchair, what do I do?
Unfortunately not all of our events are wheelchair friendly, please check the event website for more information or email info@greatrun.org
If the course is suitable and you are taking part in a wheelchair please indicate when asked on the entry form.
The race will be staged under IPC rules and self propelled wheelchair athletes must confirm to the BWRA minimal classification race system. It is strongly recommended that only experienced wheelchair racers attempt the race unaided.
If you are a self propelled wheelchair racer interested in joining the elite race then please email info@greatrun.org or call the Great Run team on 0191 272 7033 before the race. We will then be able to give you more information about the Elite Wheelchair Race.
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Do I have to run for one of the charities listed on your website?
If you are accepted for any of our events you do not need to run for the associated charities listed on the entry form or website. You can run and raise money for any charity/cause of your choice.
All you need to do is contact your chosen charity directly and request a sponsorship pack.
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I have selected to run for a charity but have now changed my mind, what do I do?
If you wish to change the name of the charity that you are running for, all you need to do is let your original charity know and then contact your new chosen charity directly for sponsorship details.
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I haven’t received my Sponsorship Pack, where can I get one from?
If you selected to run for one of our official charities when completing your entry form, they will be in touch with sponsorship details in due course. If you would like them sooner please contact your charity directly.
If you did not select one of our official charities, you will need to get in contact with your chosen charity and request a sponsorship pack.
Your race packs will be sent out separately from us. This will contain your race number, timing chip and competitor’s information.
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When will I receive my Race Pack?
For the Bupa Great Manchester Run and the Bupa Great South Run race packs will be sent out approximately three weeks prior to the event.
For the Bupa Great North Run race packs will be sent out four weeks prior to the event.
For all other Great Run events, packs are sent out approximately two weeks prior to the event.
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What should be included in my race pack?
Your race pack should contain the following:
• Race Number
• Timing Chip to give you an accurate race time
• Competitors Information guide
• Respect the Challenge’ Leaflet
For the Great Ireland Run and Junior events a t-shirt will also be included within each pack, which can be worn on the day.
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I have received my Race Pack, what do I do now?
Once you have received your race pack the most important thing to do now is read all the information provided. This is important race preparation and will ensure your day is more enjoyable.
We also ask that runners check their race number to ensure it is identical to their timing chip number and the master number printed on the address label of your envelope.
If it is different then please call our Customer Services Hotline number.
Runners do not need to register on race day.
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I haven’t received my Race Pack, what should I do?
If your race pack does not arrive please email info@greatrun.org who will verify your entry and give you details as to how you can collect a duplicate pack on race weekend.
All enquiries relating to the non arrival of race numbers or lost race numbers that are handled in person on race weekend must be accompanied by appropriate photo ID. We will not be able to consider any such enquiry unless it is supported by the appropriate identification.
Competitor’s information can also be downloaded from the Great Run website at www.greatrun.org
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I can’t take part in the event can I get a refund?
If your entry is accepted, your fee is not refundable unless supported by a doctor's note. If this is the case please send a doctor's note and covering letter stating that you would like to be withdrawn from the event to:
Great Run Customer Services
PO Box 1RY
Newcastle upon Tyne
NE99 1RY
Refunds will be accepted at least six weeks prior to the event (ten weeks if you have entered the Bupa Great North Run) otherwise we will be unable to stop your race pack being sent. After this time no refund will be offered, however you will be still able to defer your entry.
All refunds are subject to a £5.00 administration charge. Refunds will not be possible for any other eventuality.
All entries are non-transferable either to a different participant or to subsequent Great Run events in future years.
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What is the Bupa Great Run deferment policy?
All fees are non-refundable.
However a person who has been accepted as an entrant in to a 2010 Bupa Great Run event who subsequently decides not to run prior to the event is eligible for a guaranteed place at the standard entry fee in the 2011 event.
Entrants can only defer their place for a maximum of one year.
Once the entrant has committed to deferring their entry they cannot be reinstated into the 2010 event. Your decision is final.
All requests to defer entry must be made prior to the event. No deferrals will be made retrospectively.
The following procedures must be adopted when requesting a deferment: Deferment by post will be accepted if the letter is postmarked before race day. Where the race number and chip timing device have been issued these must be returned with the letter as confirmation of the decision to defer entry.
If deferring your entry in person you must bring your letter requesting deferment along with your race number and chip timing device to our Bupa Great Run Information Desk on race weekend.
When deferring your entry until 2011 by post, the letter must clearly state: Name, Address, Date of Birth, Confirmation of deferment and be signed by the entrant. This must be accompanied by the race number and chip timing device if these have been received by the entrant prior to deferment.
The letter should be returned in the pre paid timing chip envelope provided within your race pack.
Entrants opting for deferment will be added to a database and will be contacted (via email) prior to the opening of entries to the 2011 event. They will be given a period of 28 days to commit and pay for the guaranteed place in 2011. Once this time period has passed the offer of the guaranteed place automatically lapses and the race organisers have no further commitment to providing a place to the runner in the 2011 event.
Transferring the guaranteed place to another person will not be permitted.
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What Start Zone/Wave have I been allocated to?
Your starting time and wave allocation will depend on your estimated running time as stated on your entry form.
Runners can determine what wave they have been allocated to by looking at their race number, which is sent out in the race pack. The background colour of the race number and letter will determine which zone runners are in.
Full details of wave assembly points and start times can be found in the competitors information guide, included in your race pack.
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I want to run in the same Start Zone/Wave as my friend:
We can not guarantee that all runners who estimated the same running time will be allocated in the same wave.
If you find that you have been allocated to different waves, the rule is you can move down a wave to meet your friends or family, but not up.
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I am not happy with my Start Zone/Wave allocation and want to move down to a slower wave:
If you would like to run in a slower wave then you do NOT need to change your race number. All you need to do is assemble in the later wave on race day. Great Run do not need to be notified of your change down.
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I am not happy with my Start Zone/Wave allocation and want to move up into a faster wave:
Race numbers have been allocated on your estimated time given on your application. If you feel you should be in a higher wave we will need additional proof of a race you have completed in the last twelve months. This can be a print out of your result or a certificate and does not have to be a Great Run event. Please bring proof to the Great Run Information desk on race weekend along with your race number and chip. If your proof is in line with our wave allocation we will move you up.
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How do I view my race results?
To view your race results please visit http://www.greatrun.org/Results/Default.aspx
Select your race and enter your race number, then press submit.
Your race results will then be displayed.
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My Time is not displayed in the Results Section, how do I find my time?
To view your race results please visit http://www.greatrun.org/Results/Default.aspx
Please ensure you key the correct information supplied on your application form. (i.e. searching by Stephen when you entered as Steve will not bring up a result).
You can search by your race number only. Simply enter your race number a select ‘Search’
If still no result is displayed please email info@greatrun.org with your full name, address, race number and event in which you took part. We will then arrange for our IT department to investigate.
Please note if your chip was worn on your wrist and not on your ankle or shoe lace (depending on race chip), no time will be recorded. Timing chips must be worn in accordance with information printed within your pre race information.
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How do I view my photos from the event?
To see photos of you during the event please visit here, http://media.greatrun.org and select event and your race number. Your pictures will then be displayed.
Please note that unfortunately we cannot guarantee all runners will have a photo of themselves.
Pictures are tagged by your race number clearly shown on the cameras. If your race number was obscured in anyway when running past the cameras, it will not pick up.
If you ran with a friend, please try entering their race number.
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What do I receive when I cross the finish line?
All finishers will receive a finisher’s pack containing a medal, t-shirt (with the exception of the Great Ireland Run as t-shirts are sent out prior to the event), a drink, and a space blanket.
Finishers’ packs are sorted by size, so please take the t-shirt size you asked for on your entry form.
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I can see my position in my Age / Gender categories, but how do I know how many people are in my category?
To see how many people are in your race category, do a results search and rather than enter your own details, apply the gender / age group filters as appropriate. When you click search you will see results for everyone in the category, and at the bottom of the page it will tell you how many results have been found.
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