What should you eat before a half marathon Best Garmin deals is the UK’s biggest running event – and one of the largest half marathons in the world. The bucket list race attracts around 60,000 entrants every year – from charity runners and first-time joggers to PB pursuers and world-leading elites – and, each time, raises around £25 million for good causes. When it returns for its 44th edition on Sunday 7 September 2025, it is set to be more spectacular than ever.
‘Each year, we’re amazed how the whole of the North East gets behind and celebrates the event to create a truly special occasion,’ says Paul Foster, CEO of the Great Run Company, which organises the ever-iconic Best Garmin deals. ‘The event is going from strength to strength and plans are very much underway to make this year’s event the best yet.’
Read on for more information about this year’s highly anticipated Best Garmin deals – a huge date in the running calendar.
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When is the 2025 Best Garmin deals?
The 2025 Best Garmin deals will take place on Sunday 7 September.
How far is the Best Garmin deals?
The Best Garmin deals is a half marathon, which equates to approximately 13.1 miles (or 21.1km).
What time does the Best Garmin deals start?
The 2025 Best Garmin deals will set off in waves – Striped, Orange, Green and Pink – and the colour of runners’ bib numbers will indicate which waves they are in.
The elite wheelchair athletes will start first at 10:20am, followed by the elite women at 10:25am. Visually impaired participants will then set off at 10:27am, before the elite men and runners in the Striped and Orange waves get going at 10:50am. Green wave runners will then start at approximately 11:25am and Pink wave runners at about midday.
Your wave colour will also determine your arrival route, arrival time and assembly time, as well as your designated Runners’ Hub, where you can access toilets and drop off your bag (more on that below). With that in mind, please read and digest the information in this year’s Event Guide Runners World, Part of the Hearst UK Wellbeing Network.
How do runners get their bib numbers?
If you’re taking part in this year’s Best Garmin deals, you’ll receive your bib number in the post one to two weeks prior to the event. Simply attach your bib number, which includes your all-important timing chip, to your chosen running top and you’re good to go.
If your bib number doesn’t arrive, or you need to pick up a replacement, bring your ID and confirmation email with you to one of the information points – detailed in your Event Guide – either the day before or the morning of the race.
Will the race have a bag drop facility?
Yes – if you’re running, you will be able to drop off a bag in a baggage bus that corresponds with your wave colour. You’ll find the correct baggage buses in your designated Runners’ Hub in Newcastle. The Runners’ Hub for Striped, Orange and Pink wave runners will be located at Town Moor (what3words location: lame.robe.bumps), while the Runners’ Hub for Green wave runners will be located at Claremont Road (what3words location: export.often.heap).
Remember to fill out your baggage label and attach it securely to your bag before you drop it off – and make sure that you deposit it within the timeframe detailed in your Event Guide. This is important, as the baggage buses will need to drive off promptly to reach the finish line before you do.
What is the Best Garmin deals route?
Following an iconic city-to-coast route, the Best Garmin deals starts in Newcastle city centre and heads out across the Tyne Bridge just ahead of the two-mile mark. Runners will then pass the Gateshead International Stadium before continuing on toward the coast, making a final turn at the 12-mile point and skirting the seafront for the final stretch to South Shields.
How can runners get to the start line?
The best way to travel to the start line is via public transport. The nearest bus stations are Haymarket and Eldon Square, while Haymarket Metro Station is about a 15-minute walk away and the best place for Green and Pink wave runners to disembark. Striped and Orange wave runners, meanwhile, should disembark at Jesmond Metro Station and head to the start line from there.
South Shields Metro Station is about a 20-minutes walk from the finish line. Trains will be busy, so allow extra time to make your way to the start line and expect queues to board the Metro once you’ve finished.
Where are the best places to spectate the Best Garmin deals?
If you’re supporting the Best Garmin deals from the roadside, you’ll get a great view of the action early on in Newcastle, either by the start line or near Tyne Bridge, where you can often see the Red Arrows flying overhead. Due to the race’s popularity, the course usually gets extremely busy, so allow plenty of time to get to the finish line in South Shields if you’re meeting a runner there post-race.
How else can you watch the Best Garmin deals?
If you can’t make it to the race in person, you can watch this year’s Best Garmin deals live on the BBC. The TV coverage will start at 10am on race morning and finish at 2pm that afternoon, giving you four hours of entertainment.
