By now runners will be preparing to take on the Great North Run with daily training sessions and learning the route. 

And those who have done it in previous years will be reassured of the route and might even feel like they know it like the back of their hands. 

But for those first-timers that are taking on the run for the first time, you might want to make sure you feel ready to tackle the route. 

Why did the Great North Run route change in 2021?

The half marathon is known for its iconic route from the city to the coast but was forced to make a drastic change in 2021, due to the pandemic. 

Instead, it opted for an 'out and back style' , seeing runners loop back into Newcastle City and running across the Tyne Bridge twice instead of ending at South Shields. 

READ MORE: Darlington family to run Great North Run for St Teresa's Hospice

READ MORE: When is the Great North Run taking place this year?

What is the route for the Great North Run 2022?

The Great North Run route takes runners on a journey from Newcastle all the way to South Shields. 

The half marathon starts at Newcastle City Centre on the central motorway. 

Where it will then continue down the A167, letting runners pass Jesmond, Haymarket, Monument and Central Station before arriving at the Newcastle side of the Tyne Bridge. 

After crossing the Tyne Bridge they will enter Gateshead and will be directed towards Heworth. 

En route, they will pass the Gateshead Stadium and continue onto the A184 before being taken onto the A194.

That then brings runners into South Tyneside where they will pass the A19 and head onto the A1300 followed by the A183. 

Now on the last stretch to South Shields, runners will be met with the sea view as they cross the Prince Edward road and make it to the finish line. 

View the route for the Great North Run.