Every runner prepares differently for the Great North Run, but one thing can make a significant difference on race day regardless of your target time: pacing. Knowing where to stay patient and where to increase your effort can help you enjoy the experience and finish stronger.

The excitement is impossible to ignore as runners leave Newcastle. With packed streets and the energy of thousands around you, the opening mile often feels easier than it really is. It's worth resisting the temptation to bank time early, allowing your pace to settle naturally before the race begins to spread out.

The climb over the iconic Tyne Bridge arrives quickly and is one of the defining moments of the race. Rather than trying to maintain an exact pace uphill, focus on keeping your effort consistent. You'll recover naturally on the descent and avoid wasting valuable energy.

Through the middle miles, the Great North Run rewards patience. The route rolls gently towards South Tyneside, and runners who maintain a steady rhythm often find themselves passing others who started too quickly. Staying relaxed, fuelling appropriately and running your own race can pay dividends later on.

As the North Sea comes into view, the finish suddenly feels within reach. It's an uplifting moment, but there is still work to do. If you've judged your effort well, this is the point where you can gradually increase the pace and enjoy the final approach to South Shields.

The closing stretch is one of the most memorable finishes in British running. The crowds grow louder, the finish line draws closer and every step becomes part of an event that has inspired runners for generations.

Whether you're chasing a personal best or simply hoping to cross the finish line with a smile, understanding how the course unfolds can help you make better decisions throughout the race. Sometimes the smartest runners aren't the fastest at the start—they're the ones still running strongly at the finish.

Good luck to everyone at this year's race from runABC.

Image courtesy Great Run Company.