With just a month to go until the 44th edition of the AJ Bell Great North Run, the line-up of famous faces taking part in the 2025 event has been revealed. Taking place on Sunday 7 September, the world’s biggest half marathon will once again attract a mix of sporting heroes, TV stars and online personalities to the iconic 13.1-mile route from Gateshead to South Shields.

Leading the celebrity charge is Dame Kelly Holmes, a double Olympic gold medallist and one of Britain’s most celebrated athletes. She will be joined by a host of familiar names from the worlds of television, sport and social media, including stars of the BBC’s hit series The Traitors as well as boxer Tommy Fury, presenter Jake Quickenden and mental health advocate Dr Alex George.

Former Coventry City footballer and reality star Ashley Cain, Dragons’ Den entrepreneur Sara Davies, author and broadcaster Bryony Gordon and BBC Gladiators referee and ex-football official Mark Clattenburg are also set to take part. Rounding out the celebrity field are radio and TV host Jenni Falconer, actor Neil Grainger and Emmerdale actress Harriett Bibby.

The AJ Bell Great North Run is known for its mix of elite competition and mass participation, and in 2025 over 60,000 runners are expected to cross the iconic finish line at South Shields. More than 200,000 spectators are anticipated to line the course, cheering on everyone from first-timers and charity fundraisers to some of the world’s top athletes.

Olympian and Great Run ambassador Eilish McColgan has confirmed she will return to compete in the elite women’s race, aiming to win the title for the first time. The event will also include high-level competition in the men’s and wheelchair categories and will be broadcast live on BBC One.

If you'd like to know more about the 2026 ballot then visit the Great North Run website.

Image: Great North Run Facebook