Common questions

Sign up to run for Team Macmillan Back to top

If you secure your own place directly through the race organisers ballot, we'd love to have you as part of Team Macmillan, and there is no minimum sponsorship pledge.

To join the team, simply contact us on 020 7840 4937 or email greatnorthrun@macmillan.org.uk| to let us know your name, emai, address and running top preference.

How do I apply for a charity guaranteed place? Back to top

We purchase a limited number of guaranteed places from Nova International, the organiser of all Great Run events. In return for one of our guaranteed places we simply ask you to pay a £49 registration fee and pledge to raise a minimum sponsorship of £395 .

To apply for one of our Guaranteed Places simply complete our application form| and return to us.  

Due to the enormous number of applications we receive we’re unfortunately unable to contact all applicants individually, so please contact us after sending in your form. Please don’t delay once you’ve heard as our guaranteed places are allocated over a very short timescale. If your application is successful you will need to pay the £49 registration fee to confirm your place.

What is a guaranteed place? Back to top

These are guaranteed places that Macmillan Cancer Support has purchased directly from the Bupa Great North Run race organiser.  

What is your 'own place'? Back to top

Your 'own place' means that you have entered the online system for the 2013 Bupa Great North Run directly through the official Great Run website at www.greatrun.org|. Plus you will have paid an entry fee directly to the Bupa Great North Run race organisers.

Once your place has been confirmed by race organiser Nova International, we'd be delighted for you to join Team Macmillan.

From this point you will then receive a fundraising pack and training guide with an introduction letter. In regards to sponsorship, we just ask you to raise as much as possible.

How much do I have to raise? Back to top

We ask that all our Macmillan charity guaranteed place runners raise a minimum sponsorship pledge of £395.

Please note that Gift Aid cannot be included towards the above sponsorship amount. 

Sponsorship is due in one month after the event, 15 October 2013. Of course we'll give you all the encouragement and support you'll need to make sure you smash this target. 

If you have your own place, we just ask that you raise as much as possible and we'll provide you with the same level of care and support that our guaranteed place runners receive.

What kind of support will Macmillan give me? Back to top

When you join Team Macmillan you will be supported throughout your entire Bupa Great North Run experience. 

In addition to our initial fundraising pack and half marathon training guide, we will send you regular newsletters full of tips to help you prepare for the big day. You will also be invited to our post race Team Macmillan tent, where you will receive a huge congratulations on completing the big race, lots of pampering and a selection of refreshments. 

And if that isn't enough, we will give you the loudest support possible throughout the race from our famous Macmillan cheer points. 

Will Macmillan help me with my training? Back to top

Of course! When you sign up to run the Bupa Great North Run with Team Macmillan we will provide you with a comprehensive half marathon training guide, which has a 16-week training programme. Plus we'll send you regular newsletters full of top training tips, including advice from our Team Macmillan patrons. We will also advise you of other useful sources of information to help you prepare for the big day.   

What happens if I get injured? Back to top

If you get injured while training we recommend you contact your GP, physio or specialist sports injury clinic. They will be able to advise you if you are fit enough to run. If you do have to withdraw you will need to let the Bupa Great North Run organiser, Nova International know as soon as possible. Please also let Macmillan know so that we can advise you about transferring your place. 

When will I get my race number? Back to top

Your race day pack will be sent to you directly from the Bupa Great North Run race organiser, Nova International approximately two weeks prior to race day. This pack contains the official race programme, your race number and timing chip. If you have any queries about your race pack, please contact the race organisers directly on 0845 389 2200 or visit their website at www.greatrun.org|

Where can I find more specific information? Back to top

Simply visit the Bupa Great North Run website at www.greatrun.org| for event information, a map of the course, transport, flights and accommodation and so much more. Alternately, please feel free to call the race organisers directly on 0845 389 2200.