Ultra long and ultra-specific — welcome to Ultra North Run: one of the fastest-growing events organised by the Great Run Company as it continues to expand its varied roster of regional challenges.

The event, which is designed for everyone from anywhere, has surged in popularity over the last few years and offers runners something more than the average fun run..

Participants choose between two length options: a 25km or 55km run. “The Great Run Company is mostly about road races but this gives people a bit more experience to go on the trails as well,” says the Ultra North Run brand manager Alice Peyredieu. “We wanted to let the runners experience something new and different — to go beyond the city and the roads.” 

The use of the word beyond matters. There’s been a subtle rebrand of the event this year with a refresh of the look and the logo to reflect the ‘Beyond Newcastle’ message.

“The rebrand will not be applied just for the Newcastle Ultra run,” adds Alice. “The Great Run Company also organises the ultra run in London — same distances, same conditions. But from next year, we would like to put these types of races together and present them together, with the new cities of Manchester and Bristol too.” 

The original idea behind placing the race in the city centre and letting the track be outside the city area is a part of careful planning and also to increase the inclusivity and sustainability of the event. 

“We changed the start and finish place from last year and we started from the Swing Bridge on the Quayside,” explains Alice. “The runners didn’t need to travel there by car and it is easily accessible by public transport or walking. We aimed to make the location inclusive — it is only a matter of minutes from any nearby transport hub.”

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But what makes this race so unique? Despite having the name ‘run’ front and centre, there is no pressure to be fast or run the whole distance. You can walk, run and walk or simply choose the tempo that suits you. 

“There is no pressure on time,” adds Alice. “However, if someone wants to know how they did, there is a track of time score for every participant.”

The proof of any previous experience is not necessary either — all you need is personal motivation and a sense of fun.

Sustainability is also an important feature of the event. “We no longer present any goody bags after the run, nor the t-shirts, as we try to reduce the waste around the whole event,” explains Alice. “We also ask the runners to bring reusable bottles. We try to do small things to be more agile and sustainable.”

The trails are chosen more carefully than it might seem. Part of the experience is not only the physical activity and achievement but also the chance to explore the industrial heritage of the North East. The routes are designed to combine urban roads, woodland trails and old railway tracks and bring together a mix of everything in just one day. 

Before launching the Ultra North run four years ago, runs of similar character were organised in less populated areas with more difficult access, such as the Lake District or Peak District.

“People needed to travel significant distances and then look for accommodation,” adds Alice. “Newcastle offers easier access, plenty of places to stay and excellent public transport. We need permission to stage the event from Newcastle City Council, of course, but the rest is up to us.”

The event also offers the opportunity to volunteer. Anyone interested can sign up to help on the trails or at the main camp. The Great Run Company has welcomed volunteers since its beginning and the numbers of those who return are increasing.