How 2019's Great North Run supported the North East's economy

New research revealed the huge impact 2019’s Great North Run had on the North East’s economy.
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On Thursday, January 16, The Great Run Company released results from a recent survey into the famous half marathon.

Carried out by Bluegrass Research, it found that the Great North Run brought £31million to the North East economy last year- and the company says this was driven by the scale of visitors and what they spent at the event.

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The Great North Run first took place in 1981 – and in the fresh results, visitors rated the North East highly and said they were more likely to visit again.

The Great Run Company released results from a recent survey.
Photo: The Great Run CompanyThe Great Run Company released results from a recent survey.
Photo: The Great Run Company
The Great Run Company released results from a recent survey. Photo: The Great Run Company

Participants and spectators alike highlighted raising the profile and instilling pride in the region as just some of the benefits.

What else did the survey find?

UK participants from elsewhere spent an average of £257.18 throughout Great North Run weekend, with £586.34 for international visitors.

Almost half stayed overnight and one in five had never been to the North East before.

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Visitors were positive about their trip, with 96% rating it good or excellent.

Of non-regional participants, 66% were more likely to visit the area again while 67% of participants claimed that their view of the North East had positively changed.

Ninety-seven per cent of residents said they were proud that the event happens in the North East.

Just more than half of the participants said the event had a positive impact on general health and mental wellbeing and 22% did not typically take part in running events beforehand.

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Thirty per cent said setting a challenge was their main motivation to take part, while 28% said it was fundraising for charity.

Paul Foster, Chief Executive of The Great Run Company added: “We’ve always known that the Great North Run is woven into the fabric of Tyneside, but this research really brings home the impact of the event on the economy, tourism and well-being of the region.

“We’re so proud of all the event has become and want to thank everyone who has helped to bring us this far.”

The 40th Great North Run is set for Sunday, September 13. The ballot is now open and will close at 9pm on Sunday, February 9.

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