The Great North Run race to get home afterwards

The race might be the most important thing, but then you have to get home

Completing one of the world's biggest half marathons is no doubt a challenge but, once the finish line is crossed and the medal collected, some people find getting home again is also quite a feat.

About 60,000 runners take on the Great North Run (GNR) from Newcastle to South Shields each year, with this year's event held next Sunday.

From seasoned runners to those just starting out, people of all abilities are attracted to the chance to fundraise, complete a milestone or prove themselves.

And, just as they have different ways of getting fit for the race, people have their own tactics for how to beat the crowds afterwards.

Runners from across the area, including BBC staff and running club members, have shared their tips.

Run so fast you beat the queues

John Sayer always is usually one of the earlier finishers

John Sayer, a professor of renal medicine who lives in Whitley Bay, is a regular GNR runner and always opts for the Shields Ferry, which takes passengers from South Shields to North Shields.

"I'm one of the earlier finishes, so I'm one of the first people to get to the ferry and can get straight on," he said.

"I think lots of people from North Tyneside use the ferry - it's only a short walk from the ferry to North Shields Metro, although it is up a steep hill and it can hurt your legs when you've just run a half marathon."

Ian Pickett, chair of the Tyne Bridge Harriers running group, thinks the Tyne and Wear Metro is also a good choice for speedier participants.

"If you can run faster than one hour and 45 minutes, and go straight to the Metro, then it's a very easy journey home," he said.

"If you run close to one hour and 20 minutes and head straight to the Metro, you'll find there's only two or three of you on the Metro out of South Shields as everyone else is arriving."

He advises buying a wrist band in advance and wearing it on the run, to save time at the ticket barriers.

Run slower and accept your queuing fate

Runners queue for the ferry after the Great North Run in 2024

Leigh Jones, of BBC Radio Newcastle, admitted a "huge group indecision" led to some queuing at last year's event.

He decided to get the bus to the ferry but said it would have been quicker to walk and, after queuing for the ferry, he eventually "gave up" and got his dad to pick him up.

"My advice for anyone planning on getting the ferry is to finish asap, don't hang about at the finish line, and walk to the ferry," he said.

"It's only a mile, it shouldn't be a problem for fit and healthy athletes capable of running a half marathon."

Go to the pub and wait it out

There may be no guarantee of a table but the pub is somewhere to wait

Simon Allen, a coach at Elswick Harriers running club in Newburn, Newcastle, said his best advice to those doing the run for the first time is not to try to rush home.

"You need to plan your route, have a good rest, find something to eat in South Shields somewhere, or go to the pub," the 61-year-old said.

"Just take it easy and wait for the crowds to die down, it is by far the best way."

He said recovery is important and people underestimate its power.

"The first time I did it, I stood in a queue, absolutely exhausted for an hour," he said.

"I couldn't believe how difficult it was to get away, it was really quite tough."

Organise a coach trip

Elaine Watson, a business coordinator at the BBC, said her running group comes by coach from Middlesbrough.

They have a "great system" but it is not always plain sailing, she said.

A torrential downpour in 2023 caused flooding and roads were gridlocked, leaving people stranded in South Shields.

"We were stuck on the coach for quite a few hours," she said.

"But karaoke and a few drinks on the way back are a dream - no worries about having to drive, just sit back and relax."

Other similar options are available.

Spectators often opt for the R1 shuttle bus service from Newcastle city centre to the finish line.

Metro operator Nexus also provides shuttle buses from South Shields.

Mr Pickett said the "bus is the best option overall" because "they're very well organised and the queues are much less than the metro and it's not as far to walk".

Park in nearby street

Claire Wynarczyk said she has got a lift from family members for previous runs

Runners with friends living near the finish line can sometimes borrow a driveway to park in, though this can involve a convoluted, two-person, pre-race trip the day before to position their car for a quick getaway.

Others have relatives willing to provide transport on the day.

Claire Wynarczyk, who runs with the Tyne Bridge Harriers in Newcastle, does not live far from the start line and often gets her dad to drop her off nearby.

He then drives to South Shields, where he has local knowledge of where to park, she said.

"He used to live there and finds parking in some street not too far from the finish line," she said.

"One tip I have heard is park near Souter Lighthouse, even though there will be a two mile walk after the race and head back from there."

After all that running - why not walk home

Many spectators and runners chose to walk back in 2023 following flooding

It might not be everyone's idea of a good plan, after running just over 13 miles (21km), but some have found themselves having to put their training to additional use.

Many participants opted to walk home after the 2023 race when flash flooding caused severe delays on the roads and metro.

Metro services were stopped between Bede and South Shields for more than an hour after flooding on the line at Tyne Dock.

But the weather is not the only potential cause of hold-ups.

Fancy dress can slow you down - and not just on the run, Mr Pickett said.

One year he won a world record for the fastest half marathon dressed as a gingerbread man.

"I got stopped by loads of people asking why I was dressed up which slowed me down loads," he said.

"It also gets some interesting looks when you go home in fancy dress."

Ian Pickett said there are pros and cons to wearing fancy dress for the run