The Great North Run
A practical guide to fuelling the Great North Run from a Registered Sports Dietitian
Most runners follow a training plan. Far fewer have a nutrition plan.
This free guide takes you through the final six weeks: what to test on your long runs, how much carbohydrate you actually need, and how to arrive on the start line with a strategy you feel confident in.
Inside the guide:
A two-minute traffic-light check to show you where to focus
Carbohydrate targets based on your estimated finish time
How to train your gut gradually, without wrecking a long run
Hydration planning, including the drinks station spacing on the GNR course
Race morning timed for a 10:50 start — including the gap most runners forget about
Carb loading and race breakfast ideas with the numbers worked out
What to do if things don't go to plan on the day
A one-page plan to fill in and take with you
Who's behind it
I'm Rachel Howarth — a Registered Dietitian and SENr Accredited Sports Nutritionist. I work with runners and endurance athletes on fuelling strategies that fit real training, real schedules and real lives.
This guide is general education and doesn't replace individual advice. If you have a medical condition, are pregnant, or have had ongoing problems with fuelling, it's worth speaking to someone directly.