Professional Security Returns to Support the 2026 AJ Bell Great North Run

September 2, 2026

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Professional Security Returns to Support the 2026 AJ Bell Great North Run

Professional Security returned to the AJ Bell Great North Run with a team of 29 staff, continuing a relationship with the event that began in 2015.

From the elite runners on the course to the busy finish-line areas, our colleagues supported several parts of the event operation. The deployment brought together security, close protection and support for the spaces used by runners, spectators, media and event personnel.

Held on Sunday 13 September, the 2026 event marked the Great North Run’s 45th anniversary. Thousands of runners took on the 13.1-mile route from Newcastle to South Shields, supported by crowds lining the streets.

Great North Run security across key event areas

Our 29-person deployment covered a range of locations, each with its own operational needs. These included:

The finish line
Press tents and press stands
VIP hospitality
Elite runners’ tents
The field hospital
On-course close protection

Supporting these different environments takes coordination and an understanding of the people using each space. Runners, medical teams, journalists and hospitality guests all have different priorities, and our colleagues needed to remain aware of the activity around them throughout the day.

Working alongside the organisers, our team played its part in helping keep these areas safe and supporting the people working in and moving through them.

More than a decade supporting the Great North Run

Professional Security’s relationship with the Great North Run began in September 2015. Returning in 2026 continues more than a decade of involvement with the event and its organising team.

That experience has helped shape our understanding of the event’s demands, including the importance of runner welfare at the finish line. Our existing Great North Run case study highlights the role of reassurance, communication with medical teams and appropriate support for colleagues working in demanding environments

A milestone year for runners and the region

Newcastle United captain and England international Dan Burn took on official starter duties at this year’s event. Andy Burnham also became the first serving Prime Minister to participate in the Great North Run, running in support of the charity Changing Lives.

Alongside those familiar faces were thousands of people taking on personal challenges, running in memory of loved ones and raising funds for causes close to their hearts. Their efforts, together with the support of spectators and volunteers, are what make the event such a significant occasion for the North East.

For Professional Security, being part of the wider team supporting those moments is something we’re proud of.

Thank you to our event team

Thank you to all 29 colleagues for their hard work and professionalism across this year’s deployment, and to the organisers and event personnel we worked alongside.

Congratulations to everyone who took on the challenge, whether it was their first half marathon or another Great North Run finish.

Security support for sporting events

Professional Security supports sporting events and venues with services tailored to their operational requirements. Our work at the Great North Run reflects the importance of experienced people who can work closely with organisers and adapt to different event environments.

If you’re planning an event or reviewing your security arrangements, contact Professional Security to discuss how our team could support your operation.