Great North Run cheer station volunteer

What will I be doing?

• Cheering on the Breakthrough T1D runners taking part in the Great North Run.
• Helping to make our cheer station the loudest on the route.
• Looking out for runners wearing Breakthrough T1D tops and pointing them out to your fellow cheerers. 
• Helping to support families of our runners who may also come along to the cheer station to see their loved ones.  

What skills or experience do I need?

No experience is necessary. We are just looking for people who are enthusiastic about supporting the charity and who aren’t afraid to get stuck in and create a fun atmosphere for our runners and their supporters. 

Please note:

• this role may require you to be outside and on your feet for a long time. We will not provide any seating, but you will be welcome to take breaks when you need to;
• if you are under the age of 18 you will need to be accompanied by a parent or guardian who is over 18 and will be responsible for you while you volunteer.

When do you need me?

Date: Sunday 13 September 2026

Time: Our staff will be there from midday to set up. You can arrive any time from this point, but we ask you to be there by 1pm at the latest.  

The cheer station will be packed down when it is clear that all Breakthrough T1D runners have run past. We anticipate this will be approximately 4pm. However, if you’re not able to stay for the full day, any amount of time you are able to provide is greatly appreciated.

Where will I be based?

The cheer station is located in South Shields, a short distance after mile 12, along the Coast Road (A183).  

There will be no parking nearby on the day, as most roads will be closed for the race. The nearest Metro station is South Shields, which is a 15-minute walk away.  

Please note: in the interests of minimising costs and maximising charity funds, we prioritise volunteers who live near to the cheer station. 

What training and support will I receive?

• We’ll send you a copy of our Volunteer Handbook, which will give you all the information you’ll need to know about volunteering with us. We’ll also ask you to sign and return a copy of our Volunteer Agreement, which sets out what we’ll do to support you, and what we expect from you, during your time volunteering with us.
• We’ll give you a volunteer information pack, which includes a reminder of the timings; a map to where the cheer station is located; details of anything you need to bring with you; and the name and contact details of a member of Breakthrough T1D staff who will be able to answer any questions you have.
• On the day there will be at least two members of Breakthrough T1D staff managing the cheer station, who will give you all the support you need.
• We’ll give you a Breakthrough T1D t-shirt to wear at the cheer station (you can keep your t-shirt afterwards), and there will be cheering materials such as flags and bangbang sticks available for you to use.
• We’ll reimburse all reasonable out-of-pocket expenses in accordance with Breakthrough T1D volunteering policies (see details in your Volunteer Handbook). In the interests of minimising costs and maximising charity funds, we prioritise volunteers who live near to the cheer station.
• You can contact the Volunteer Team at any time at volunteering@breakthrought1d.org.uk or 020 3410 6084

How do I apply?

If you would like to join us at our cheer station, please email events@breakthrought1d.org.uk and tell us: 

• Your name. 
• Your mobile number.
• Your home postcode
• Why you would like to volunteer with us on the Breakthrough T1D Great North Run cheer station.  

For more information about volunteering with us, please contact volunteering@breakthrought1d.org For more information about the Great North Run, please contact events@breakthrought1d.org