Company behind GNR toasts a successful year

THE company behind the Great North Run is toasting a successful year driven by record numbers signing up for its flagship half marathon and demand for new events.

- COREENA FORD Business writer [e-mail]

Based at Tyne Bridge House in Gateshead, Nova Marketing trades as The Great Run Company and is known for organising the Great North Run from Newcastle to South Shields, alongside a host of series of marathons, half marathons, 10ks and other events across the UK.

The company has now posted its results for 2024, showing a lift in turnover from £18.1m to £22.6m, which comes as demand rises for its events.

Pretax profit more than doubled from £1.45m to £3.61m, while operating profit also saw a similarly significant leap from £1.2m to £2.96m.

Overall profit for the year rose from £1.1m to £2.69m, and employee numbers also grew slightly, from 65 to 69.

Dividends of £3.86m were paid in the year.

The increases follow a number of years in which it tackled various challenges, including the lasting impact of the pandemic, high inflation and investments in staff.

In a report signed off by the board, the directors highlight strong demand for its events, both long running and new.