1997 was my first GNR and the last one i completed was 2017 but am counting the days until the 2018 GNR which is 2 weeks today! Firstly, Newcastle is amazing (slightly bias as i studied there and married a geordie) but the event is such fun and the locals are amazing support so I couldn't not keep going back for more!
Its a unique course in that it finishes in a different place than it starts and this just adds to the whole event. The key is deciding if you want to stay near the start or the finish...i usually stay with friends in Whitley Bay which makes it easy at the end to walk off those tired legs to the ferry in South Shields that takes you to North Shields. Buy an all day ticket/return so that you don't have to queue.
Atomosphere is fantastic, water stations are frequent, bands on the run are entertaining and loads of inspirational and fun runners to keep you going along the way. Plus a few showers if its hot (yes the sun does sometime shine in Newcastle ;)
One you have to do, just once :) put it on your bucket list.