I'll begin by saying that I can see why the GNR isn't everyone's cup of tea.  It's not particularly scenic, although it does have its moment (running over the Tyne Bridge).  A lot of it is on residential roads. It's quite hilly (OK, so maybe not hilly as trail runners will be used to but lots of road bridges so lots of up and down which is murder on the hips). But it really was the best race I've done for support along the way. It's become such a huge thing, and may residents of said residential roads are basically locked into their streets so they bring out their picnic tables and chairs and boxes of sweets for the runners and cheer you along. Amazing.  

Pros

-Lots of loos at the start, queues went down quickly

-Well organised start pens

-6 drinks stations - 4 water and 2 Lucozade.

-Showers! Oh they were bliss, it was so hot!

-Excellent village, easy to meet family/friends by the lettered flags

-Brilliant medal (I'm a #medaltart)

-Oh, and if you travel there by Metro you get a special GNR Metro ticket!

Cons

-Ridiculously busy, with lots of people walking right from the start. And then further through groups of people doing it together and walking 5 and 6 abreast and blocking the whole road. Frustrating for people like me whose goal was to run the whole course without walking.

-Very long uphill stretch right at the end. I fear I may have swore quite loudly at that point.

-The finish line is in line with the road you're running along at the end so you can't see it ahead of you!  This is very disconcerting.