Shokz named Official Headphone Partner of the 2026 Great North Run
Shokz, the pioneer of open-ear audio, has announced a new partnership with the AJ Bell Great North Run, becoming the event’s Official Headphone Partner.
Taking place on Sunday 13 September, the AJ Bell Great North Run is the world’s biggest half marathon and features some of the world’s leading athletes competing in the elite Men’s, Women’s and Wheelchair races. Since its launch in 1981, the event has welcomed over 1.4 million finishers, and 2026 will mark the biggest edition of the Great North Run to date, with 63,000 runners taking on the 13.1-mile course from Newcastle to South Shields, cheered on by more than 200,000 spectators.
In a milestone year marking the Great North Run’s 45th anniversary and Shokz’s 15th anniversary, the partnership brings together two brands committed to movement and supporting runners at every stage of their journey, from training through to the finish line.
The announcement builds on Shokz’s growing investment in the global running community, following its appointment as Official Headphone Partner across six 2026 Abbott World Marathon Majors races, including the TCS London Marathon and TCS New York City Marathon.
As the exclusive headphone partner of the AJ Bell Great North Run, Shokz will work alongside the event organisers to enhance the runner experience while showcasing the benefits of its open-ear technology to one of the world’s largest running communities.
Leading Shokz’s running range, the OpenRun Pro 2 is the brand’s flagship open-ear sports headphones, designed for those seeking premium sound while staying aware of their surroundings. Powered by Shokz’s signature open-ear technology, OpenRun Pro 2 lets runners enjoy their favourite playlists, podcasts and coaching audio while staying connected to the atmosphere around them, from race-day announcements to the roars and encouragement of the Georgie crowds lining the course.
To celebrate the new partnership, Shokz will launch a prize draw from 20 August, giving runners the chance to win a selection of prizes, including Shokz headphones and exclusive Shokz x Great North Run merchandise. Full details of how to enter will be available at uk.shokz.com.
