City Runs bring thousands to Sunderland as Steve Cram states it was a brilliant showcase for a vibrant city centre

The crowds came out for the 2024 Sunderland City Runs, as both runners and spectators flocked to the city centre.

Over 4,000 people signed up to take part in the Sunderland City 10km, Sunderland City Half Marathon and Active Sunderland BIG 3km. The good weather attracted a large number of supporters who cheered them around the course. Entry levels for the event were 33% up on last year, returning to pre-pandemic levels.

The three races started and finished next to Keel Square in the heart of Sunderland, where the packed Event Village offered plenty of entertainment and refreshments on the day. The action kicked off at 9:00am with the Active Sunderland BIG 3k, followed by the Sunderland City 10km at 10:00am and half marathon at 10:25am. The races were started by Cllr Dorothy Trueman, the Mayor of Sunderland.

Now in their 13th year, the Sunderland City Runs were organised by Events of the North in partnership with Sunderland City Council.

The Active Sunderland BIG 3km featured hundreds of young runners and was won by Joshua Ebblewhite in 11 minutes and 19 seconds, followed by Zach Harrison (11:40) and Miguel Ribiero (11:58). Lexie Brown won the girls race in 12:24, with Heidi Cook in second (12:36) and Holly Brown third (12:45).

Ben Bayly of Durham University won the 2024 Sunderland City 10km in 31:21, ahead of Stephen Jackson (31:26) and Liam Taylor (32:04), both of Sunderland Harriers. Stacey Smith of North Shields Poly put in a dominant performance in the womens race to win in a rapid 33:51, with Jessica Eaton of Tyne Bridge Harriers in second (37:27) and Amy Callaghan of Sunderland Harriers third (38:16).

The 2024 Sunderland City Half Marathon was won by Liam Walshaw of Sunderland Harriers in 1:13:28, followed by David Purvis of Sun City Tri (1:16:32) and Bryan Potts of Elvet Striders (1:16:47). The womens race was won by Olympian and multiple Sunderland City Runs event winner Aly Dixon of Sunderland Strollers in 1:19:15, with Jennifer Berry of Wallsend Harriers in second (1:24:06) and Julie Pescod of Sunderland Strollers third (1:26:21).

The winners of the mens and womens half marathon and 10km races were presented with bespoke trophies that were created by the National Glass Centre especially for the Sunderland City Runs.

Along with other leading club athletes, many runners in all three events were raising funds for good causes, such as official charity partner Red Sky Foundation. Among them was Colin Burgin-Plews, better known as Big Pink Dress, who was fundraising for Cancer Research UK, the day before getting treatment for the disease.

A large number of volunteers worked throughout the day to make the Sunderland City Runs possible, and many of them came from event partner the University of Sunderland. Other key partners included Everyone Active and the Holiday Inn Sunderland in Keel Square, which was a hive of activity.

Race director Steve Cram stated: The weather gods were kind, with sun but not too much warmth during the morning, so conditions were excellent for running. We were delighted to attract such big entries for this years Sunderland City Runs, and big crowds to watch the action.

There was a real buzz in the Event Village and it was great to see Keel Square so busy throughout the day. It was a brilliant showcase for a vibrant city centre, and a positive celebration of running and getting active. Thanks to Sunderland City Council for working with us to host the event and to all of our partners and volunteers for making it so successful.

Entries are now open for the 2025 Sunderland City Runs, which will be held on Sunday 11 May.

For more information and to book a place, click here