On your marks for the big Sunderland run fest

Reporter THE date for the 2018 Run Sunderland Festival has been announced and entries are now open.

Thousands of people are expected to sign up for the Siglion Half Marathon and 10k which will return to the city on Sunday, May 13.

Now in its eight year, it will start and finish in Keel Square with the 10k getting under way at 10am and the Half Marathon starting at 10.25am.

Event founder, race director and former Olympian Steve Cram said next year will be exciting for the city.

He said: “Sunderland is a really vibrant and ambitious city and has a lot of very exciting plans in the pipeline. The Run Sunderland Festival intends to be at the heart of those.”

A number of young people involved with the Tall Ships Races 2018 will be taking part in the 10k run to build up their stamina.

Steve, who won a 1,500 metre silver medal in the 1984 Olympics, said: “We’re going to try and help get them fit and ready for their task.

“We’d love to have them involved in one of these ‘start me up’ evenings in the coming months.”

Ellie Lyall, 20, who studies journalism at Sunderland University, is one of the trainees taking part.

She said: “I’m a bit nervous. I’ve just started the gym and I think we’re all going to get together for some physical training sessions.

“You need a lot of fitness, stamina and energy because you are sleeping in little four-hour bursts – four hours on, four hours off – so it is quite intense.”

The future of the event has also been secured until 2021, with development company Siglion committing its sponsorship for a further three years.

Steve said: “Siglion clearly recognises the value of that and we’re absolutely delighted to extend the sponsorship to beyond the event’s 10th anniversary.

“We look forward to working closely with Siglion and Sunderland City Council to make sure that we make this event better every year.”

John Seager, CEO of the Siglion partnership, said the event is establishing itself as one of the great UK city centre sporting events.

He added: “I would urge all runners, both keen and enthusiastic participant, to sign up and sample one of the best race-day atmospheres going and pit themselves against a course that takes in a host of Wearside’s many wonders.”

Last year marathon world record holder Paula Radcliffe and local athletics star Aly Dixon took part.

Events of the North is offering a discount on entry fees for both the Half Marathon and 10k until midnight on November 30.

For more information about the events and to book a place, visit www. sunderlandcity10k.com.