CityGames heading down to Teesside

TYNESIDE remains determined to become a “go-to destination” for world-class sport, despite losing the Great North CityGames to Stockton.

It was revealed this week that the athletics showpiece, which has brought elite sport to the Newcastle and Gateshead Quayside for a decade, will be held on Teesside next year instead.

The street-level event, held the day before the Great North Run, has become hugely popular, with crowds of 25,000 seeing the likes of Sir Mo Farah and Greg Rutherford compete.

But council bosses looking to boost the area’s sporting profile say there is still plenty to look forward to – including the World Transplant Games and an England rugby international.

Meanwhile, the Great Run Company – the firm behind the CityGames – says the extra time in the schedule generated by its relocation will allow expansion of the Junior, Mini and 5k events on the Saturday before the Great North Run.

Newcastle City Council cabinet member for culture, sport and public health, Coun Kim McGuinness, said: “The Great North CityGames has been a fantastic success and we wish the team organising the event in Stockton-on-Tees good luck with hosting the event in the future.

“Newcastle is looking forward to a packed sporting calendar next year including the European Champions and Challenge Cup Finals, The World Transplant Games and the Great North Run.”