5000 runners expected to take part in City Runs
The Sunderland City Runs have attracted their best entry in the events 10-year history when an expected 5000 runnerscontest the three race son Saturday and Sunday.
The first Sunderland 5km was held in 2011, with just over 1500 taking part.
It is not only the numbers that have improved, it is also the quality of the lead athletes who will be treading the streets of Sunderland as they make their way round the 5 km ,10 km, and half marathon courses.
This will be the first closed road mass participation city centre running event in the region since early 2020. Covid-related protocols are in place for the safety of the runners, volunteers and local residents. All three races will start in waves to ensure social distance rules remain in place.
Sunderland Strollers double Olympian Alyson Dixon goes in the 5km where she has her first race since April’ s Middlesbrough’ s Endeavour 5 km where she recorded 17.46.
The Morpeth pair of Carl Avery and Sam Hancox are the best of the men along with Finn Brodie (Tyne Bridge).
Ben Con nor, a team GB athlete, who has been selected for the Tokyo Olympics in the marathon goes in the 10km.
There he will take on three Sunderland Harriers who have featured previously in the event. But Connor, with a best of 28.10, should have a clear run for first place.
Leading the Sunderland trio is Liam Taylor, who was second (31.50) the last time the race was run in 2019, finishing behind his club-mate Oliver James, who now lives in the States.
Stephen Jackson was the winner of the half marathon in 2019 clocking 70.71, this time along with Sunderland club mate Craig Gunn, they contest the 10km.
The leading woman is Leeds athlete Clare Duck, a former winner of the Pen shaw Hill race. Gates head Harrier Conrad Franks, third in 2019, takes on Blackburn Harrier Ben Fish in the half marathon. Heaton Harrier Daniel le S my the faces Marsha O’Grady in the women’s race.
The Sunderland City 5km starts at 6:15pm on Saturday, on the Northern Spire Bridge.
Sunday: 9:50am – start of Sunderland City 10km on St Mary’s Way, next to Keel Square.
10:35am – start of Sunderland City Half Marathon on St Mary’s Way, next to Keel Square.