Countdown on for the return of Sunderland City Runs as 5k, 10k and half-marathon for 2021

Runners are getting set for their starters orders as the deadline to sign up for Sunderland City Runs to make its return.

By Fiona Thompson

Published 26th May 2021, 16:12 BST

Updated 26th May 2021, 17:39 BST

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More than 300 runners have already signed up for the return of one of the region's biggest running events to be held over the weekend of June 19 and 20 after last year’s event was cancelled due to the pandemic.

Entrants can choose from the Northern Spire 5K Run, which will start at 6pm on the Saturday, while the 10th anniversary 10K will start at 10am on the Sunday, followed by a Half-Marathon at 10.25am.

Anyone who wants to sign up can visit http://sunderlandcity10k.com which also features maps of the routes, entry fees, as well as details of the Sunderland BIG 3k run, which will be held from 9am on the Sunday.

Runners head over the Wearmouth Bridge following a previous Sunderland City Runs festival

Runners head over the Wearmouth Bridge following a previous Sunderland City Runs festival

Sunderland City Council s Cabinet Member for Vibrant City, Councillor Linda Williams, said: "We can all be thrilled that the Sunderland City Runs are back for June.

"It seems that for such a long time many people have been running solo and this weekend in June sees what I know many have been missing and looking forward to - the return of running together.

"For many of us our activity levels may have reduced in the last year and yet our 5k distance is perfect to give people a nudge to getting up, getting out and getting moving.

"You don’t need to be a fast runner for the 5k, or indeed for our other runs.

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"They're all about getting out, getting active, getting fit and having fun.

"We can also help guide you with our Step up Sunderland app.

"This encourages everyone to increase their distance over the last few weeks.

"So, there is still time to enter, get yourself along and be part of a great weekend of city running activity."

The city is also preparing for a host of other summer events, including the BIG Walk on Sunday, July 11, and the BIG Bike Ride on Sunday, August 1, with the inaugural Lamplight Festival to be hosted in Mowbray Park on the weekend of August 7 and 8, welcoming names including the Kaiser Chiefs, Deacon Blue and Lulu.

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Sunderland City Council