Sunderland City Runs set to go ahead as planned despite coronavirus outbreak

Organisers of the 2020 Sunderland City Runs have confirmed its events are set to go ahead despite the outbreak of coronavirus.
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More than 5,000 runners are expected to take part in the major festival of running as it celebrates its 10th anniversary.

Kicking off with the Sunderland City 5K on the evening of Saturday, May 9, the 5K route includes the iconic Northern Spire Bridge, providing a spectacular venue for runners and spectators alike.

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The following morning, Sunday May 10, will see thousands of runners take part in the well-established Sunderland City Half Marathon and 10K, and the Active Sunderland BIG 3K.

The launch of the Sunderland City Run event. Colin Burgin-Plews (centre) with super hero runners Sandra Dormand, Darren Tate, Dominic Lavelle, Scott Baker, Michelle and Paul Mustard, George Harden and Marie Brett.The launch of the Sunderland City Run event. Colin Burgin-Plews (centre) with super hero runners Sandra Dormand, Darren Tate, Dominic Lavelle, Scott Baker, Michelle and Paul Mustard, George Harden and Marie Brett.
The launch of the Sunderland City Run event. Colin Burgin-Plews (centre) with super hero runners Sandra Dormand, Darren Tate, Dominic Lavelle, Scott Baker, Michelle and Paul Mustard, George Harden and Marie Brett.

All three events will start and finish in Keel Square in the city centre.

But concerns have been raised over whether the events would go ahead following the outbreak of coronavirus which is continuing to spread around the world.

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The affected resident is receiving care at South Tyneside District Hospital.

The 10th anniversary Sunderland City runs event is due to go ahead despite the coronavirus outbreak.The 10th anniversary Sunderland City runs event is due to go ahead despite the coronavirus outbreak.
The 10th anniversary Sunderland City runs event is due to go ahead despite the coronavirus outbreak.

A number of major international sporting events have already been postponed due to coronavirus, but now organisers of the Sunderland City Runs have confirmed that their events are set to go ahead as planned at this stage.

Organisers say they are monitoring the situation and expressed hope that the situation would not escalate to the point where they have to cancel their events.

A spokesman for Events of the North said: “In response to the current and evolving situation around COVID-19, or coronavirus, Events of the North would like to state that in line with recent government and local authority advice, we are currently still planning to host the Sunderland City Runs weekend from May 9-10.

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“We are constantly monitoring what is obviously a fast-moving situation and are making contingency plans if required.

“We will provide updates as the situation develops, and will notify our entrants of any changes to our 2020 events as soon as we are able.

“If government advice changes in the coming weeks, we have already had discussions with Sunderland City Council and plans are in place to hold the Sunderland City Runs weekend on a date later this year.

“In light of any event change, all entries booked up until the date of postponement will be valid for the new date.

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“The wellbeing of our participants, volunteers, general public, or members of our own staff is our main priority, particularly with events planned across the country.

“Thank you for your patience and understanding.”

Cases of coronavirus (COVID-19) were first reported in Hubei Province, China, in December 2019.

The Foreign & Commonwealth Office has issued guidance for British people travelling and living overseas following the outbreak of coronavirus (COVID-19) in Wuhan, China, and in other countries worldwide.

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Typical symptoms include fever and a cough that may progress to pneumonia causing shortness of breath and breathing difficulties.

Anyone with the above symptoms is urged to use the 111 online coronavirus service to find out what to do next, but should not visit a GP surgery, pharmacy or hospital.

Members of the public are asked to call 111 if they need to speak to someone.

More on coronavirus in our region:

How Nissan's Sunderland plant is preparing for coronavirus as it closely monitors operations across the world

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