Revealed: Dates for Sunderland's BIG Run, Ride and Walk in 2017

First launched in 2012, as part of the Olympic year, thousands of people from in and outside of Sunderland have taken part in BIG events, with last year alone more than 5,000 people joining in.

This year’s BIG events begin with the new BIG 3-in-1 on Sunday, April 23, that takes in a fun run, bike ride and walk at Herrington Country Park.

Helping launch the 2017 BIG programme at the Raich Carter Centre, where more than 400 people were enjoying dozens of different activities, was Coun John Kelly, the City Council’s Portfolio Holder for Public Health, Wellness and Culture.

He said: “The Active Sunderland BIG Events are always a great way to have a go and take part in many different activities and sports. It’s very straight-forward to get online with Active Sunderland and sign up for one of our great events.

Coun Kelly who pitched in with bowls and swingball at the launch event, said: “I’d encourage everyone to get active, to get out and join our BIG events.”

As well as the 3-in-1, the other BIG events for 2017 are:

•BIG 3k Run on Sunday, May 7, from Keel Square as part of the Run Sunderland Festival. Suitable for all ages and abilities, the route is part of the same closed road course as the Siglion Sunderland City 10k and the Siglion Half Marathon on the same day.

•BIG Bike Ride on Sunday, June 11, with different routes starting and finishing at St Peter’s Riverside near the University of Sunderland.

•BIG Walk on Sunday, October 1, with different routes starting and finishing at Herrington Country Park and also suitable for different ages and abilities.

Entry for all the BIG events is only £10 per person and always includes an Active Sunderland t-shirt and goody bag.

For more details visit www.activesunderland.org.uk, email [email protected] or keep up with events at the Active Sunderland Facebook page.