Sunderland retailers could benefit from city runs

This year’s Siglion Sunderland City Half Marathon and 10k will start and finish on Keel Square, with organisers saying the changes of venue from the Stadium of Light will bring the events closer to the heart of the city and offer more opportunities for retailers and other businesses to get involved.

Development company Siglion is already sponsoring the two events.

The Bridges recently hosted the latest Start Me Up For Sunderland (SMUFS) session, which saw shoppers and aspiring runners take part in a fitness session led by a professional trainer from Everyone Active.

The centre is also helping to promote the event in the lead-up to Sunday, May 1, and centre director Andy Bradley and shopping centre marketing manager Samantha Czwordon-Wright are both planning to take part in the 10k.

Mr Bradley said: “This is a great opportunity for retailers in Sunderland to be involved in a fantastic event.”

Event founder and former world champion athlete Steve Cram said: “One of the reasons that we were keen to move the start and finish of the races closer to the city centre was to bring more benefit to Sunderland’s retailers and make it easier for them to get involved in this big event on their doorsteps.

“Siglion’s support has made that possible and we look forward to working with everyone at the Bridges to create a real buzz in and around the centre as we build up to May 1.”

Details of future SMUFS sessions will feature on the event website, Facebook and Twitter (@Sunderland10K).

They will be ‘first-come first-served’ on a session by session basis. For more information or to book a place on one of the events, go to www.sunderlandcity10k.com.