Steve Cram hails record-breaking Run Sunderland Festival

More than 4,000 runners tackled the Siglion Sunderland City Half Marathon and 10K as the event was staged for the eighth year.

And good weather and favourable running conditions brought out big crowds to cheer on the participants.

The Run Sunderland Festival is organised by Events of the North and made possible thanks to a partnership with Sunderland City Council.

It was sponsored by Siglion, the regeneration company which is leading the transformation of sites around the city.

Thousands of runners hit Sunderland streets for city 10k and half marathon

This year's theme was #runwiththetide, as part of the city’s schedule of big events in 2018, including the Tall Ships Races in July.

The half marathon and 10K were preceded by the Active Sunderland BIG 3K which saw hundreds of young runners tackle a 3km route around the city centre.

Picture special: Sunderland City 10K and half marathon

Event founder and race director Steve Cram said afterwards: “It’s been a fantastic day for Sunderland – we’ve had a record number of participants who joined us to run with the tide.

"There were some great performances at the front of the Siglion Sunderland City Half Marathon and 10K, and we also had loads of runners who pounded the streets to raise money for good causes.

"The weather behaved this year and brought out big crowds to cheer people on, creating a great atmosphere.

"Well done to everyone who took part and, as ever, huge thanks to Siglion, Sunderland City Council and our other sponsors, and to all the wonderful volunteers who help make events like this possible.”