The crowds came out on Sunday (12 May) for the 2024 Sunderland City Runs, as runners and spectators flocked to the city centre. Over 4,000 people signed up to take part in the Sunderland City 10K, Sunderland City Half Marathon and Active Sunderland BIG 3K, and the good weather attracted a large number of supporters who cheered them around the course.

The three races started and finished next to Keel Square in the heart of Sunderland, where the packed Event Village offered plenty of entertainment and refreshments on the day. The races were started by Cllr Dorothy Trueman, the Mayor of Sunderland.

Ben Bayly of Durham University won the 2024 Sunderland City 10K in 31:21, ahead of Stephen Jackson (31:26) and Liam Taylor (32:04), both of Sunderland Harriers. Stacey Smith of North Shields Poly put in a dominant performance in the women’s race to win in a rapid 33:51, with Jessica Eaton of Tyne Bridge Harriers in second (37:27) and Amy Callaghan of Sunderland Harriers third (38:16).

The 2024 Sunderland City Half Marathon was won by Liam Walshaw of Sunderland Harriers in 1:13:28, followed by David Purvis of Sun City Tri (1:16:32) and Bryan Potts of Elvet Striders (1:16:47). The women’s race was won by Olympian and multiple Sunderland City Runs event winner Aly Dixon of Sunderland Strollers in 1:19:15, with Jennifer Berry of Wallsend Harriers in second (1:24:06) and Julie Pescod of Sunderland Strollers third (1:26:21).

Along with other leading club athletes, many runners in all three events were raising funds for good causes, such as official charity partner Red Sky Foundation. Among them was Colin Burgin-Plews, better known as Big Pink Dress, who was fundraising for Cancer Research UK, the day before getting treatment for the disease.

Race director Steve Cram commented: “The weather gods were kind, with sun but not too much warmth during the morning, so conditions were excellent for running. We were delighted to attract such big entries for this year’s Sunderland City Runs, and big crowds to watch the action.

"There was a real buzz in the Event Village and it was great to see Keel Square so busy throughout the day. It was a brilliant showcase for a vibrant city centre, and a positive celebration of running and getting active. Thanks to Sunderland City Council for working with us to host the event and to all of our partners and volunteers for making it so successful.”

Entries are now open for the 2025 Sunderland City Runs, which will be held on Sunday 11 May. If you would like to know more, visit the Sunderland City Runs website.

Image: Sunderland City Runs/Events of the North