Get ready, North East – the Sunderland City Runs 2025 will kick off our calendar of events for this year, and it’s shaping up to be the biggest and best edition yet. With new medals and t-shirts to be revealed, record participation expected and a stunning course through one of the North East’s most iconic cities, this is an unmissable event to be part of.
Here’s why runners from across Sunderland, the wider region and beyond are getting hyped for one of the North East’s premier running events.
1. Choose your challenge
Whether you’re chasing a PB or just starting your running journey, there’s something for everyone in 2025:
- Sunderland City 10K – A flat, fast course perfect for all levels
- Sunderland City Half Marathon – A spring test of endurance with scenic views
Sunderland’s city streets and sea views offer the ideal mix of challenge and atmosphere for everyone from first-timers to seasoned club runners.
2. See Sunderland like never before
Running through the city centre and along the beautiful coastline, the Sunderland City Runs are a unique way to experience the sights and spirit of the city.
Highlights of the scenic, traffic-free course include:
- Two of Sunderland’s famous bridges
- Sea views along the seafront
- A buzzing start and finish near Keel Square
Lace up and take part in some runseeing with thousands of others cheering you on!
3. Record numbers & big buzz
Since the first Sunderland City 10K in 2011, which welcomed just over1,500 runners, the event has grown into one of the North East’s largest running events. Last year, entries were up 33% and in 2025, we’re expecting over 4,000 runners to take part.
Join the crowd and run the city alight as Sunderland hosts this epic celebration of running.
4. Prizes and presige
Top club athletes from across the North East will be back in action – and with good reason. There’s prize money and Nike kit up for grabs, including:
- £150 & Nike kit for 1st place
- £75 & Nike kit for 2nd
- £50 & Nike kit for 3rd
- £60 of Nike kit for 1st V40-70
Last year’s results were stacked with talent:
- Ben Bayly (Durham University) won the 10K in 31:21
- Stacey Smith (North Shields Poly) stormed the women’s 10K in 33:53
- Olympian Aly Dixon took the women’s Half in 1:19:15
5. Run for a Cause
Running in Sunderland means more than just medals. Many participants will be raising funds for causes close to home and heart, including:
- Red Sky Foundation – official charity partner
- STS Charity – part of official partner, South Tyneside & Sunderland NHS Trust
- Cancer Research UK – with local legend Big Pink Dress taking part again
Employees from the NHS Trust are also taking part as part of the trust’s focus on wellbeing, community and fitness.
6. Get involved – entries now open!
Entries are now open for both the 10K and Half Marathon at www.sunderlandcity10k.com.
Don’t miss the chance to:
- Get your race number posted (deadline: 23 April)
- Receive a goody bag including your brand-new 2025 medal (and t-shirt for an additional cost)
- Secure baggage drop and electronic chip timing so you can focus on soaking up the atmosphere
- Join thousands of runners at one of the most iconic running events in the North East
Whether you’re a local runner from Sunderland or visiting from across the UK, the Sunderland City Runs 2025 promise a memorable race day with plenty of community spirit, beautiful coastal views and big personal bests to be claimed.
Sign up now and run the city alight.
