Organisers have confirmed the return of a New Year’s Eve running event in the centre of Newcastle. After a successful debut last year, the HogmanHOWAY 5K will take to the streets of the city centre on 31 December, and aims to double in size.
Sponsored by investment company Develop North PLC, the HogmanHOWAY 5K is organised by Events of the North, in partnership with the North East Mayoral Strategic Authority and Newcastle City Council. Staged on closed roads around the city centre, the flat and fast race is suitable for runners of all ages and abilities, providing an opportunity for people to get active together as part of their New Year’s Eve celebrations. The event also offers a generous prize fund for elite athletes, to showcase some exciting competition for spectators to enjoy.
Over 1,500 people completed the first HogmanHOWAY 5K and organisers have worked with the local authority to build on that platform. Minor changes to the route in the start area will allow the event’s capacity to double and enhance the experience for both runners and spectators. Starting and finishing at the Civic Centre, the 5K takes runners past many key landmarks and sites that Develop North is helping to transform. The course also includes land occupied by event partners Northumbria University and Maldron Hotel.
Event founder Steve Cram comments: “Last year, we proved that Newcastle was a great venue to join the list of iconic locations that host New Year’s Eve running events. Our aim is to grow the HogmanHOWAY 5K into a spectacular showcase for the city and the North East. It’s exciting that Develop North, Mayor Kim McGuinness and the North East Mayoral Strategic Authority, and Newcastle City Council, share that vision, and we look forward to welcoming even more running revellers on 31 December.”
Michelle Percy, chief executive of Develop North PLC, said: “Develop North is proud to support the return of the HogmanHOWAY 5K, an event that brings people together while showcasing the region at its very best. We share the ambition to see it grow and become an established part of the city’s New Year celebrations, attracting even more participants and spectators into the heart of Newcastle. As a business investing in places and projects across the North East, we want to play our part in supporting initiatives that contribute to vibrant, thriving communities and reinforce the North East as a great place to live, work and visit.”
North East Mayor Kim McGuinness adds: “We’re putting Newcastle and the North East back where we belong as a New Year destination and the HogmanHOWAY 5K event is right at the centre of that. I can’t wait to see the city centre alive with runners again. I’m really hoping we’ll get even more people from across the North East and beyond lacing up their trainers and heading to the start line. Whether you are running the distance or cheering from the sideline, it is going to be a brilliant day.”
Cllr Rob Austin, cabinet member for culture, communities and youth services at Newcastle City Council, comments: “We are really excited to welcome the HogmanHOWAY 5K back to Newcastle after what was such a successful maiden event last year. As a city council we are proud to have loads of amazing events and things to do over the Christmas and New Year period. This time of the year is associated with food, drink and festivities but that isn’t for everyone and we want a more diverse offer for our residents – we fully support the efforts to grow HogmanHOWAY so it can be even bigger and better in the years to come.”
Many of the runners in the first HogmanHOWAY 5K used the run to raise money for good causes, including official event charity The Sir Bobby Robson Foundation, part of Newcastle Hospitals Charity. Once again, the foundation is an event partner for 2026 and organisers will be encouraging participants to support its campaign to secure the proposed Sir Bobby Robson Institute, a new, world-leading cancer research and treatment centre for patients across the North East, north Cumbria and North Yorkshire.
To enter the HogmanHOWAY 5K, visit www.eventsofthenorth.com/event/hogmanhoway-5k
