Around 2,000 people took part in the North Tyneside 10k Road Race today (March 27).
The 12th annual race was won by Tadele Geremew in a time of 30m 41s, and, in a real family affair, the first female runner over the finishing line was Tadele's partner Justina Heslop in a time of 36m 01s. The pair also won the race in 2015.
Geremew shaved 10 seconds off his winning time of last year but the course record still stands at 30m 20s, set by Mongolian athlete Serod Batocir in 2011.
In the men's race, Gary Wallace was second and Mark Snowball was third. The second female over the line was Jacqueline Penn with Lauren Beckett third.
Organised by North Tyneside Council, it was an Easter Sunday sell-out with 2,200 fun runners and competitive athletes alike, keen to tackle what is one of the most scenic yet challenging road races in the UK.
North Tyneside Elected Mayor, Norma Redfearn was at the start line to set the runners on their way.
Speaking after the race, Mayor Redfearn said: “North Tyneside has established itself as a brilliant location for sporting events.
“With the 10k route taking in a working Fish Quay, Tynemouth Priory and Castle and a long stretch of our beautiful coastline, it’s no wonder people travel from all over the country to join in.
“I’d like to say a big well done to everyone who took part in this year’s event – and especially to Tadele and Justina.”
The race started at the Parks Sports Centre in North Shields before taking in the Fish Quay, Tynemouth Priory and a stretch of coastline, and finished at St. Mary’s Lighthouse in Whitley Bay. This year, the race also passed the travelling Spanish City Funfair on the Links, adding a splash of colour to runners’ experience.
The 6.2 mile run was organised by North Tyneside Council and supported by Tyne Met College, Start Fitness and Northumbria Spring, who supply the drinking water along the route.
All competitors received a race t-shirt and their finish time by text message. They could also see video clips of themselves crossing the finishing line.
For more information, email events@northtyneside.gov.uk.
ENDS