Whitley Bay half marathon set to return this year

Runners are on their marks for the return of a popular half-marathon.
Olympic Gold Medallist Jonathan Edwards, Mayor Norma Redfearn and Phil Gray, Total Racing International, launch this years Whitley Bay to Newcastle Half-Marathon which will take place on Sunday, October 29.Olympic Gold Medallist Jonathan Edwards, Mayor Norma Redfearn and Phil Gray, Total Racing International, launch this years Whitley Bay to Newcastle Half-Marathon which will take place on Sunday, October 29.
Olympic Gold Medallist Jonathan Edwards, Mayor Norma Redfearn and Phil Gray, Total Racing International, launch this years Whitley Bay to Newcastle Half-Marathon which will take place on Sunday, October 29.

World record holder and Olympic gold medallist Jonathan Edwards CBE teamed up with Mayor Norma Redfearn and race organisers to officially launch the build-up to the Whitley Bay to Newcastle run.

The annual half-marathon, launched last year by Total Racing International, starts at Spanish City before passing Tynemouth Priory, North Shields Fish Quay and Segedunum to follow the river to its finish at Newcastle Quayside.

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It will take place on Sunday, October 29, and is suitable for charity fun runners and serious club runners.

Entries for the race are now open via www.morpeth2newcastle.com

The half-marathon will again form part of the Morpeth to Newcastle marathon race day celebrations held on the same day.

Phil Gray, managing director of Total Racing International, said: “We had some amazing feedback from last year’s participants and third parties and we have been working with North Tyneside, Northumberland and Newcastle councils to ensure the race can again take place this year.

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“We have created an all-inclusive occasion, not just for athletes and keen runners but for families and children too. We are also encouraging all entrants to raise funds for local charities.”

Jonathan Edwards said: “I am delighted to officially launch this year’s half-marathon and it speaks volumes that over 2,000 people took part in last year’s event.”

“I am hoping to see some very good club runners, athletes and keen fitness enthusiasts take part in the half-marathon as well as people who just want to take part and raise money for their chosen charity.”

Mrs Redfearn said: “We have a long tradition of hosting road races and sporting events here in North Tyneside, and this half-marathon is another one that we are more than happy to support.

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“The health benefits of running are widely known, and it is always my hope that these events will inspire people to take a more active interest in sports and embrace a healthy lifestyle.

“As well as being a great sporting event, which I’m sure will go from strength to strength, the race gives us another opportunity to show off our wonderful coastline, introduce new people to North Tyneside, and attract visitors to come again and enjoy the scenery at a more leisurely pace next time.”