Thousands of runners braved the cold winds and rain on Sunday to take part in the sixth Run Sunderland Festival based in Keel Square.
The festival hosts both the Sunderland City 10k and half marathon, with the start and finish lines on St Mary’s Way for the first time as part of a new route. Events of The North have said on the event website that the new base at Keel Square is symbolic of “the city’s renewal and regeneration”.
Participants in the 10k ranged from experienced runners to fancy-dress charity supporters taking part for fun.
But the adverse weather meant that both runners and spectators had to endure strong winds and heavy rain.
Participant David Beecham, 53, said: “It was tough, especially coming back into the wind and the hills but we got there.”
The route for the 10k first took runners to the Monkwearmouth Bridge, carrying them across the river and down onto the water front. After passing the University of Sunderland’s St Peter’s campus and the National Glass Centre, they headed down towards the sea at Sunderland Marina.
Once they had turned left and looped through Roker Park, the route brought everyone up Roker Terrace and back towards the bridge to make their way to the Keel Square finish line.
After finishing the race, participants queued up to collect their belongings. They were also provided with water and a t-shirt to take home.
Words by: Ellie Lyall