Keen runners are being urged to sign up for a popular event that is returning this summer to help support North East children with disabilities.
The 19th Sunshine Run will take place on Newcastle's Quayside on Wednesday, June 15, and this year it will include a new event for teenagers. The Chronicle's Sunshine Fund provides life-changing equipment for youngsters with disabilities across the region and the run helps to raise money for the charity.
Stephen Miller, charity patron and Paralympian, will be at the start line, with runners setting off from the Millennium Bridge and heading to Newcastle Business Park before making it back to cross the finish line.
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The race is flat and fast and perfect for club, fun and team runners. The event has been a firm favourite for many Sunshine supporters over the years, particularly corporate teams who enjoy taking part with colleagues.
On the day, the elite 5K wave will start ahead of the main 5K run, which will take place at 7pm. New for 2022 will be a 3K wave, especially for 13 to 18-years-olds who have been keen to take part in previous years. This event will offer youngsters a chance to train for their next race, the Junior Great North Run or just have fun.
Erin Todd, fundraising and events coordinator, said: "We know that people are spoilt for choice with so many fun and club runs taking place in our region but we know the pride every Geordie feels when they see the Tyne Bridge and so this year our finish line will remain on Newcastle's Quayside to enable runners to get an epic bridge photo finish.
"If you're not a Geordie, we still hope you'll join us for an evening of competition and fun in our fast and flat 5k races. We're also thrilled to introduce our 3K wave this year as we know the North East has a wealth of sporting talent that need the opportunity to shine.
"For the second year running our wonderful friends at Stagecoach will be our event partners for this iconic event. Stagecoach are synonymous with the North East and they share our vision for a brighter future for all children living with disabilities in our region."
Mark Middleton, from event sponsors Stagecoach North East, added: "Having seen the amazing work the Sunshine Fund does on behalf of local families, we fully appreciate how important it is for the children to receive the support they need for living an independent life. We hope the Sunshine Run continues its tradition of making a huge difference to the lives of children with disabilities in the North East."
All participants will receive a T-shirt to wear during the run as well as a medal on passing the finish line. To register for the elite 5K, main 5K or youth 3K event, visit www.thesunshinefund.org/sunshinerun.
Affiliate and teams of 10 or more runners will benefit from a registration discount. If you are interested in registering a team of 10 or more, please contact Erin directly at erin.todd@thesunshinefund.org
