Team manager Albert James was forced to make three changes to the team that qualified for the final at Manchester two weeks ago.
This proved too much of a handicap and the team finished 53rd in the relay won by Cardiff, from Swansea. Morpeth were the first of three competing North East clubs to finish, in 10th, and Tyne Bridge Harriers were 62nd.
The Sunderland team was Steve McMahon (54th) 18.50, Sparrow Morley (54) 19.09, Ian Ritchie (54) 19.36, Jack Tallentire (54) 19.50, Jake Jenson (50) 19.52 and Jason Waite (53) 20.10.