On a breezy but dry day, marathon world record holder Paula Radcliffe and local Team GB marathon star Alyson Dixon joined thousands of club and fun runners who took part in the Siglion Sunderland City Half Marathon and 10K.
The races started and finished in Keel Square, a symbol of the city’s regeneration, where a large crowd of spectators were entertained by live music.
The Run Sunderland Festival was organised by Events of the North and made possible thanks to a partnership with Sunderland City Council and Sunderland Live.
The event was sponsored by Siglion, the regeneration company that is leading the transformation of sites around the city.
The day started with the Sunderland City 10k.
The race was won by Jonathan Taylor of Morpeth Harriers for the second year in a row, in a time of 31 minutes and 3 seconds. He was followed by Weynay Ghebresilasie of Shettleston Harriers in 31:26 and Wondiye Fikre of Leeds City Athletic Club (31:29).
First lady was Alison Dargie of Tyne Bridge Harriers in 38:28, with Jacqueline Etherington of Sunderland Harriers (40:42) in second and Wendy Chapman (40:49) third.
The Sunderland City Half Marathon was won by Abraham Tewelde of Saltwell Harriers in 1:10:07, with Tristan Learoyd of New Marske Harriers (1:13:03) in second and Stephen Jackson (1:15:03) third.
The women’s race was won by Alyson Dixon of Sunderland Strollers in 1:23:01, closely followed by Paula Radcliffe of Bedford & County in 1:23:02, with Jenny Watt of Vale Royal (1:25:27) in third.