Athletes' new challenge
Mar 18 2009 by Chris Robinson, The Journal
SUNDERLAND is set to become a hotbed of sporting activity this summer with the launch of a new Great North challenge.
The first Bupa Great North 10k will hit the roads in July and will be open to men and women.
The course will take in Sunderland city centre, riverside, green parks and coastline.
It will replace the Great Women’s Run which has been in operation for the past three years.
Organisers said the event, which was run along the coastline and out to sea along the pier, proved so popular that it would be opened up to men. A selection of the world’s best elite runners will head up the front of the field attracting thousands taking part for fun and charity and places are available now.
The city will also host the Bupa Junior Great Sunderland Run, which is open to young people aged 8-14 years.
Meanwhile walkers can also venture around the sites of the city in the Diabetes UK Great North Walk, which will take place on Sunday, June 14.
The 10-mile route begins and ends at Herrington Country Park with the walk taking in city landmark Penshaw Monument and the beautiful countryside that surrounds the area. Both events were officially launched yesterday.
