FAQ

Will you send me information in advance?

If you are a UK resident, once you have entered we will send you by post your race number, timing chip & race information pack. Race information packs will be available for download on the website prior to the event. If you are an overseas entrant your pack will be available for collection from Race Information on event weekend.

What is included in my race pack?

You will receive the following items:

• • Race number
  • Timing chip (attached to number)
  • Event t-shirt (if ordered during registration)
  • Event Leaflet with a QR Code linking to our online Event Guide

Why haven’t I received my entry pack?

What do I do if I lose my runner number?

If you realise prior to the event, let us know via email and we can arrange for another number to be ready for you on event day, however £5.00 fee applies. If you can’t find your number on the day, please come along to Race Information on the event weekend, we will check your entry and issue you with an alternative number for a fee £5.00 (card only).

How can I change my details?

You can make change to your entry until Sunday 28th March, 6 weeks before the event day. Please log into your Runner Dashboard using the link in your confirmation email. From there, select “Edit Entry” to update your personal details.

Can I add extras (e.g. t-shirt or photos) after entering the event?

Yes — you can log into your Runner Dashboard and select “Edit Registration” to add extras such as an event t-shirt or photo package and pay online. There’s no need to contact us to do this, and it’s available up to Sunday 28th March, 6 weeks before event day.

Do I have to collect sponsorship? Is there a minimum I must collect?

It is not mandatory to run for a charity or collect sponsorship, this is completely your choice. If you would like to run for a charity our official charity partner for Sunderland City Runs is Red Sky Foundation, please select during your registration form or email us to request a fundraising pack at any stage. We will let the Charity know and they will contact you further to discuss.

Where does my sponsorship and entry fee money go?

All monies raised for your chosen charity should be sent direct to that charity.

Your entry fee contributes to the running of the event and pays for all the site infrastructure, equipment, medals and prizes.

Can I take part in the event but donate my sponsorship to an alternative charity?

Yes.  Every runner is free to make their own choice if they would like to run for a personal charity close to them.  Where you decide to donate is up to you. We have an official charity partner for 2027, local charity Red Sky Foundation. Fundraising packs are available on the registration page, or you can contact Red Sky directly to fundraise with them.

Is there somewhere that I can park my car?

There is limited parking on the Sunderland University City Campus, manned by the Rotary Club who will be doing a donation collection. There are also a number of car parks within a mile of the start including The Bridges Shopping Centre, Sunniside Car Park and the Riverside Multi-Storey Car Park (NB charges apply).

Please note that there may be restricted entry to and from the car parks from 5:30pm to 7:30pm on Saturday and 8:15am to 1:30pm on Sunday whilst road closures are in place. The full road closure document is available to download below. Parking in the city is limited, so we’re encouraging as many people as possible to use public transport.

2026 Road Closures

I don’t drive – can I get to the venue by public transport?

There are two Metro Stations within a few minutes walk of the start: St Peter’s Way and Sunderland. Please check online for live public transport updates on the day.

If I have been sent my race number, do I need to register on the day?

No. Assemble at the start 20 minutes before your race start time, wearing your race number (incorporates your timing chip) and join the crowds by the start line.

What if I forget my race number?

Please go to RACE INFORMATION as early as possible at the venue. One of the team will be able to check your entry and issue you with an alternative race number for a £5.00 fee, payable by card only.

 What time does the race start? Subject to change – please keep an eye on the website and event emails in the run up to event day.

Roughly how long will it take to complete the course?

We would expect the majority of runners to complete the:

10k: 30 minutes – 1 hour 40 minutes

Half Marathon: 70 minutes – 3½ hours

Does the course go on any public roads with traffic?

Yes the course does take you along public roads, but they will all be closed/segregated to traffic for the duration of the race.

How will I know which way to go?

There will be course signage and marshals at all key junctions to ensure you don’t get lost.

Will there be any other activities available?

Yes there will be plenty of activities and stalls from our event partners in our event village in Keel Square.

Will there be any refreshments?

Water stations will be available throughout the route for all runners and each runner will be provided with water on completion of the course.

Isotonic energy drinks will be available at regular intervals from 10km in the Half Marathon.

I’m injured can’t run what should I do?

Oh no and after all that hard work too! We are sorry you are missing out on the event.

Please contact info@eventsofthenorth.com to inform the event team of your withdrawal.

DO NOT PASS YOUR RACE NUMBER on to anyone else, it potentially puts them at a medical risk, we have no medical information or emergency contact details for them. The entry fee is non-transferable and non-refundable, however there could be the possibility of deferring your entry to the following year on production of an official letter from your doctor or physio. The deadline for medical deferrals is 4 weeks prior to the race date.

What happens if it rains?

Some of the most successful events have happened in the rain. Our events will only be cancelled if there are severe weather conditions. Make sure you are suitably dressed for the event. If it is drizzling or cold in the morning bring a bin bag to wear which can be easily discarded at the start which will keep you warmer and dry before you set off.

How difficult will the course be?

Take a look at the event information on the website which has a map of the route and a course description. The courses have been designed to be fast and as flat as possible, this will make it great for those wanting to post a fast time and also for those first timers too!

Do I have to run the course?

We advise participants to run /jog or combine that with fast walking because of the length of time it would take to walk the course. There is a 3 ½ hour limit for the Half Marathon, after which time the event team will ask you to leave the course or run on the paths at your own risk. Please make sure you mention this on your entry form or contact the event team. You’ll be positioned accordingly on the start line.

When will I get my running time?

Your race will be chip timed.  The timing chip will give you an accurate start and finish time, so there’s no rush to be first over the start line when the gun goes!

I need to collect my race number on the day where do I collect it from?

You must collect your race number from Race Information in City Hall (Friday and Saturday only) or the Fire Station (Sunday only) at least 45 minutes before the start of the race.

Can someone take my place?

No. For health and safety reasons we need to ensure that the event organiser has all the details of the runners on the day in case of a medical incident. This is also against UK Athletics rules.

Can my dog run alongside me?

For health and safety reasons we cannot allow any pets to participate in any of the events.

How can I get in touch with someone if I have further questions?

Can I volunteer at the event?

Yes absolutely! If you’d like to be part of the event but don’t want to run, we’re always looking for a fantastic team of volunteers to help bring the day to life — a great way to support from the sidelines! To register your interest and hear about rewards for volunteering your time, please email volunteers@eventsofthenorth.com. We also welcome run clubs, charities and community groups to get involved. We offer group payback schemes, so if this is of interest, please get in touch to find out more, we would love to have you on board!

Why is there an entry fee?

The entry fee covers all the unavoidable administrative and organisational costs that make sure the Sunderland City 5K, 10k and the Half Marathon events are safe and enjoyable.

I can’t run the race now can I have a refund?

Why can’t under 11s take part?

Unfortunately, due to health and safety, England UK Athletics rules and legal reasons, we cannot accept entries from under 11 years old in the 5K, under 15s in the 10k or under 17s in the half marathon.

How secure is the event website?

This website is on a secure server. All the transactional areas of the website including entering events, paying in sponsorship and donating use industry standard 1024 bit SSL encryption.

Is there a running community out there training for the event?

We have a great following on Facebook and Instagram (@Sunderlandcityrun). There are regulars chatting about the event and sharing training tips. Come and join us.

I am a local resident, how is this going to impact me?

To ensure the safety of all runners there will be road closures in place throughout the city which may affect you.  The full road closure document is also available to download.

In due course you will receive information via post about road closures and timings. If you have any queries or concerns please contact info@eventsofthenorth.com

How can I get involved?If you’d like to be part of the event but don’t want to run, we’re always looking for a fantastic team of volunteers to help bring the day to life — a great way to support from the sidelines! To register your interest and hear about rewards for volunteering your time, please email volunteers@eventsofthenorth.com. We also welcome run clubs, charities and community groups to get involved. We offer group payback schemes, so if this is of interest, please get in touch to find out more, we would love to have you on board!

How can I get in touch with someone if I have further questions?

You can email your questions to info@eventsofthenorth.com

I would like to offer a discount over the event weekend as I think I may be able to attract some additional business, can you help?

Great idea and with an additional 5000 runners plus their support in the City it is an ideal opportunity to maximise on sales. We would love to help communicate what you would like to offer. Please keep the offer simple. Email info@eventsofthenorth.com with your business details, contact details and the offer you would like promoted. We will be in touch and start communicating through our social media platforms.

I have a business on the route where the roads are closed, this is going to impact me.

We appreciate that the event may inconvenience certain residents or businesses. We are operating a rolling road closure programme designed with and approved by Sunderland City Council and as such will impact individuals for the shortest time possible to ensure the safety of those participating in the event. All businesses affected by the event will receive an information leaflet explaining which roads are closed, for how long and how you move round. The full road closure document is available to download here.

A rolling road closure schedule, signed off by Sunderland City Council, will be in place on Saturday evening and Sunday. Disruption will be kept to a minimum, but please read through the information carefully and plan accordingly. These road closures are put in place to ensure the safety of all the runners, staff and volunteers at the event.

Download 2026 Road Closure Information