Blaydon Race

Blaydon Race. The Blaydon Race is a popular road running event held in Blaydon, Tyne and Wear, England, attracting participants from across the United Kingdom, including London, Manchester, and Birmingham. The event is organised by Blaydon Harriers and Athletic Club, with support from Gateshead Council, Newcastle City Council, and Northumbria Police. The race is part of the British Athletics calendar, alongside other notable events like the London Marathon, Great North Run, and Commonwealth Games.

Introduction

The Blaydon Race is a unique event that celebrates the region's rich history and cultural heritage, inspired by the famous Geordie song The Blaydon Races, written by George Ridley in 1862. The song is closely associated with the North East of England, particularly Newcastle upon Tyne, Gateshead, and Sunderland. The event has become an integral part of the local community, with participants and spectators alike enjoying the festive atmosphere, similar to other popular events like the Nottinghamshire County Show, Yorkshire Day, and Bristol International Balloon Fiesta. The Blaydon Race has also been supported by various local organisations, including The Gateshead Choral Society, Newcastle United Football Club, and The Sage Gateshead.

History

The Blaydon Race was first held in 1981, founded by Jimmy Hedley, a local athlete and member of Blaydon Harriers and Athletic Club. The event was initially designed to promote road running in the region, with the support of English Athletics, UK Athletics, and the International Association of Athletics Federations (IAAF). Over the years, the event has grown in popularity, attracting participants from across the United Kingdom, including Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland. The Blaydon Race has also been influenced by other notable running events, such as the Boston Marathon, New York City Marathon, and Berlin Marathon, which are all part of the World Marathon Majors series.

Course

The Blaydon Race course is approximately 5.9 miles long, starting in Blaydon and finishing in Newcastle upon Tyne. The route takes participants through scenic areas, including Gibside Estate, Derwent Country Park, and Quayside, offering stunning views of the River Tyne and surrounding countryside. The course is similar to other popular road running events, such as the Great South Run, Bristol Half Marathon, and Leeds Abbey Dash, which are all known for their challenging yet scenic routes. The Blaydon Race course has been designed to showcase the region's natural beauty, with support from local organisations like the Northumberland National Park Authority, Durham County Council, and Tyne and Wear Sport.

Winners

The Blaydon Race has been won by several notable athletes, including Steve Cram, Mike McLeod, and Sonia O'Sullivan, who have all competed in major international events like the Olympic Games, World Championships, and European Championships. The event has also been won by local athletes, such as Jonny Taylor, Ross Murray, and Laura Weightman, who have all represented Great Britain and Northern Ireland in international competitions. The Blaydon Race has been supported by various sponsors, including Start Fitness, New Balance, and Lucozade Sport, which are all well-known brands in the running community.

Records

The Blaydon Race has seen several record-breaking performances over the years, with the current course records held by Peter Newton and Lisa Dobriskey. The event has also been influenced by other notable running events, such as the London Marathon, which has seen record-breaking performances by athletes like Eliud Kipchoge, Paula Radcliffe, and Haile Gebrselassie. The Blaydon Race has been recognised by UK Athletics and British Athletics as a premier road running event, alongside other notable events like the Great North Run, Birmingham International Marathon, and Commonwealth Games.

Organisation

The Blaydon Race is organised by Blaydon Harriers and Athletic Club, with support from Gateshead Council, Newcastle City Council, and Northumbria Police. The event is also supported by various local organisations, including The Gateshead Choral Society, Newcastle United Football Club, and The Sage Gateshead. The Blaydon Race has been sponsored by several notable brands, including Start Fitness, New Balance, and Lucozade Sport, which are all well-known in the running community. The event has become an integral part of the local community, with participants and spectators alike enjoying the festive atmosphere, similar to other popular events like the Nottinghamshire County Show, Yorkshire Day, and Bristol International Balloon Fiesta. Category:Road running events in the United Kingdom