2016: 25 races over 9 months

A new schedule of runs - for 2016 John did the biggest challenge yet - at least one 5k, 5M, 10k, 10m, half marathon and marathon race this year in memory of his mum and for his brother after his stroke.

John stretched himself even further in 2016 - running at least one race in all of the main distances including his very first marathon. This added up to a massive 25 races over 10 months of the year - the longest season and the most races in one year yet!

  • 17th Jan: Carlisle Resolution 10k
  • 28th February: Love2Run 10k
  • 6th March: Ragley Hall Stroke Foundation 10k
  • 27th March: North Tyneside 10k
  • 3rd April: Hartlepool Marina 5mile
  • 10th April: Sand Dancer 10k, South Shields
  • 17th April: Asda 10k Series Lincoln
  • 1st May: Sunderland 10k
  • 15th May: Asda 10k Series Nottingham
  • 25th May: The George Ogle Memorial Race, Swalwell
  • 5th June: Asda 10k Series Burnley
  • 9th June: Blaydon Races
  • 19th June: Asda 10k Series Hull
  • 3rd July: Great North 10k
  • 10th July: Asda 10k Series Leeds
  • 17th July: Lytham St Annes Carnival 5K
  • 24th July: Northumberland Coastal Run 14 miles
  • 31st July: Hexham Half Marathon
  • 7th August: Asda 10k Series York
  • 13th Aug: Gateshead Trail 10k
  • 25th Sept - Loch Ness Marathon
  • 1st Oct: Durham Wineathalon 6 miles
  • 22nd Oct: Great South 5k
  • 23rd Oct: Great South Run 10 mile
  • 30th Oct: Morpeth to Newcastle Half Marathon

TOTAL RAISED up to end 2016: £2890.

Organised by Carlisle based Sport in Action (SIA) this race is part of the Carlisle 10K series. The event uses a mixture of quiet country roads which are generally flat or gently undulating and finishes directly in front of Carlisle racecourse grandstand.

http://sportinaction.co.uk/carlisle-resolution-10k/

Love2Run in Newcastle's Exhibition Park will bring together a passion for running and a great opportunity to raise money for your favourite charity................ If you love to run, then make sure you're part of Newcastle's newest running event!

http://www.runnation.co.uk/love2run-newcastle-10k-1485-p.asp

Ragley Hall Resolution Run is in its second year and is a very popular run in this fantastic location. Entry includes access to the grounds and gardens of this beautiful 18th century house which is home to the 9th Marquess and Marchioness of Hertford and their children. Parking is free and is onsite and there is a £3.00 charge for adult spectators and a £1.00 charge for children over 5 years old. There will be refreshments and snacks available for participants and spectators by the main marquee. The run starts at 11.00am with a warm up at 10.45am and the route takes you through little and big Grove and then up to Pearson's wood with a stunning panoramic view of Ragley Hall as you run towards to the finish line.

http://www.runforall.com/10k/lincoln/

One of the most scenic running events in the UK, the route takes in a working Fish Quay, the River Tyne, Tynemouth Priory and Castle, and a long stretch of coastline before finishing at St. Mary's Lighthouse in Whitley Bay. The event is organised by North Tyneside Council and is supported by Start Fitness, Tyne Met College and Northumbria Spring Water.

Hartlepool Marina 5mile: no description available - see runbritain entry below for basic details.

runbritain.com race entry

The Sand Dancer 10K Multi Terrain originates from the Sunderland to South Shields race, which was the first town to town race ever to be held as far back as 1904 succesive changes to the course because of increasing traffic is the main reason why we now have an off road route on the Leas.

The course which starts on the promenade and continues up onto the Leas consists of 1 large and 1 small loop on coastal foot paths and must be considered as one of the most scenic coastal runs in the country. Although the run is multiterrain spiked shoes are not advised.

Over the five years of the new route the course record is held by Ian Cramptor in 2009 in a time of 33 Minutes. The race is becoming more popular every year with an entry of 300 anticipated this year. All competitors will receive a cup of soup and bun after the run. The run is suitable for club and non club runners.

http://www.southshieldsharriers.co.uk/events-club.php

The Asda Foundation City of Lincoln 10K is now in its 20th year – and is more popular than ever.

One of the biggest road races in the region, thousands turn out annually to take on this fantastic challenge.

Attracting people from across the UK and abroad, it boasts a route that takes in some of Lincoln’s historic landmarks, including the cathedral and the city’s Roman Walls.

http://www.runforall.com/10k/city-of-lincoln/

The Run Sunderland Festival will take place on Sunday 1st May 2016 and has a new home at Keel Square, a symbol of the city’s renewal and regeneration.

After five years based at the Stadium of Light, the Siglion Sunderland City 10K and Siglion Sunderland City Half Marathon will move closer to the city centre, but will retain most of the races’ popular routes, taking in many of Sunderland’s most iconic landmarks.

We are looking forward to welcoming back many of you who have taken part over the past five years to join in the celebrations, along with newcomers looking for a new challenge. With spectacular coastal views and a brilliant atmosphere, although we cannot guarantee the weather, we can guarantee a superbly organised event with plenty of support on the route and an army of enthusiastic volunteers to make it a great day for all taking part. All participants will receive a t shirt, medal and goody bag. There is also limited parking, baggage services and plenty of fun activities for those not taking part.

http://www.sunderlandcity10k.com/sunderland-city-10k/event-info/

New for 2016 – a great new event for the East Midlands and the latest addition to Run For All’s ever-popular Asda Foundation 10K Series.

See this historic city from a runner’s eye view, with a stunning start and finish in Old Market Square, run alongside the Trent, spy the ancient castle and run through the Lace Market and in the shadow of what may be the UK’s oldest pub (resisting the temptation to call in!)


http://www.runforall.com/10k/nottingham/)

This 6-mile trail race explores Gateshead’s lovely Derwent Valley. The race starts and finishes at Swalwell Cricket Club, Derwenthaugh Park, with free parking. The undulating mixed-terrain course includes sections of the Derwent Line and footpaths in local woodlands and fields and alongside the River Derwent.

The George Ogle Memorial Race takes place each May, in memory of George Ogle, army runner, Tynedale Harrier and volunteer race official, who died in 2010. It is organised by Derwent Valley Running Club (formerly PB Fitness Running Club).


http://derwentvalleyrunningclub.co.uk/georgeogle/)

Our Asda Foundation Burnley 10K is one of the region's biggest and best-loved events, attracting around 2,000 runners each summer. Small in size, but not in spirit, what feels like the whole town turns out to support runners in this fantastic 10K challenge.

http://www.runforall.com/10k/burnley

The 1862 Blaydon Races Song is the National Anthem of Tyneside.  The words of the song are used as a basis for everything in the race where possible. The runners assemble at the public house "Balmbras" in central Newcastle and "away they gan alang Collingwood Street" on their way to Scotswood Road and Scotswood Bridge to finish in Blaydon itself.

http://www.blaydonrace.org/

Hull’s rich maritime heritage, coupled with the quaint cobbled streets and marina make for a great event for spectators out on route. Bring the friends and family and make a day out of it, exploring all Hull has to offer.Activities, entertainment and catering for all, as the race is in progress, will be available in the event village. It’s difficult to pinpoint a standout section for spectators, such is the wealth of options on route. If you want a sea backdrop, the area along the waterfront, outside The Deep or around the marina are perfect or for a more vibrant atmosphere why not try Humber Street? The area on Queen's Gardens approaching the finish is very popular, as friends and family can cheer runners home before enjoying the event village. However, the route throughout is spectator friendly and we encourage noise and numbers on all sections.


http://www.runforall.com/10k/hull/

The Great North 10k is the perfect training event ahead of the Great North Run. Returning to Gateshead on Sunday 3 July, it's the North East’s biggest 10k running event, with participants finishing inside the iconic Gateshead International Stadium. The scenic route takes in sights along the NewcastleGateshead Quayside, including Sage Gateshead, BALTIC Centre for Contemporary Art and Gateshead Millennium Bridge.


http://www.greatrun.org/great-north-10k

The Asda Foundation Leeds 10K, with an out and back course along Kirkstall Road, provides a number of vantage points for spectators wanting to cheer on friends and family or just experience the atmosphere of the day. Vicar Lane is a great place to see the start before moving to The Headrow for the home straight. Kirkstall Road offers great vantage points as runners leave and return to the city centre. Millennium Square is the best place to meet up with runners after the event.


http://www.runforall.com/10k/leeds/race-information/

Run amidst St. Anne's seafront attractions and holidaymakers at the height of the summer and in conjunction with the town carnival, this race has a truly festive atmosphere.

The flat, accurately measured 5k course marked with kilometre signs takes competitors from the wide walkway adjacent to the pitch and putt course to the western end of the attractive Fairhaven Lake and back to finish close to the pier.

While ideally suited to novice runners because of its flatness and off-road location, it nevertheless provides something to interest the most talented athletes. In addition to the standard overall, veteran categories and men's and women's team (three to count) prizes, the race has the less common feature of rewarding younger athletes. The first boy and girl in the junior age categories Under 15, Under 17 and Under 20 receive prizes. In addition, finishers receive souvenirs and there are spot prizes for the lucky ones. Minimum age 13 on race day and race limit 250.


http://www.runlythamstannes.co.uk/

This 14 mile (approximately!) multi terrain route from Beadnell to Alnmouth goes through an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty along the Northumberland coastal path from Beadnell Harbour to Alnmouth Estuary, keeping as close to the coast as possible. The route starts on sand, then onto road, sand, trail, road and finishes on sand at Alnmouth - a long and difficult run!


http://www.alnwickharriers.co.uk/?page_id=103

The course is an all road course. It runs from Hexham, through Acomb and n to the outskirts of Corbridge then back to Hexham. Along beautiful country roads, it really is a challenging course to test your strength over the half marathon distance. It truly is a beautiful route with outstanding scenes. The route is one of few courses that provides full road closures throughout. Full road closure Road shoes are recommended with harsh grip in case of adverse weather conditions that may make some area's slippy.


https://www.facebook.com/The-Hexham-Half-Marathon-1566311790297212/

When it comes to stunning scenery, the York 10K is hard to beat! Extremely popular, the flat route takes runners right through the historic heart of this beautiful city.


http://www.runforall.com/10k/york/

In 2016, the Great North Run celebrates its 35th year as an integral part of North East culture. As one of the world’s largest races, the Great North Run is a prominent date in the sporting calendar for professional runners and keen racers alike. Capturing the Northern Spirit perfectly with its charitable causes and the support of cheering locals, it’s difficult to imagine what Newcastle and Gateshead would be without it.

We hope to see you on the start line in 2016! Be part of something memorable!


http://www.newcastlegateshead.com/great-north-run

John's First Marathon!!! Loch Ness is one of the best-known destinations in the world. Its beautiful scenery and the centuries-old mystery of the Loch Ness monster have attracted visitors from around the world for years.

The monster is not the only long-running legend in the area, as Loch Ness is also home to one of the best marathons in the UK. It is the biggest in Scotland which takes place in a rural setting, and brings lots of opportunities for all kinds of runners to take part – either in the marathon or one of the associated running events.

Whatever your reasons for running, we invite you to join us on the start line and become part of the Loch Ness running legend. Explore the events we offer: all of them providing fantastic sights, challenges to suit various abilities, lots of fun, and the chance to achieve something memorable in one of the most famous parts of the world.


http://www.lochnessmarathon.com/

An easy trail run/walk with feed stations every few miles, stocked with optional WINE samples! (each wine station is based around a different wine region of the world). So run, walk or crawl your way around this wine themed event, possibly the best excuse ever to get out of the house on a Sunday. Prizes for 1,2 & 3rd place, best team name, best fancy dress... t-shirt & spot prizes


http://www.wineathlon.co.uk/durham.html

The Morrisons Great Birmingham Run will take runners from the iconic City Centre backdrop south towards the world famous cricketing arena of Edgbaston and on to Bournville, the home of Cadbury World. As well as the fantastic sights and support from the locals there will be some upbeat musicians and bands to keep you going along the route.

http://www.greatrun.org/great-birmingham-run

This lovely 5k run in Portsmouth starts on the Parade where you run alongside the seafront towards Garrison Church which is your turning point. You then head back, past the Portsmouth War Memorial before finishing at the Pyramids Centre. A lovely run to get the town ready for the 10 mile race the next day.

An undoubted attraction of the Great South Run 5k is the fact that there is not a hill in sight - a virtually perfectly flat course with lovely views across the Solent to the Isle of Wight.


http://www.greatrun.org/great-south-run

This fast and flat 10-mile route tours Portsmouth’s sites, including Portsmouth Cathedral, the Spinnaker Tower and the HMS Victory. You may even get to hear HM Royal Marines band who often perform to passing runners.

Finally, the flat stretch along the sea front to the finish line gives you the perfect opportunity to make a personal best.


http://www.greatrun.org/great-south-run

The Morpeth To Newcastle road race captured the imagination of runners the world over for a century. Now it’s back. And this time it’s bigger and better than ever before.

M2N will host four events in one on Sunday July 17th 2016.

Staying true to its heritage there will be three races for runners of all ages and abilities. And cyclists can join in the fun for the very first time – enjoying a unique opportunity to ride a 26-mile route on closed roads.

We anticipate thousands of runners and riders will sign up to what promises to be a very special addition to the North East’s sporting calendar. And we expect thousands more to line the streets cheering on serious athletes and charity champions alike. Full road closures across Northumberland, North Tyneside and Newcastle make M2N a tantalising prospect for both runners and cyclists.

http://www.morpeth2newcastle.co.uk/

About the Age UK Leeds Abbey Dash:


  • Date: Sunday 6 November 2016
  • Time: 10:00am race start (9.30am warm-up)
  • Distance: 10k road race
  • Ages: 15+ (the Junior Dash is open to 8-14 year olds)
  • Cost: Earlybird rate £20 (£18 UKA)
  • Facilities: Water station, chip-timed, sport photography, finish line goodies

The Age UK Leeds Abbey Dash is a 10k race through the streets of Leeds with up to 12,000 runners, from across the country, aiming to gain a personal best on our fast and flat course.This will be our 31st race and every year it gets bigger and better. It doesn't matter if you're an elite or beginner runner, we know you’ll enjoy the Age UK Leeds Abbey Dash


http://www.ageuk.org.uk/get-involved/events-and-challenges/leeds-abbey-dash/