Sunderland City Runs will welcome a brand new 5K event to its schedule in 2026, aiming to inspire more people to take up running. Backed by new title partner SG Petch, the 5K will join the weekend of races on 16 and 17 May and is designed to attract beginners including those following the NHS Couch to 5K programme or taking their first steps in the sport through local running groups.

The addition comes after a record-breaking year in 2025, when over 5,000 participants took on the Sunderland City 10K, Sunderland City Half Marathon and Active Sunderland BIG 3K.

The new Sunderland City 5K will take place on the evening of 16 May, with the 10K, half marathon and Active Sunderland 3K following on the Sunday morning. The route will be fast and flat through the city centre, linking Keel Square with the Stadium of Light via Keel Crossing and will highlight some of Sunderland’s most recognisable landmarks.

Event founder and official Couch to 5K coach Steve Cram believes the new distance will open the festival to more people while still appealing to competitive runners. He said: “The barriers to entry are really low and the positive impact running has on physical and mental health is amazing. The 5K is also ideal for people building up to longer races and for younger runners. The flat course should appeal to experienced and elite club athletes too, creating a great spectacle for everyone.”

Sunderland City Council’s Beth Jones, welcomed the expansion, saying: “I think this event will be especially popular with young people, as well as those looking for something more challenging than a 3K, who aren’t quite ready to make the jump to a 10K. It’s also great that it will showcase some of our local landmarks.”

If you'd like to know more, visit the Sunderland City Runs website.

Image: Events of the North