'He would have been so proud': Bradley Lowery to be celebrated at a major Sunderland event next month
Here’s how runners can pay tribute to Bradley Lowery on his 15th birthday
The 15th birthday of Bradley Lowery will be marked in a poignant tribute at a Sunderland event next month.
And Bradley’s mum Gemma has welcomed the news saying ‘he would have been so proud’.
This year’s 15th Sunderland City Runs coincides with the birthday of Bradley and the Foundation which was set up in his name is aiming to field a team of 15 fundraisers in the 5K, on Saturday, May 16 - the day before Bradley would have turned 15.
The SG Petch 2026 Sunderland City Runs will be held over the weekend of May 16 and 17 and are being organised by Events of the North, in partnership with Active Sunderland, Sunderland City Council.
The two-day festival of running incorporates the new SG Petch Sunderland City Runs 5K on the Saturday, and the Sunderland City 10K, Sunderland City Half Marathon and Active Sunderland BIG 3K on the morning of Sunday, May 17.
The Bradley Lowery Foundation is also encouraging people to sign up to join the ‘BLF Cheer Team’ during the event, which will be based close to Bradley’s beloved Stadium of Light, where volunteers, staff and the runners’ family members will be supporting runners.
Gemma said: “The Sunderland City Runs are an incredible display of communities supporting each other through fundraising and fitness, lifting each other up over 15 years. It would have been Bradley’s 15th birthday on May 17 and he would have been proud to see The Foundation collaborating with an event that involves so many of the people that supported him through his toughest times.”
SG Petch Sunderland City Runs founder Steve Cram said: “Bradley was an inspiration to all of us – his positivity, passion and love for Sunderland always shone through, whatever he was going through at the time. Thanks to The Bradley Lowery Foundation, he leaves an enduring legacy that is doing a huge amount of vital work to support families who are facing childhood cancer, and to help fund research into the disease.
“ As we celebrate the 15th edition of the Sunderland City Runs, we’ll remember Bradley and help the foundation to raise funds that will make a difference for other young people.”
The Bradley Lowery Foundation is inviting volunteers to join the BLF Cheer Team refreshment station during the event. Helpers will be needed from 6-8pm on Saturday, May 16. Anyone who is interested should send an email to [email protected].
For more information about the SG Petch Sunderland City Runs and to book a place at the 2026 event, visit www.sunderlandcity10k.com.
The Bradley Lowery Foundation is dedicated to raising awareness and funds for children with life-limiting conditions.
For more information, visit https://bradleyloweryfoundation.com.