Over 250 runners complete South Shields clifftop 10k race
The weekend saw running enthusiasts from across the region take part in one of South Tyneside’s biggest races.
A total of 353 participants took part in a series of coastal races over the weekend in South Shields.
The Sand Dancer 10k returned to the coastline for another year with two races for young people taking place before the main event, a 10k race around the South Tyneside coastline.
Starting outside the Sand Dancer pub, which shares its name with the event, 259 participants took part in the senior race with the route taking them along the cliffs before returning through Trow Quarry, avoiding the Coast Road before finishing in Gypsies Green Recreation Ground.
The main event was won by Anthony Sayers of County Durham Crook Athletics Club who recorded a time of 32:41. The first female to complete the course was Jarrow And Hebburn Athletics Club’s Alex Sneddon who finished in a time of exactly 38 minutes.
Two smaller races also took place for younger participants - a 5k junior race which saw 22 participants involved while a 66-strong field took part in the ‘minor’ race which sees kids run just over one mile.
All three races are organised by South Shields Harriers and Athletics Club, which regularly meet and train at Gypsies Green Recreation Ground. Support came from South Tyneside Council and the National Trust.
Race organisers said: “A huge thanks to all of our marshals, officials, parent organisations and other volunteers for making this happen. Thank you to our athletes, there were some great performances and lots of smiles at the finish line which I’m taking to be a good thing.”