Iconic Running Man statue returns to South Shields seafront with a new hairstyle

The famous Running Man statue has been reinstated in its rightful place on South Shields seafront after an ‘extended winter break’.
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In November 2019 council bosses reassured local residents that the topiary statue had only been temporarily removed to allow for ‘essential repairs’ and improvements to the steel frame.

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It was expected to be back in place by Christmas in time for the annual festive light display.

The Running Man has been re-installed following renovation and given a new hair style.The Running Man has been re-installed following renovation and given a new hair style.
The Running Man has been re-installed following renovation and given a new hair style.

However it is only now, on Thursday, March 12 that the statue has been reinstated after what is being called an ‘extended winter break’ while the repairs were carried out – and he was given a new hairstyle.

The iconic statue was placed on the roundabout in celebration of the Great North Run, which has been held in the town for almost four decades.

In 2017, a topiary running dog sculpture was placed next to him in honour of the Great North Dog Walk, which this year will mark its 30th anniversary.

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The pair are a well-known sight for those heading down to the coast and the Running Man’s absence did not go unnoticed over the previous months, with one resident describing it as an “important part of the landscape” when it went missing.

The statue disappeared in November 2019.The statue disappeared in November 2019.
The statue disappeared in November 2019.

Bosses now say they are “delighted” he is back and “looking his best” in time for the Great North Run.

The 40th anniversary of the event will take place on Sunday, September 13 and is expected to host the largest numbers yet with a record 60,000 runners signed up.

A South Tyneside Council spokesperson said: “We are delighted to bring back our iconic Running Man and see him once again take pride of place alongside the topiary dog feature.

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“He has had an extended winter break while under repair. However it is important he is reinstated and looking his best in time for the hundreds of thousands of visitors we expect to flock to our stunning seafront over the coming months.”