South Shield beach to host its first gruelling Red Bull Quicksand race: Here's how to enter

A ‘brutal’ one-mile race on sand will take place at a South Shields beach for the first time this summer.
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On Saturday, August 15, Sandhaven Beach will host the the popular Red Bull Quicksand race, as the event comes to the North East for the first time.

The one-mile race, which originated in Margate, Kent in 2017, will see runners battling through sand and a series of obstacles to make it to the finish.

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Last year, the course presented runners with trenches, rollers and giant sandcastles, with the tallest climb a staggering 23ft tall – almost the height of two double-decker buses.

Participants compete at Red Bull Quick Sand in Margate on May 18, 2019. Picture: Leo Francis/Red BullParticipants compete at Red Bull Quick Sand in Margate on May 18, 2019. Picture: Leo Francis/Red Bull
Participants compete at Red Bull Quick Sand in Margate on May 18, 2019. Picture: Leo Francis/Red Bull

The 2020 edition promises even bigger and tougher obstacles and in Red Bull Quicksand’s knockout format, top competitors from each randomly allocated heat will vie to knock each other out and advance to the final.

It is open to 750 participants, and the knockout format is expected to be more competitive this year, with the top finishers in each heat taking on the gruelling course all over again in the semi-finals and, if successful, the final.

The 2019 men’s winner, Lloyd Kempson had this message for anyone looking to take the crown off him in 2020.

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“Red Bull Quicksand was by far the hardest mile I’ve ever run,” he said.

The Red Bull Quicksand race is coming to Sandhaven Beach, South Shields this summer. Picture: James CarnegieThe Red Bull Quicksand race is coming to Sandhaven Beach, South Shields this summer. Picture: James Carnegie
The Red Bull Quicksand race is coming to Sandhaven Beach, South Shields this summer. Picture: James Carnegie

“I went into it thinking pure power and speed would propel me to a decent placing but quickly found out in the early rounds that you need to have a tactical approach.

“I can’t wait to defend the title in 2020.”

Entries for the event in South Shields are now open, with discounted prices available as part of Red Bull’s New Year New Challenge.

Until Monday, January 13, early bird tickets will cost £30 for under 25’s and £35 for over 25’s.

Participants compete at Red Bull Quicksand in Margate on May, 18 2019. Picture: Leo Francis/Red BullParticipants compete at Red Bull Quicksand in Margate on May, 18 2019. Picture: Leo Francis/Red Bull
Participants compete at Red Bull Quicksand in Margate on May, 18 2019. Picture: Leo Francis/Red Bull
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As part of the entry fee all runners will get entrance to the competitor area, a Red Bull Quicksand finisher medal and an event t-shirt.

To secure a place, or to find out more information and access useful training plans visit RedBull.co.uk/Quicksand