Final preparations underway for England’s oldest road race

The final preparations are underway ahead of England’s oldest road race, which will take place this weekend in Gateshead.

The Ronnie Walker 10K Saltwell Road Race, which was first run in 1911, will take place on Saturday December 21, with runners set to compete for a share of the £1000 prize money.

This year, around 500 competitors, including Sunderland Olympian Aly Dixon, will be taking part in the historic 10K around Saltwell Park and its surrounding areas.

The last five years of the race have seen places sell out well ahead of the closing date to enter, and this year is no different.

The race is organised by the Saltwell Harriers running club and is sponsored by North East financial planning firm Co-Navigate.

Keith Wood, a local councillor and member of the Saltwell Harriers, said: “The three-lap, traffic-free marshalled route is popular with competitive runners.

“We’re proud to have built up such enviable credentials, helping us attract runners of such calibre, and we look forward to welcoming competitors and spectators alike to make our 108th year the best one yet.”

“This event goes from strength to strength, thanks in no small part to the generous support of sponsors like Co-Navigate.”

Lyndsey Stephenson, director at Co-Navigate, said the firm was incredibly proud to be involved in such a positive event.