Middlesbrough Runs will bring the Ali Brownlee 5K, Middlesbrough 10K and a family relay together across the weekend of 29 and 30 August.
Middlesbrough’s two established road races will be brought together this weekend as part of the first Middlesbrough Runs event, with family relay activity on Saturday 29 August followed by the Ali Brownlee 5K and Middlesbrough 10K on Sunday 30 August.
The weekend is being organised by Events of the North in partnership with Middlesbrough Council and Everyone Active. The change brings the town’s 5K and 10K onto the same morning for the first time, while adding Paula Radcliffe’s Families on Track format as a separate event the day before.
A weekend built around getting involved
Saturday’s Families on Track event will now take place at Middlesbrough Sports Village from 9.30am. Teams of three to five people complete a 10km continuous relay, with the format designed so different generations and abilities can take part together. Organisers say up to 100 teams can enter.
On Sunday, both the Ali Brownlee 5K and Middlesbrough 10K are scheduled to start at 9.30am from Centre Square. The routes take runners through the town, with road closures in place to create traffic-free sections and marshals positioned at key junctions. Events of the North says the first closures begin from 6am, with most affected roads due to reopen between 11am and 12.30pm depending on location.
The 5K is open to runners aged 11 and over and costs £17, while the 10K has a minimum age of 15 and costs £29. UK Athletics members can receive a £2 discount. Entries are due to close at midnight on Wednesday 26 August, or earlier if places sell out, and there will be no entries available on the day.
Ten years since the death of Ali Brownlee
This year’s event also carries particular meaning for Middlesbrough. It marks ten years since the death of broadcaster and lifelong Boro supporter Alastair Brownlee, whose name was given to the town’s 5K. When the new format was announced, organisers said they would work with his family to recognise his life and connection with the town during the weekend.
The Middlesbrough 10K itself has been part of the local running calendar for around two decades. Bringing it together with the 5K and a family event gives the weekend a broader shape, with options ranging from a team relay to a full 10K road race.
What residents and runners need to know
Anyone collecting a race number is being advised to check the digital race guide and information sent by organisers. Runners who entered after 17 August will need to collect their pack rather than receive it by post. Centre Square will also host an event village, and organisers are still inviting volunteers to help with marshalling, water stations and medals.
Residents should expect temporary road closures across parts of the town centre and surrounding route on Sunday morning. Affected roads include sections of Albert Road, Borough Road, Southfield Road and University Boulevard. Emergency vehicle access will be maintained throughout.
The first Middlesbrough Runs weekend arrives at the end of the summer with one event for families on Saturday and two familiar local races sharing Sunday morning. People who do not want to run can also volunteer or support from the route. Full entry details, route information and the road closure document are available through Events of the North.
