THE Run Sunderland Festival will return next year with the Sunderland City Half Marathon and Sunderland City 10k races both confirmed for Sunday, May 3.

Next year will be the fifth staging of the major road running events, with both the half marathon and 10k starting and finishing at the Stadium of Light. The routes for both races will be based mainly in the city centre, and will also take in the coastal road.

Entries are now open, with discounts available for runners who book their places early and for members of running and athletics clubs.

“Time has flown and we’re really pleased that the Run Sunderland Festival will be reaching this landmark in 2015,” said event founder Steve Cram. “Our partnership with Sunderland City Council and Sunderland Live has proved to be very effective and allowed us to build the half marathon and 10k into significant sporting events for both the city and wider region.

“Once again, we’re really looking forward to seeing thousands of people pounding the streets of Sunderland, being cheered on by thousands more enthusiastic supporters.”

It is anticipated that around 4,000 people will take part in next year’s events, and organisers are offering ‘early bird’ entry fees for both the half marathon and 10k until the end of the year.

Runners affiliated to a club can enter the half marathon for £30, while the price for unaffiliated runners is £32. The early bird prices for the 10k are £21 and £23 respectively.

For more information about the 2015 events, or to book a place on one of them, visit www.sunderlandcity10k.com.