Thirteen announced as new Middlesbrough race events sponsor

Run For All - which organises popular events such as the Middlesbrough 10k and Ali Brownlee 5k - has announced its new multi-year partnership with Thirteen Housing Group.

Whether you’re an aspiring Olympian or just want to get up off the couch for some exercise, Middlesbrough’s Run For All will see runners take part in both a 10k race and a 3k race kicking off on Sunday, September 1. 

The 10k run will start and finish in the heart of the town centre, in Centre Square, with the route exploring some of the town’s most well-known landmarks.

The Ali Brownlee 5k and 2k run is a hugely popular event (Image: Stuart Boulton)

These include Albert Park, the Dorman Museum, Teesside University, the Transporter Bridge, and Riverside Stadium.

Runners will then head back to Centre Square for the all-important finish line. 

The 3k race, on the same morning, caters to those aged 3 plus, with participants invited to run, walk, jog, and wheel as organisers ensure the event is made accessible for all abilities. 

In partnership with Everyone Active and Middlesbrough Council, these events are set to inspire, motivate, and empower participants of all ages and abilities to sign up for their event of choice. 

Middlesbrough Mayor Chris Cooke - who admitted he was still recovering from last year’s event - encouraged others to take part. 

He said: “The 10k is an amazing event. Last year I ran it myself, not very well but I ran it. It’s really important that we see how much people are engaged in sport in the town. 

“I think it’s great that people can do it with charities if they can because there are a lot of different organisations that use this event to help them raise funds, so if people can make sure they get that charity sponsorship that would be great.

"But if you just want to take part make sure you come along and give it a go. 

“People drive so much so it’s nice to take a look around and this gives you the opportunity to do that. Maybe around the 9k mark, you may not be doing that as much but it is a great feeling when you finish.”

'Fantastic opportunity'

Matt Forrest, chief executive at Thirteen, described the partnership with Run For All as a "fantastic opportunity to showcase our commitment to the communities in which we operate".

He said: "It’s really important to us that our communities are active and healthy so we are offering 150 free places to our communities which was made possible through the partnership between Thirteen and Jane Tomlinson’s Run For All.

“Exercise has a real impact on people’s well-being and ability to deal with life. From a personal perspective I have a job that has a lot of pressure from time to time and part of the way I deal with that is by getting out and running so that it keeps me mentally in the right place and feeling good. 

“We at Thirteen are very conscious if you look across Teesside there are many inequalities and that’s something we work with people like Middlesbrough and Stockton Council and so on to try and think of ways that we can help and this is one of the things we have come up with.”

Siobhan Curtis, marketing and communications director at Run For All, added: “We are delighted that Thirteen have pledged their support for our Middlesbrough events and look forward to working with the team to continue to inspire and motivate potential entrants across the region to take part. 

“One month today, Centre Square will be buzzing with people, all there for different reasons and motivations, so it is an event for all. 

“You don’t have to run, you don’t have to walk, you can also be a volunteer because events like this do not happen without an army of volunteers. We’d love them to get involved so there’s no excuse really as we’ve got an opportunity for everybody.

Recommended reading:

• Lola McEvoy calls for urgent meeting over Darlington car park
• Man fighting for life after 'targeted' Darlington stabbing
• Hartlepool hedgehog incident: Police interview two boys

Get more from The Northern Echo with a digital subscription. Get access for just £1.50 a week. Click here.

“The community comes out in force on race day. They will be out cheering people on through different areas of town.

"We are grateful for all the town’s support and are hoping to make this year bigger and better than ever to really focus on that community engagement.”

The Ali Brownlee 5k and 2k, which takes place later this year with a start and finish line at the Riverside Stadium, will also be under the new sponsorship.