A North East town centre was buzzing with excitement today as thousands of participants and spectators took part in the Middlesbrough 10k and 3k races.

Hundreds of spectators were lining the streets to cheer on their loved ones as they made their way around the course.

Organised by Jane Tomlinson’s Run For All, in partnership with Everyone Active and Middlesbrough Council, the day kicked off with the 10k run starting at 9am.

Taking in some of the town’s most well-known landmarks  - including Albert Park, the Dorman Museum, Teesside University, the Transporter Bridge and Riverside Stadium - runners on the 10k then headed back to Centre Square for the all-important finish line.

While participants of all abilities took on the challenge today, there were also a number of competitive elite racers, made up of some of the region’s leading athletes.

In the men’s race, Joseph Wilson triumphed with a time of 31mins 18 sec, with Lewis Gamble-Thompson as the runner up in a time of 31:37 and Max Creasy third in 31:48.

Gerda Steyn was first to the finish line in an impressive time of 33 mins 48 sec in the women’s race. She was pushed all the way by runner-up Ruth Cole and Rachelle Falloon who clocked 38:08 and 38:56 respectively.

But the real winners were the many local and national charities, who will benefit from the efforts of the many people who took part for good causes, raising tens of thousands of pounds in the process and making a vital difference.

Today’s runners were encouraged to fundraise for a chosen charity or one of the event’s partner charities; the Jane Tomlinson Appeal, Leo’s, the Teesside Family Foundation, Home Start Teesside and the Great North Air Ambulance Service.

The Middlesbrough 3k followed shortly after the 10k and similarly featured a start and finish on Centre Square.

Open to children aged three and over, the 3k saw children and juniors of all abilities take on the distance together. Participants were invited to wheel, walk, jog and run as organisers worked to make the event accessible to all.

Once crossing the finish line, participants were rewarded with a selection of post-run treats, including a hard-earned bespoke medal and a finisher’s T-shirt.

Here are some pictures from the day:

(Image: Run For All) (Image: Run For All) (Image: Run For All) (Image: Run For All) (Image: Run For All) (Image: Run For All) (Image: Run For All) (Image: Run For All) (Image: Run For All)

Tristan Batley-Kyle, Operations Director at Run For All, reflecting on the day, said: “A huge well done and thank you to all participants who joined us at the 10K today. With the addition of the 3K, it has been a fantastic day of running and fundraising for all abilities and ages.

“The enthusiasm and support from everyone involved, from the participants to the many spectators, sponsors, partners and volunteers, all ensured the day was a great success.”

Paul Ayre, Everyone Active’s area contract manager, said: “We are delighted to support the Thirteen Middlesbrough 10k and 3K as this is such an important event for the local community. People of all ages and abilities were inspired to take on the challenge and did a fantastic job of raising vital funds for good causes across the region.”

Thirteen Housing Group and Jane Tomlinson’s Run For All have recently announced a multi-year partnership, with Thirteen Group set to be the title sponsor for a series of running events in Middlesbrough over a range of distances from 2k to 10k.

Run For All and Thirteen will work together to inspire, motivate and empower participants of all ages and abilities to sign up for their event of choice with today marking the first of many successful events together.

David Ripley, executive director of customer services, said: “Congratulations to all runners who took part on the day.

“Thirteen colleagues and customers thoroughly enjoyed the race and celebrating with runners and spectators alike in the event village.

“Participating in such a positive community event was a brilliant way to mark Thirteen’s 10th anniversary.

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“We’re passionate about promoting wellbeing and we look forward to continuing our partnership with Jane Tomlinson’s Run For All in Middlesbrough in 2025.”

The event is supported by Middlesbrough Council, Everyone Active, BBC Radio Tees, Coopah, Shokz, Up and Running, High 5, Arla Protein, Marathon Photos Live and JOG ON.

Entries for next year’s Middlesbrough 10K are now open. The event is set to take place on Sunday 31st August 2025.