RIVERSIDE STADUIM COMES ALIVE FOR FATHER’S DAY RUN

Riverside Stadium, the home of Middlesbrough FC was a buzz of excitement today as hundreds of participants took part in two of the region’s flagship running events, the Ali Brownlee 5K and 2K.

Falling on the same day as Father’s Day, many of those taking part were either taking on the challenge with their Dad, for their Dad or in memory of their Dad.

A highlight in the town’s running calendar, there was a celebratory atmosphere, with hundreds of spectators lining the streets and stands inside the stadium to cheer on their loved ones.

Staged at the iconic Riverside Stadium, both events continue to honour the memory of popular broadcaster Alastair Brownlee, who for over 30 years commentated on his beloved Middlesbrough FC.

Kicking off the day with the 5K, participants crossed the start line outside Riverside Stadium at 10:00. Runners then made their way along Windward Way, via Middlesbrough College and onto Cleveland Street. Participants then made their way via Transporter Bridge and along Vulcan Street before crossing the finish line pitch side.

Providing a fundraising vehicle for charities is the primary objective of every Run For All event, ensuring that the money being raised by competitors stays local and supports the causes that needs them most.

Participants have been encouraged to fundraise for a chosen charity or for one of the event’s partner charities; the Jane Tomlinson Appeal and the Great North Air Ambulance.

Whilst participants of all abilities were taking on the challenge today, there were also competitive elite races involving some of the region’s leading athletes in the 5K distance.

In the men’s race, Lewis Gamble-Thompson triumphed with a time of 00:15:34, with Filmon Eyob runner up in a time of 00:15:52 and Dawit Asmelash third in 00:15:59.

Kate Storey first to the finish line in an impressive time of 00:18:27 in the women’s race, and was pushed all the way by runner up Emily Palmer and Keri Pearson, who clocked 00:18:31 and 00:18:54 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.

Participants have been encouraged to fundraise for a chosen charity or for one of the event’s partner charities; the Jane Tomlinson Appeal and the Great North Air Ambulance.

The Ali Brownlee 2K followed shortly after the 5K and along with the 5K, featured a start and finish at the stadium. 

Open to children aged 3 and over, the 2K saw father’s, children and juniors of all abilities take part 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 finisher’s t shirt to show off with pride.

Chris Cooke, the Mayor, said, "The Ali Brownlee 5K and 2K event was an amazing event today in Middlesbrough. Really well attended and supporting so many good causes. Thank you to all those who attended and those who came to show support."

Paul Ayre, Everyone Active’s Area Contract Manager, said: “We are delighted to support the Ali Brownlee 5K and 2K 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.”

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

2024 is a huge year of running for Middlesbrough as the town gets ready for the return of the Middlesbrough 10K and 3K. Both events are set to take place on Sunday 1^st September.

For further information and to sign up, potential participants are advised to go to www.runforall.com

ENDS

For more information, contact the Run For All press office on 0113 826 7768 or email press@runforall.com.

Notes to editors

About Run for All

Run For All is part of Jane Tomlinson CBE’s lasting legacy. Jane raised £1.85m for children’s and cancer charities before her untimely death from cancer aged just 43 in 2007. She made headlines across the world by competing in a series of epic endurance challenges from the London Marathon, Ironman and triathlon competitions, to a 4,200 mile cycle ride across the width of the USA – despite being diagnosed with incurable cancer. Her family continue to raise funds in her name, and through the Jane Tomlinson Appeal and Run For All, more than £10m has now been raised for charities.

Along with the Ali Brownlee 5K and 2K Run For All’s stable of events already includes successful 10Ks, 10Ms and Mini and Junior runs in Leeds, Sheffield, York, Lincoln, King’s Lynn, Lincoln, Leicester, Bury and Middlesbrough. As well as the Leeds Half Marathon, Derbion Ramathon, Coventry Half Marathon, Larking Gowen Ipswich Half Marathon, Sheffield Half Marathon, Yorkshire Marathon and Rob Burrow Leeds Marathon, in partnership with Clarion.