Member Article

Historic race returns to Prudhoe

Sunday October 1 sees the popular Prudhoe Miners Race return for its sixth consecutive year - thanks to sponsorship from the town’s biggest employer.

Prudhoe Town Council, tissue makers Essity (formerly SCA Hygiene) and Run Northumberland have once again joined forces to invite runners of all ages to get involved in the historic event.

With the adult 10k race and two junior events, there’s something for everyone. The Essity Prudhoe Miners 10k starts at 10am and tracks a scenic route around the town.

The event is part of the Run Northumberland 10k race series and operates under UK Athletics rules.

Little legs can also follow in the footsteps of East Tynedale’s mining heritage as the annual Miners Race invited youngsters from local schools and running clubs throughout the area to take part in the Junior 3k Run for 11 to 16 year-olds and a 1.5k Mini Run for 5 to 10 year-olds.

The junior events are held after the adult race on a flat, traffic-free course at Tyne Riverside Country Park in Prudhoe.

The 3k Junior Run is designed for budding athletes. The fast course takes participants east along the Riverside Path and round the Spetchells chalk heaps at the back of the Essity Mill.

The 1.5k Mini-Run is an out-and-back starter course for youngsters and parents are welcome to accompany their children.

The original Miners Race was a traditional sporting event dating back to the early 20th century. It came to an end in the wake of the Second World War and was resurrected by the Town Council with support from Essity in 2012 to mark the London 2012 Olympics.

Essity, which manufactures household favourite Velvet at Prudhoe Mill, has been supporting the Town Council in hosting the event since its revival.

George Placogiannakis, site manager at Essity, explains: “Though our name and logo have changed recently, it’s still very much business as usual and Prudhoe Mill continues to play an active role in the local community.

“As a local employer we think the annual Miners Race is a great opportunity to showcase our beautiful town and bring people of all ages together to have fun and get active.”

This year the Town Council is encouraging more local schools to get involved by offering a £250 bursary for sports equipment to the school with the most entries on the day. It will be awarded based on the highest percentage of entries per pupil roll within the Prudhoe Schools Partnership.

Councillor Gerry Price, Mayor of Prudhoe, said: “Now we’re in our sixth year, we are delighted the Miners Race has become an established fixture in our events calendar.

“We couldn’t do it without the runners taking part, along with all the wonderful spectators and volunteers who come out to support us every year.

“By introducing the schools prize we hope to encourage even more youngsters to take up sport and help us to celebrate our town’s wonderful industrial heritage in this historic race.”

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by publicrelations consultancy.com .