Olympic legend to start Newcastle Pride run

A Newcastle charity running event is set to receive Olympic support as it returns to mark the start of the city’s Pride weekend.

Dame Kelly Holmes will fire the starting gun for the 5k Pride Run 2026, which takes place in Leazes Park on Friday, July 24.

The event is organised by Newcastle Frontrunners, an LGBTQIA+ running club based in the city, and has helped launch Newcastle Pride weekend for more than a decade.

Organisers are hoping hundreds of runners will take part, with 450 places available for the main 5k event.

A Children’s Pride Run will also take place, following a one-mile loop around Leazes Park.

Businesses are being encouraged to get involved, either by entering teams of runners or supporting the event through volunteering.

Andrew Melville, event organiser said: “The Pride Run is known for not just being an event for runners or those running in a running club, but open to those of any ability who want to give it a go and have fun.”

Prizes will be awarded to the first three finishers in male, female and non-binary categories, as well as for fancy dress and the children’s run.

All entrants will receive a medal and goody bag.

Proceeds from the race will support Newcastle Frontrunners’ charity of the year, Be, which works with trans people across the North East.

Steven MacDonald, chair of Newcastle Frontrunners, added: “We are absolutely thrilled to welcome Olympic legend Dame Kelly Holmes to this year’s Pride Run in Leazes Park, as we kick start Newcastle Pride. 

“Having such an iconic LGBTQ+ champion not only officially start both the Junior and Adults races but join in and run with our community is an incredible honour. 

“Her presence embodies the very spirit of our event – celebrating visibility and inclusion in sport, highlighting the powerful message that everybody belongs in running.” 

Phil Douglas, chief executive of Curious Arts, added: “It’s a real honour to have Dame Kelly Holmes play a part in Newcastle Pride this year. 

“The 5k Pride Run 2026 is something that we look forward to each year as a brilliant way to mark the start of the Pride weekend and to have such a sporting icon join the Front Runners to help celebrate our LGBTQIA+ community is fantastic.”

To find out more about the run, click here.

Want your business, product or service to be seen regionally and nationally? Bdaily helps you get your story in front of the right audience, every day. Find out how Bdaily can help →

Join more than 55,000 subscribers by signing up to our daily bulletin each morning here.