THOUSANDS of runners have taken part in the eighth annual Run Sunderland Festival.

The theme this year was #runwiththetide, as part the city’s schedule of big events, including the Tall Ships Races in July.

The festival, organised by Events of the North, was staged with help from Sunderland City Council and Sunderland Live.

Event founder and race director Steve Cram said: “It was a fantastic day for Sunderland.

“There were some great performances and we also had loads of runners who pounded the streets to raise money for good causes.”

The Siglion Sunderland City 10K was won by Andy Powell in a time of 33 minutes and three seconds. followed by Liam Taylor, 33:28 and John Clifford, 33:31.

The ladies’ race was won by Alex Sneddon, 36:54, with Danielle Smythe, second in 37:57 and Stephanie Maclean Dann third in 39:29.

Abraham Tewelde retained his title in the Siglion Sunderland City Half Marathon in 1:10:13, with Conrad Franks second in 1:11:34 and Darren Purvis third in 1:13:42.

Eleanor Hunt won the ladies’ race in 1:23:28, with Isabel Steele second in 1:23:49 and Alice Smith of third in 1:25:52.

The runs were preceded by the Active Sunderland BIG 3K for young runners.

The event was sponsored by Siglion, the regeneration company that is leading the transformation of sites around the city.

Steve Cram said: “The weather behaved this year and brought out big crowds to cheer people on, creating a great atmosphere. Well done to everyone who took part.”