THE Marathon of the North is to be repeated next year after the first race in May was hailed a success.

Former middle distance star and now athletics broadcaster Steve Cram has joined forces with Sunderland City Council to run the event again on Sunday, April 28.

Novices at the 26.2-mile test of endurance will be able to rub shoulders with more seasoned long distance runners on what is described as the biggest city marathon anywhere in the North.

It will take place on the same day as the well-established Sunderland City 10k.

The Olympic medallist, nicknamed The Jarrow Arrow at his peak in the 1980s, hopes it will feed off the momentum for sport stemming from the successful London games and Paralympics.

“Hopefully, after watching a very successful Olympics in London, the games will inspire runners and potential world-beaters to get out there and don their training shoes.”

For those who have taken part in the Great North Run or have missed out on the London Marathon, the organisers are encouraging people to try the Marathon of the North as a “next best”.

Cram, a former world record holder at both the mile and 1,500m, believes the course will offer the chance for quick finishing times.

“It is designed with club and recreational runners in mind.

We’ve made it as flat as possible to allow fast times.

“The course takes in some great landmarks and scenic locations which will make it a memorable route for those taking part.

“Late April is an excellent time of year for marathon running, following closely on the London Marathon the previous week.

“With marathon running on the increase, I would urge people to enter early and start training now.”

Further information, including the chance to reserve a place for either the Marathon of the North or the Sunderland City 10k, is available via marathonof thenorth.co.uk or sunderlandcity 10k.com, with updates available on Twitter, via @sunderland10k and @marathonofthenorth