AFTER a stunning victory at Wembley last month South Shields FC will make a return to the sporting stage at the North-East’s biggest 10k running event.

The Mariners will be honorary starters at the Simplyhealth Great North 10K, bringing with them the FA Vase, the first national trophy in their club’s history, which they won after defeating Cleethorpes Town 4-0.

Members of the team will set over 5,000 people on their way on Sunday July 9, along a scenic course that finishes inside Gateshead International Stadium.

Lee Picton, South Shields FC’s joint manager, said: “It’s a huge honour that we’ve been asked to be the honorary starters at this year’s event.

“This has been an incredible year for the club, on and off the pitch, and of course last season was topped off with our win at Wembley in the FA Vase final.

“That was one of four trophies we won last season and we have received some humbling recognition since then, with this being one of those moments. We can’t wait to set the runners on their way.”