THE future of the world-famous Blaydon Races has been secured after the athletics event signed a lucrative sponsorship deal with North-East health and fitness brand Speedflex.

The Blaydon Race, which was made famous by a 19th Century Geordie folk song, takes place on June 9 every year, and follows a 5.7-mile route from Collingwood Street in Newcastle to Blaydon.

The new partnership has been signed in time for this year’s race, and means the 4,200 entrants will collect their entry numbers from the double-studio Speedflex Centre at Fleming Business Centre in Jesmond.

Blaydon Race organiser Lynn Craig said: “This is fantastic news for everyone connected with the race. We rely heavily on sponsorship funding to make the race possible and we are delighted to welcome Speedflex on board as main title sponsors.

“Everyone at Blaydon Harriers is looking forward to the new partnership, which we hope will be a long-term association with the expanding Speedflex health and fitness brand.”

Graham Wylie, chairman of Speedflex, added: “I am delighted that Speedflex has become title sponsors of this famous race, which will provide great awareness of our revolutionary product and brand.

“It is vital that North-East companies get behind the race and its heritage and we are hoping this will be the start of a long-term partnership and association with the race, supporters and its runners.”