ONE of the region's biggest and most popular fun runs will returning later this year.

Run For All has announced a partnership with Middlesbrough Council and Everyone Active to organise the Asda Foundation Middlesbrough 10k – formerly the Tees Pride 10k – and the Ali Brownlee Riverside Run 5k.

 

Both the 10k on September 1 and 5k on June 30 will be run on the same routes as previous years, meaning the Ali Brownlee Riverside Run will continue to start outside and finish inside Middlesbrough Football Club's Riverside Stadium.

Middlesbrough FC squad members gathered at the club's training ground in Hurworth yesterday to launch the races.

Run For All is a not for profit company that is a legacy of the late charity fundraiser Jane Tomlinson, who despite being diagnosed with an incurable cancer, completed a series of incredible endurance challenges.

Paul Ayre, the Middlesbrough contract manager for Everyone Active, said: “We are really excited about this opportunity to work with the great team at Run For All, who are considered to be one of the UK’s leading providers when it comes to organising and hosting running events.

“The Middlesbrough 10k and Ali Brownlee Riverside Run are hugely popular and well-established annual events for the Middlesbrough local community and over the last three years, Everyone Active has had the privilege to manage both.

“Something we have been keen to do, however, is grow them and make them even more successful. By joining forces with Run For All, we have got a fantastic opportunity to do that in the years to come.”

 

Middlesbrough FC manager Tony Pulis said: “The Run For All partnership with Middlesbrough Council is terrific news for the area. What Jane achieved was truly remarkable and she has left an amazing legacy.

“Ali Brownlee was clearly something of a legend in this area and was a Boro man through and through. We’d encourage people across the Tees Valley to get involved and raise money in memory of two fantastic people.”

Councillor Lewis Young, Middlesbrough Council’s executive member with responsibility for sports development, said: “We are delighted that Run For All has agreed to help us grow the Middlesbrough 10k and Ali Brownlee Riverside Run.

"We know they’ll do the events justice by honouring the heritage of both and ensuring we continue to support local charities as much as possible."

Any charities interested in becoming an official charity partner – whether involved at the previously named Tees Pride 10k or Ali Brownlee Riverside Run or not – are encouraged to contact Run For All.

Asda Foundation Coordinator Mandy Hepworth said: “We’re excited to be associated with two more great races and it’s especially exciting to be a part of the first Run For All events north of Yorkshire.

“We know this partnership will help grow two already successful, popular events for the benefit of local charities and local runners.”

Anyone interested in signing up should visit www.runforall.com/events/10k/middlesbrough-10k.