AFTER more than a year without events in the town, Run For All, in partnership with Middlesbrough Council and Everyone Active are pleased to announce that the Middlesbrough 10K is back for 2021.

Whilst the pandemic caused the event to be postponed in 2020, organisers are excited to announce the event will now take place on Sunday, November 7 and they want to encourage you to pull on those trainers this year.

Whether you have done the 10K before, have only started running in lockdown or are part of a running club this event is for you and will be an incredible day of celebration for the town.

The UK Government's road map out of lockdown has provided everyone with optimism for the future. And whilst we must proceed with caution as we await guidance on any social distancing requirements, by holding the event in November it is hoped organisers will be able to host the event with as few restrictions as possible.

Entrants who have previously entered the event in 2020 have been sent an email to advise them of the events new date and to confirm their entry has automatically been transferred.

It's hoped that the return of this incredibly popular 10K will bring a much needed boost for charities across the region and organisers are encouraging all entrants to think about supporting a charity through their participation this year.

Mike Tomlinson, CEO of Run For All, said: "The community spirit surrounding this event is second to none. Over the years entrants have helped raise hundreds of thousands of pounds for local causes. The pandemic significantly affected so many charities and so we hope that we can come together to celebrate and support as many worthy causes as possible."

Sunday, November 7 will see thousands of runners take to the new 10K route. Featuring the Riverside Stadium, runners can enjoy a town centre route that includes Teesside University, the Transporter Bridge and a grand finish at the Middlesbrough Institute of Modern Art on Centre Square.

Due to the pandemic and organisers still awaiting official Government guidance the decision has been taken to postpone the Ali Brownlee Riverside 5K and Fun Runs to September 2022. All entrants have been emailed to advise of the further postponement.

Councillor Dorothy Davison, Middlesbrough Council's Executive member for Adult Social Care & Public Health, said: "The Middlesbrough 10k has a deserved reputation as one of the flagship events on the region's running calendar, so  its cancellation last year was a big blow.

"Now we're finally starting to turn the tide on the coronavirus pandemic, we can at last look forward to welcoming runners back to Middlesbrough as the 10k returns bigger and better than ever.

"There's plenty of time for runners and walkers to get in shape ahead of the big day in November, and of course the thousands who turn out to cheer them on are just as important.

"The 10k is also a fantastic opportunity for local and national charities to raise much-needed funds, and after a year of lockdowns, closures and disruption that's more important than ever for countless good causes.

"I'm grateful to our partners Run For All and Everyone Active for working tirelessly behind the scenes on this year's event - let's make the 2021 Middlesbrough 10k a day to remember!"

Paul Ayre, Contract Manager at Everyone Active, said: "We are delighted the Middlesbrough 10K is returning for 2021 as it is such an important event for the community. We hope people of all ages and abilities will be inspired to take on the challenge and to raise vital funds for good causes across the region, all in a safe running environment."

With over six months till the big event, it is hoped people across the town will set themselves a challenge to run 10K this year and help bring the town alive to celebrate the return of events.

Whether you wish to run, walk or jog the 10K, this is a community event and is open to everyone over the age of 15. Each finisher will be celebrated as they cross that finish line to receive their well over due finishers medal.

Entries are now open online at www.runforall.com