A SERIES of popular charity runs have been staged in the North-East over the weekend.

The Sunderland City Runs 2021 went ahead after discussions about the safety of participants with Sunderland City Council, Public Health England and emergency services.

The Sunderland City 5K took place on Saturday and the Sunderland City 10K and half marathon were on Sunday.

Organisers at Events Of The North and Sunderland City Council made sure the runs complied met the national and local Covid restrictions.

Event director and former Olympic middle distance runner Steve Cram said: “Working with Sunderland City Council, we have put in a huge effort behind the scenes to adapt the Sunderland City Runs so we could deliver a brilliant weekend of races.

“People everywhere have really missed the sense of occasion of being part of a big event and everyone knows how important being active is for physical and mental health.”

With safety being a priority, various procedures were put in place, including a series of social-distancing measures and expanded timescales incorporated into the event organisation.

Gerry Taylor, director of public health and integrated commissioning at Sunderland City Council, added: “We welcome being able to plan for the return of events to our city, and particularly those that support individuals’ health and wellbeing.”