A North East university academic who is still receiving surgery following a martial arts injury six years ago is preparing to tackle one of the region's biggest running events for a second year in a row.
Dr Tia Attia, an Academic Tutor in the University of Sunderland’s Faculty of Health Sciences and Wellbeing, will take on the Sunderland City Run on Sunday 17 May, six years after sustaining a serious injury during a karate competition in 2020.
The event marks a special return to form for Dr Attia, 33, who ran last year’s race just one year after hip surgery. The injury led to a long journey of recovery and resilience after he was diagnosed with arthritis, a cartilage tear, and hip impingement.
Dr Attia said: "Going from an elite, active lifestyle to absolutely nothing wasn’t just physically draining, it was mentally crushing.
"There were dark moments when even walking across a room felt impossible, and I truly questioned if I would ever feel like myself again.
"People often don’t see the relentless pain, the sleepless nights, or the gruelling rehabilitation required just to stay positive."
Before the injury, Dr Attia was a competitive athlete involved in snow sports, badminton, climbing, karate, hyrox, and weightlifting.
He completed just three kilometres of the Sunderland City Run in 2025 but has since made significant progress.
In April, he finished the full 26.2 miles of the Manchester Marathon alongside university colleagues Sara Johnston, Paula Treadwell, and Sarah Hindess.
On Sunday 17 May 2026, Dr Attia will tackle the Sunderland City Run 10k, a milestone on his road to recovery.
In sharing his story, he hopes to inspire others facing setbacks.
Dr Attia said: "Injury is not the end of the road.
"In fact, it can be the beginning of a far more profound journey.
"A setback doesn’t stop you from achieving your dreams or returning to your peak, it simply changes the terrain.
"I decided to do what I can, while I can, before regret ever gets the chance."
Originally from Cairo, Egypt, Dr Attia now lives in Sunderland and will be running to raise funds for the University’s Futures Fund, a scholarship programme that supports students in reaching their potential.
A former Team Sunderland Elite Athlete, he completed his PhD in Pharmacy at the University in 2023.
Dr Attia said: "Running for the Futures Fund is my way of giving back to a community that has given me so much, and of continuing to represent the values we stand for: strength, perseverance, and ambition.
"Having been a student myself, I know exactly how vital scholarships and financial support are.
"I feel it is my duty to give back to the University of Sunderland, a place that is part of my identity.
"By running, I hope to increase the University's exposure so more students can benefit from the same life-changing support I once had."
He will be joined by fellow runner Sara Johnston, who also completed the Manchester Marathon and who has taken part in the Sunderland City Run for the Futures Fund for the past two years.
Ms Johnston, Timetabling Coordinator in Academic Registry and Governance, said: "As an ex-student and employee of the University, I am proud that I can contribute to supporting students in developing their careers and aspirations."
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The Sunderland City Run will take place on Sunday 17 May, with limited places still available through the University’s Futures Fund team for both the half marathon and 10k events.
Entry is £10 per person, significantly reduced from the usual price of £27 to £39.
To sign up or find out more about supporting the team, visit the University of Sunderland website.
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