THE organisers of the Run Sunderland Festival have confirmed the first details of the next year’s event.

The 2019 Siglion Sunderland City Half Marathon and 10K will take place on Sunday, May 12, with both races starting and finishing in Keel Square.

New additions to the event programme will be announced soon, with event founder and race director, Steve Cram, excited about what is in store.

“We’re delighted to return to Keel Square for the fourth time in 2019,” said Cram. “It’s been great to host the Siglion Sunderland City Half Marathon and 10k at a location that is at the heart of the city’s regeneration and give runners and spectators the opportunity to see how the area is changing.

“The Run Sunderland Festival is now a very well-established event on the region’s sporting calendar and we look forward to working with Siglion and Sunderland City Council to make sure that it’s bigger and better than ever in 2019. We’ve got some very exciting new plans for next year, which we will unveil soon.”

Councillor John Kelly, Sunderland City Council cabinet member for communities and culture, added: “We are very happy to support the Siglion Sunderland City Half Marathon and 10K in 2019 - the races have grown year on year and are a great addition to a vibrant programme of big events in Sunderland.

“The festival has become a staple on the city calendar and we will also have the Active Sunderland 3k on the same day to encourage runners of all ages and abilities to be part of a fantastic occasion.”

Events of the North are offering a discount on entry fees for both the Siglion Sunderland City Half Marathon and 10K, until midnight on Monday, December 3.

Runners affiliated to a club can enter the half marathon for £29, while the price for unaffiliated runners is £31. The early bird prices for the 10K are £20 and £22 respectively.

From Tuesday, December 4, the entry prices for the half marathon will be £33/£35, and £23/£25 for the 10K.