Race Date: Sunday 21st September 2025

Race Report by Jo Gleig

The North Tyneside 10k is a popular race in the North East, which sells out quickly when it opens in November. It used to be run around Easter time, but this year moved to September due to road works on the Sea Front. It’s organised by the Council – a clue is in the wording of the pre race letter which talks about marshals being located ‘where hazards have been identified’ which sounds very Council-speak to me.

The route is great, mainly flat, starting in North Shields, along the Fish Quay, with a bit of a rise from the mouth of the Tyne up to the Castle, then along the sea front heading north, from Tynemouth to Whitley Bay. No significant hills, although there was a headwind for the second half of the race. But lovely beach and sea views all the way along. The only road closure is at the starting mile , but the paths are wide and smooth enough that pavement running is fine.

This is where I grew up and went to school, so I loved going past all the familiar landmarks, but in the form of running, (which I hardly ever did while at school!).

Thankfully, it was a sunny morning after the biblical rain the day before, and quite warm gathering at the start, (a Sports centre.) The participants seemed to be predominantly club runners, (there are a lot of clubs called something Harriers in the North East!) many quite familiar names from televised events. No other Steel City though, so no starting photo for me!

A nice downhill mile to start, then I was happy with my continued pace. My 10k times had got progressively slower since last years Sheffield 10k, partly due to the hillier routes (like Penistone and Dronfield) and partly due to slight injury and lack of fitness, so I was pleased to be going back in the right direction finishing in 53:44 Chip and 4th in age category out of 18.

I really enjoyed this race and would recommend it to anyone with north east connections, or who just fancy a weekend up there, though you do have to be quick off the mark to sign up.

Jo was the sole Strider among 1691 runners who lined up for the North Tyneside 10k. The men’s race was won by Carl Smith (unaffiliated) in a time of 00:32:26. Jo Woodcock of Heaton Harriers & Athletics Club Ltd won the women’s race in a time of 00:37:31.

Striders Results