Tidal Trails Organisers Take Over South Shields parkrun
On a brisk, but promising Saturday morning in February, Tidal Trails organisers, Events of the North, donned in parkrun high viz, welcomed regular parkrunners, visitors and first-time tryers outside The Sand Dancer pub on the South Shields beach front. The parkrun ‘takeover’ was an opportunity to introduce the public to a brand new trail running event and beach festival, set to join the line up of events in the area on 17th August 2025. Many people in the crowd wore historic Sunderland City Runs, Durham City Runs, and Kielder Marathon t-shirts, encouraged by the parkrun organisers to attend wearing an Events of the North t-shirt, a symbol of the popularity of these events in the community, and the excitement towards this new venture.
Events of the North director, Steve Cram, addressed the crowd before the regular, free 5k run/walk took place. He promised good weather on the day, and an exciting itinerary of events, including an 8K trail run, a 2K trail run for juniors, Paula Radcliffe’s Families on Track relay races, plus Sand Sprints, beach games, food, drinks and live entertainment on the Tidal Trails stage. After regular parkrun announcements relaying the pristine nature of the course, the few hundred runners, walkers and furry friends set off. The route begins on the beach and features a short distance on the sand, before heading up onto the headland and along the coast on the Leas on trails with picturesque views over the sea below. The well-kept and unspoiled trails lend themselves to the perfect running experience, permitting both experienced trail runners and beginners to enjoy.
Joining the usual parkrun volunteers, the Tidal Trails team set themselves up at the finish, along the road that in September becomes the final stretch of the famous Great North Run. Finishing the parkrun on this same grassy area gives parkrunners the perfect sprint finish before collecting their token and getting their result. The sun had come out as runners began to finish, giving a glimpse of warmer summer days and representing the potential of the area for a successful beach event. Cram even joined in the run, managing a good time despite injury, but picking up a crowd on the way who were determined to beat the former world champion!
After the last of the participants had finished, several runners and volunteers headed down to the New Crown Hotel to get a coffee and socialise. For many people, the running/walking aspect of their regular Saturday parkrun is only part of the appeal, the mandatory post-run coffee and breakfast is enough to get them out the house! Offering free pairs of Goodr sunglasses from the event partner for entries, the Tidal Trails team were on hand to give more details and drive entries to the event in August.
Entries for the Tidal Trails 8K run and 2K run are now open, and each event ticket also gives access to the festival site, and to Paula’s Families on Track. Find out more and enter now via the website www.tidaltrails.co.uk