Still time to sign up for the BIG 3K!

Taking place on Sunday 7 May - the same day as the Sunderland 10K and half marathon - the 3K gives runners of all abilities the chance to get involved in a large-scale running event and enjoy the buzzing atmosphere.

Among the runners already signed up for this year's run is a group of children from Rickleton Primary School in Washington. The children, aged between 7 and 11, are taking part in a weekly running club to help them train and get ready for the event.

Staff set up the running club and set the children an 'Xbox to 3K' challenge to help them build up to running the full distance gradually.

Deputy Headteacher of Rickleton Primary School, Alan Baker, said: "As a school we are massively into sport, and we have a lot of children who regularly take part in sports and running activities already. We have previously entered cross country competitions but we wanted to make sure that all children had an opportunity to take part in an event like this.

"We wanted to use the 3K to support some of the children who don't regularly take part in sport, or maybe don't have the fitness levels or confidence to give running a try. We asked all of the children in years 3-6 if they wanted to take part but felt like they would need some support getting there, and we had a fantastic response with 32 children putting themselves forward."

When the school contacted Active Sunderland, the team were able to provide support to ensure all the children could get involved.

The school set up a running club which meets every Friday to train for the 3K and learn about fitness and wellbeing.

Alan added: "It has been so popular that we have had more and more children sign up, and even some of the staff. We now have 32 children running in the 3K as well as five members of staff, and some children have also signed up with their families."

Sunderland City Council's Executive Director of Health, Housing & Communities, Gerry Taylor, said: "We have some really exciting activities and sporting events taking place in the city this year, and there are plenty of opportunities for people of all ages and abilities to come along and take part.

"The Active Sunderland BIG 3K gives people a chance to get involved in a large-scale event and the chance to soak up the lively atmosphere that comes with the Sunderland Runs."

The Active Sunderland BIG 3K Run will take place on Sunday 7 May 2023 at 9am. Starting and finishing at Keel Square, it takes in parts of the closed road routes of 10K and Half Marathon.

Entry is just £10 per adult and £5 per child under 18 which includes a t-shirt, finisher medal and chip timing. A group ticket is also available at just £20 for 4 people (a maximum of 2 adults).

For more information on the BIG 3K or to register for the event, visit Active Sunderland BIG 3K Run - MySunderland.