First event on refurbished Silksworth Athletic Track

Paula Radcliffe's Families on Track relay event saw families from across Sunderland taking part in an 8k run around the refurbished track.

The Silksworth Athletics Track was refurbished at the end of 2024 with £230,000 worth of funding from Sunderland City Council and Everyone Active. This includes £40,000 from the SUEZ community's fund.

The redevelopment has seen not only the laying of a brand-new track, but also improvements made to the fencing to improve security for users of the track and field.

Councillor Beth Jones, Cabinet Member for Communities, Culture and Tourism at Sunderland City Council, said: "It's absolutely brilliant to see this track restored to such a high standard and being brought to life again through such a positive and inclusive event. The Families on Track relay was a fantastic celebration of community, fitness, and fun, and it was heartwarming to see so many families come together to take part. A huge well done to everyone who took part in making this a special day.

"Running is such a powerful activity as not only does it boost your physical fitness, but it also plays a vital role in supporting mental wellbeing. Whether you're out for a gentle jog or pushing yourself in a race, the benefits are immense. I'd encourage anyone who's thinking about getting more active to give running a go. It's accessible, low-cost, and a great way to enjoy the outdoors, connect with others, and improve your overall health."

Ian Bradgate, Everyone Active's contract manager, said: "It's a fantastic privilege to run this state-of-the-art track, which is available for the whole community to enjoy. It will be a brilliant facility for many years to come, allowing local people of all abilities to improve their physical health and mental well-being."

You can find out more about booking and using the running track by visiting Silksworth Sports Complex & Ski Slope | Football Pitch | Everyone Active