Organisers of Sunderland City's virtual runs were stunned after almost 1,000 runners from as far away as Greece and Australia took part in the event to help raise money for charity.
British retired track and field athlete and event founder, Steve Cram, said he was "amazed" by the number of people who wanted to take part and said they'd raised over £2,600 for St. Benedict’s Hospice from entry fees and donations.
Due to the coronavirus pandemic, Sunderland City Runs Festival postponed the Sunderland City Half Marathon, 10K and 5K until September.
However, organisers did not want the originally planned weekend of May 9-11 to pass without some kind of event and so launched virtual races which would have real medals and prizes on offer.
It was also organized to help support St Benedict’s Hospice in Sunderland, with a proportion of the entry fee being donated to the charity.
Steve Cram thanked everyone who took part in the virtual runs over the weekend and said he hoped to see everyone again in person for the rearranged real Sunderland City Run events on 26 and 27 September.
He said: "We were amazed by how many people wanted to be part of the Virtual Sunderland City Runs.
"Almost 1,000 signed up, including runners from as far away as Greece and Australia, and they recorded some excellent solo times over the three days of racing.
"It was exciting to follow the positions change at the top of the leader boards, with some very tight ‘finishes’ at the front of each race.
"Most importantly, we’ve managed to raise over £2,600 for St. Benedict’s Hospice from entry fees and additional online donations, so huge thanks to everyone who has supported the event.
"All being well, we hope to see you all again in person for the rearranged real Sunderland City Run events on 26 and 27 September."
All times submitted will be validated and results will appear online on May 14, with medals and prizes distributed afterwards.
