When it was announced earlier in the year that the Great North 10k run would be moving to Gateshead, people were left wondering what would replace it. A month later it was announced that Steve Cram would be launching the Sunderland 10k in June 2011.
“We have enjoyed two excellent and very successful years in Sunderland where the event has grown in numbers with over 5000 runners,” Lynsey Stephenson from Nova International told the BBC in February. “The Bupa Great North 10k, since its inception and as the name suggests was developed as a regional event with the potential to move around the North East.”
As soon as it was announced that the race would be moving, Sunderland City Council revealed that they were working on creating a new event for fun-runners from the area and further afield. With the help of Sunderland local, world champion athlete and Black Cats supporter Steve Cram, the new Sunderland 10k run will be launched on June 26th 2011.
“This is one of the most exciting projects that I have worked on in recent years,” Steve Cram said of his involvement. “The opportunity to help create a new running event here in Sunderland is one I couldn’t resist! We’ve managed to design a 10k course that really will showcase the city at its best.”
As well as a great opportunity for runners, both novices and professionals, to get together, it is also a great way to raise money for various charities. Anyone can get involved; there are even shorter races for kids.
The route starts and finishes at Sunderland AFC’s Stadium of Light and passes Mowbray Park, Sunniside, the University of Sunderland campus and the National Glass Centre. You can check online for the exact route.
Steve Cram and Alert ID Group’s identification service, Cram-Alert, is being used to ensure that everybody running can be provided the best care possible in the event of illness or an accident. Cram-Alert is being used for the Sunderland 10k so that each person can register their next-of-kin’s contact details as well as detailed medical information, including allergies, a crisis plan and required medication if they have an accident. This information will then be emailed to the race organisers so a record can be kept of each runner taking part.
Each person receives three months registration with the Cram-Alert service free of charge. It’s also free to add as many family members as you like. For each member there is also a handy Emergency ID card that can be printed at home and carried around for ultimate peace of mind. For those who want to continue using the service, there are a number of products available, including the Cram-Alert wristband, that can be purchased from the website.
Hopefully no one at the Sunderland 10k will require the Cram-Alert service on either the day or the following three months but at least by being registered you have the peace of mind that if something does happen you know you will receive the treatment required as quickly and efficiently as possible.
About Cram-Alert:
Cram-Alert (http://www.cram-alert.co.uk) has been created to bring peace of mind for you and your family. The 24/7 Emergency Support Team allows Cram-Alert users to be reunited with their keys, phones or luggage, as well as informing next of kin if you are involved in an accident.
For further information on this service please visit the Cram-Alert website where you can find more information, find out how to sign up and how to get in touch.
You can also become a fan on Facebook (http://www.facebook.com/CramAlert) or follow us on Twitter @cramalert.