The 2026 Sunderland City Runs, originally planned for May 10, will now take place on May 17 to avoid coinciding with the Black Cats’ home game against Manchester United.
Organisers said the change was made to reduce pressure on city infrastructure and ensure smooth event delivery.
Steve Cram, founder of the Sunderland City Runs, said: “Clearly, it’s a very exciting time for sport in the city, with our football team being back in the Premier League, while the Sunderland City Runs continue to grow.
“Success brings its own challenges and in this case, we agreed with the city council that it would be sensible to move our event.
“We’ve made that decision early and have communicated it quickly to everyone who has already booked a place.
“I hope that they are all still able to join us on the streets of Sunderland on May 17 next year and help us make next year’s 15th anniversary event even bigger and better.”
The Sunderland City Runs are organised by Events of the North in partnership with Sunderland City Council.
This year’s event saw record numbers of runners and spectators.
Entries for the 2026 run opened shortly after the 2025 event.
All existing entrants have been contacted about the date change.
Bookings will be automatically transferred to the new date, but participants have the option to defer, cancel, or request a refund.
Councillor Beth Jones, Sunderland City Council’s cabinet member for communities, culture and tourism, said: “As both the Sunderland City Runs and the home game with Manchester United are expected to be hugely popular, it makes sense to move the runs to the following weekend.”
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The decision was made following discussions with the organisers of other events scheduled for May, all of whom supported the change.
The Sunderland City Runs have become a staple of the region’s sporting calendar, attracting runners of all abilities to take part in either the 10K or half marathon routes through the city centre.
For more information or to register for the 2026 event, visit www.sunderlandcity10k.com.