Whether you're getting into running or are a veteran racer, Park Runs are a great way to blow off the cobwebs on a Saturday morning.
The free to enter 5K runs for runners of all abilities are held in scenic parks around the country. There is no shame in walking, jogging, or stopping, while volunteers are on hand with encouragement, and pace setters will run with you if you want to finish the course in a specific time.
Once runners are registered, they can keep track of their times and monitor progress from run to run and course to course.
There are weekly Park Run events around the North East where, of course, we have some of the best scenery to enjoy while you run.
Saltwell Park, Gibside and Druridge Bay are among the breathtaking courses you can run, for free.
To sign up, head to https://www.parkrun.org.uk/ to register. You will be issued with a barcode, which you take to your race to be scanned.
So, if you want to give a Park Run a try next week, here is where you can go.
Blackhill (Consett)
When is it?
Every Saturday at 9:00am.
Where is it?
The event takes place in Blackhill and Consett Heritage Park, Laburnum Avenue, Blackhill, Consett, Co. Durham, DH8 5TA.
Blyth Links
When is it?
Every Saturday at 9:00am.
Where is it?
The event takes place at Blyth Links, Blyth, Northumberland, NE24 3PG.
Cotsford Fields - Horden
When is it?
Every Saturday at 9:00am.
Where is it?
The event takes place at Cotsford Fields, Cotsford Lane, Horden, SR8 4HN. See Course page for more details.
Druridge Bay
When is it?
Every Saturday at 9:00am.
Where is it?
The event takes place in Druridge Bay Country Park, Red Row, Morpeth, NE61 5BX.
Durham
When is it?
Every Saturday at 9:00am.
Where is it?
The run starts at the Graham Sports Centre, Maiden Castle, Stockton Road, Durham, DH1 3SE.
Gateshead
When is it?
Every Saturday at 9:00am.
Where is it?
It's run in Saltwell Park, Gateshead.
Gibside
When is it?
Every Saturday at 9:00am.
Where is it?
The event takes place at Gibside, near Rowlands Gill, Gateshead, NE16 6BG
Newbiggin-by-the-Sea
When is it?
Every Saturday at 9:00am.
Where is it?
The event takes place at Newbiggin Promenade, Newbiggin-by-the-Sea, NE64 6D.
Newcastle
When is it?
Every Saturday at 9:00am.
Where is it?
It's run in Exhibition Park, Newcastle Upon Tyne
Prudhoe Riverside
When is it?
Every Saturday at 9:00am.
Where is it?
The event takes place at Tyne Riverside Country Park, Station Road, Prudhoe, Northumberland, NE42 6NP
Rising Sun Park - Benton
When is it?
Every Saturday at 9:00am.
Where is it?
The event takes place in The Rising Sun Country Park, Whitley Road, Benton, Newcastle Upon Tyne NE12 9SS
Riverside - Chester-le-Street
When is it?
Every Saturday at 9:00am.
Where is it?
It's run in Riverside Park, Chester-le-Street, County Durham
South Shields
When is it?
Every Saturday at 9:00am.
Where is it?
The event takes place at The Leas, South Shields.
Sunderland
When is it?
Every Saturday at 9:00am.
Where is it?
The event takes place at the Silksworth Sports Complex and Ski Slope, Sunderland, SR3 1PD
The Pastures - Alnwick
When is it?
Every Saturday at 9:00am.
Where is it?
The event takes place at The Pastures, Lion Bridge, Alnwick, Northumberland, NE66 1NG
Tyne Green - Hexham
When is it?
Every Saturday at 9:00am.
Where is it?
The event takes place at Tyne Green, Hexham, NE46 3HQ
Whitley Bay
When is it?
Every Saturday at 9:00am.
Where is it?
The event takes place at Whitley Bay Links Common (adjacent to the bottom of Monkseaton Drive A1148), Whitley Bay, Tyne and Wear, NE26 1SZ
Windy Nook
When is it?
Every Saturday at 9:00am.
Where is it?
The event takes place at Windy Nook Nature Park, Whitehills Community Centre, Whitehills Drive, High Heworth NE108XU.