The Blaydon Race

The Blaydon Race is a 5.6-mile athletics race from Newcastle upon Tyne to Blaydon, in England, that is steeped in local tradition. It takes place on June 9th every year starting on Collingwood Street in Newcastle, heading west along Scotswood Road and finishing in Blaydon. The actual race was the inspiration for Dr James Dewar of Blaydon Harriers, who organised the first 24 races starting in 1981. In the early years, the race attracted around 250 entries, but by 2004 around 4000 were taking part. Last year a record 4600 people entered the race with many hopefuls missing out on entry night.