Middlesbrough set to have its first ever half marathon
Organisers say nearly 3,000 people have signed up already
Middlesbrough's first ever half marathon is coming later this year with nearly 3,000 sign ups already.
Organisers 'RunThrough' say they are hoping it will highlight the importance of getting kids into running early.
Its charity partner for the event in March is the Teesside Family Foundation, who supports families and those in need.
Chris Parr, Race Director for the Middlesbrough half marathon, said: "We start on Grange Road right outside the Cleveland Centre and the runners go past Albert Park, they go through Linthorpe, Acklam, North Ormesby, over the flyover, past The Riverside Stadium, and then go past the Middlesbrough College buildings, through the docks, past the transport bridge and we finish outside of the Central Square gardens.
"Kid events is something that we're really passionate about at the minute and getting kids involved in sport at a young age is really good, obviously for their health as well as their fitness and generally enjoyment. It just adds something extra to the event to also make the family element a part of it.
"We all absolutely love running and getting that enthusiasm passed over to kids is part of what we're trying to do. Yes, it's great to get adults in, it's fantastic for people's wellbeing, for their mental health, fitness and it's also great if we can get kids involved in sport and they can that carry that on later in the life.
"We're having great support from local charity partners and from the Council. The word's got out really quickly and for a first ever to get 2,500 runners is fantastic. We're overwhelmed by the support.
"Get yourself out of bed and get your running shoes on. I would suggest doing a little bit of training beforehand but running is an incredibly accessible sport, anybody can do it. You've just got to put a pair of trainers on, I wouldn't suggest doing it barefoot on the streets in Middlesbrough as you might get some blisters, but if you've got a pair of trainers then you can do some consistent training."
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