This is the route map. Click here to download a PDF version.
Marathon of the North Route Guide
The first 5km heads across the Monkwearmouth Bridge, through the city centre, and up both sides of Mowbray Park before turning through the rejuvenated Sunniside Area and travelling along Tatham Sreet for the first time.
A left turn connects the runners with the A1018 Southern radial which heads towards Ryhope. Passing the Raich Carter Centre, named after one of Sunderland’s footballing legends, it’s a straight run until turning right up a slight incline and then on to Ryhope Road and into the heart of Grangetown. At the southernmost point of the course a left turn at Leechmore Road brings us back to the A1018 and the first glimpses of the of the sea as the road dips down and rises back to the old Hendon Grange pub which is the signal to take a sharp right for a grand sea view.
The new walking and cycle paths at Hendon beach give spectacular views of the coastline north and south and a chance to celebrate completing the first 10km in style. Returning along the A1018 runners should be able to encourage those going in the opposite direction.
After the course winds its way through the Sunderland Port and the old Docks area we turn back along the riverside and negotiate the only significant climb back up to the city centre area but in so doing wave goodbye to the 10mile point.
Tatham Sreet receives a second visit but this time we head straight down along Suffolk Sreet before taking a left onto Ryhope Road and head down to the famous Alexandra Pub, Grangetown’s favourite watering hole, and then return via Queen Alexandra Rd and Sea View Rd back up the other side of Ryhope Road.
Next turn is into Backhouse Park and the halfway marker. At the far end of the park and a right-hander takes the runners around the famous Ashbrooke Sports Ground which celebrates its 125th anniversary this year.
Thornholme Road takes the course down towards the locally renowned Barnes Pub. After resisting the alternative refreshments on offer a right turn heads through the impressive main gates of Barnes Park and a chance to enjoy a mile or so meandering through one of the city’s most popular and attractive venues. This is actually the highest point on the course although all looks deceptively flat; it’s been a gradual rise which can be enjoyed on the way back. Returning along Thornholme Road and Belvedere Road, the Civic Centre and Mowbray Park signal a revisit to the city centre and back across the river to the north shore.
A quick return to the start/finish area should mean plenty of encouragement as the 30km mark is negotiated and Dame Dorothy Street welcomes you for the first time. With the river now on your right we take the chance to run directly through the University of Sunderland Campus which is named after the World Heritage candidate site, on which stands the 7th Century parish Church of St. Peters. Its remarkable contribution to European learning, culture and religion should not pass you by and some of the historical influence is reflected in the adjacent National Glass Centre (pun intended). Continuing back along Dame Dorothy Street the sea and the beaches once again become your inspiring companion for the closing miles. Following the coastal path the northern city boundary is reached just before Whitburn and the turnaround point signifies the home straight is close as 35km disappears behind.
A slight incline back along the coast road is crested as the famous Roker Park approaches. The football ground which once bore its name is long since gone however the Victorian seaside park is a welcome distraction on the run for home. 3km from here on the Sunderland City 10K route Dame Dorothy Street and the Stadium of Light looms large and the finish line awaits.
Water/Isotonic stations are as marked on the map.
(There may be additional community organised refreshments which are to be used at the athlete’s discretion)
