UKA 5K Road Championships 2024 Kicks off Weekend of Running Celebrations in Newcastle ahead of the AJ Bell Great North Run
The UK Athletics 5k Road Running Championships 2024 took place last Friday evening around Newcastle and Gateshead’s vibrant Quayside with Marc Scott and Calli Hauger-Thackery crossing the line in first place.
The event, which is part of the 43rd AJ Bell Great North Run weekend of running action, benefits from a fast and flat course as the elite runners compete over three laps, allowing Marc Scott (Richmond & Zetland Harriers) to record a time of 00:13:56, and Calli Hauger-Thackery (Hallamshire Harriers) a time of 00:15:35 to scoop the titles and the £1200 first place prize money.
In the men’s race Scott Beattie (Morpeth) came second (00:13:58) followed by Alfie Manthorpe (City of Sheffield and Dearne) in third. The top 3 in the women’s race was completed by with Eloise Walker (Edinburgh AC) taking second place (00:16:00) and Jessica Gibbon (Reading AC) in third (00:16:03).
Running fever continued then into the early evening with the sold out AJ Bell Great North 5K seeing 2000 runners compete in the mass participation race over a 5K course taking in the scenic Quayside. Winning the men’s race was Olympian Chris Thompson in a time of 00:15:23, followed over the line by Lewis Liddle (Gateshead Harriers) in second place in 00:15:31 time, followed by Conrad Franks (Gateshead Harriers) in 00:15:54 time. In the women’s race Charlotte Dillon (Houghton Harriers) claimed first place in 00:17:39 time, with Katie Francis (Birtley AC) in second place in 00:18:42 time, followed by Ellie Fellows (Blaydon Harriers)) claiming third place in 00:18:49 time. The electric atmosphere and an incredible feeling of achievement sent all runners into the night with a smile adorned with their finishers medal and exclusive finisher t-shirts.
Paul Foster, Chief Executive, The Great Run Company, said: “This evening saw a strong performance from North East clubs. We have incredible running talent in this area, both elite level and those that run for leisure and fitness, and we’re delighted every year to provide this opportunity for them to come together on the iconic Newcastle and Gateshead Quayside as part of our fantastic Great North Run weekend. What a brilliant start to the weekend, and there’s lots more to come with the biggest ever Junior & Mini Great North Run tomorrow before the world’s biggest half marathon on Sunday.”
Off the back of this evening’s events, organisers announce that registrations for the 2025 Great North 5K on Friday 5 September 2025 are now open at a Super Earlybird price. Those eager to add a date into their 2025 running diary can enter now at greatrun.org
In response to huge interest already for places into the 2025 Great North Run, to be held on Sunday 7 September 2025, a new September Ballot opened this week. Eager participants have until Friday 13thSeptember 2024 at 12pm to register. For your chance to be on that iconic start line – Sign up now at greatrun.org/north. A second chance to apply will follow in January for those unsuccessful in the ballot this time around.
Check out the Great Run RIA Member profile here .