The Blaydon Race

The Blaydon Race

The Blaydon Race is an annual road race that follows a roughly 5.9 mile route from Newcastle to Blaydon. The route is based on the lyrics to the 1862 song "The Blaydon Races" and runs "alang the Scotswood Road", beginning with the ringing of the Blaydon Bell in Newcastle city centre. The event is organised by Blaydon Harrier and Athletics Club and frames itself around local running culture, heritage and community.

The race was first held in 1981 and regularly attracts around 5,000 runners each year. The event is traditionally held on the ninth of Joon and combines a measured road course with local traditions linked to the song and the Blaydon Bell.

Entry for the 45th edition in 2027 is managed by a ballot process taking place in February 2027; successful ballot entrants are notified and payment is taken later in February. A transfer window allows runners to pass a place to another competitor during late May and early June, with transfers required to be completed through the official entry platform.

There is an elite entry process. Invitation places are reserved for the first ten male and first ten female finishers from the preceding year. Additional elite places may be requested; qualifying performances must include a 10k time under 30:30 for men or under 36:00 for women at a UKA licensed race in the North East within the previous 12 months. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.

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