Looking back at Prudhoe Miners Race over the years

Prudhoe Miners Races. (Image: NQ)

It eventually died out after the Second World War, but it was revived in 2012 by Prudhoe Town Council to mark the London 2012 Olympics and to celebrate the town's coal mining heritage.

Prudhoe Miners Race 10k. Mini Miners Race start. (Image: NQ)

Since its re-birth, Essity (formerly SCA Prudhoe Mill) has been a big supporter of the event.

The 2019 event saw no fewer than 450 competitors take part in the event’s three races, with people of all ages taking to the town’s streets despite the heavy rain.

Prudhoe Miners’ Race 2019 (Image: Moira and Bill Wooldridge.)

However, there was a brief pause due to Covid 19 but it was back in 2022.

The rescheduled event saw both junior and adult runners take on challenging routes through the town.

In 2022, around 220 people took part - with the furthest participant coming from Dumfries.

The runners in the 2016 Prudhoe Miners’ Race set off. (Image: Moira Wooldridge)

The 2km junior race for seven-14-year-olds and the five-mile, UK Athletics-licensed, adult road race both started and finished at Eastwoods Park.

"It feels really good to be back", said race director Lisa Napier, at the time. "And we've got nice weather. 

St Matthew’s RC Primary School Miner’s race runners who received £250 for their efforts. Pictured with Prudhoe Mayor at the time, Coun. Gerry Price. (Image: NQ)

"It's great for Prudhoe, it gets us on the map.

"If you're expecting a flat route in Prudhoe, it isn't going to happen. You can't avoid hills in Prudhoe.

"We're trying to make the race much more inclusive; people felt it was too competitive and slower runners didn't feel they could be part of it."

Prudhoe Miners Race 2012, with eventual winner number 84, Steve Rankin of Sunderland Strollers from Haltwhistle, who finished in a time of 30mins 25seconds. (Image: Ernie Swinburn.)