THE historic Prudhoe Miners Race is making a return this September following a two-year Covid-enforced break.

The Prudhoe Miners Race was once popular with members of the town's working men's clubs.

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.

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 took part in the event’s three races, with people of all ages taking to the town’s streets despite the heavy rain.

Liam Taylor, of Sunderland Harriers ,was the winner of the five-mile men’s race, with a time of 27:36.

David Warren, of Stocksfield Striders, was 10th with a time of 32:46, while Prudhoe Plodders’ James Furniss was 12th in 33:42.

In the women’s race, Claire Davies was the winner with a time of 34:08. Austin Gibson was the winner in the mini 1.5-mile race, with a time of 5:26. Second and third places went to Prudhoe Plodders’ Luke Page (5:39), and Jack Gemmell (5:40).

Grace Carter, of Durham City Harriers, won the female mini 1.5m race, with a time of (5:29). Phoebe Mulligan continued a great day for Prudhoe Plodders, securing second place with a time of (05:49). Tynedale Harrier Harry Courtney was second in the 3k junior race with a time of (9:41). Prudhoe Plodders’ Matthew Saunders (11:04) was fourth.

The Prudhoe Miners Race 2022 will take place on Sunday, September 18.

The event is organised by Prudhoe Plodders Running Club, and is supported once again by Essity and Prudhoe Town Council.

There will be three races on the day including a mini run for 4-10-year-olds, a junior run for 11-15-year-olds, and a five-mile UK Athletics-licensed road race for ages 16 and over.

Earlier this year, Lisa Napier, Vice Chair of the Prudhoe Plodders Running Club, said: "We are hoping to create a carnival atmosphere in Eastwoods Park for those wishing to stay around after the races.

"There will be stalls from various local groups and there is also the Miners Lamp cafe situated within the park to enjoy a hot drink and food."

We've taken a look back in our archives at previous events.

Do you recognise anybody?