ESTABLISHED running events are changing venues to incorporate the routes of two of Tynedale’s most popular sporting occasions.

The Run Northumberland Half Marathon and the Run Northumberland Big 20 Miler will use the tracks of Tynedale Harriers’ successful Jelly Tea 10-mile race and Tynedale 10K events from March onwards.

Previously held in Kirkley Hall, near Ponteland, since their launch in 2011, the runs will both start in Ovingham, similarly to the two Tynedale events.

Run Northumberland director Richard Hunter, who is currently chairman of Tynedale Harriers, believed the change in route would be well-received by runners from across the North-East, and beyond.

He said: “We had to find a new route for next year because we had outgrown Kirkley and there are changes being made with regards to needing road closures in place.

“I knew that there were already great routes for the 10-miler and the 10K organised by the Harriers, so I thought it would be great to combine them for the half marathon and then extend it for the 20-miler.

“Our last event in Kirkley is this weekend and we have outgrown that venue and we can no longer put on an event there really because of parking.

“As far as I see it, the runs won’t compete or affect the races by Tynedale Harriers as they are different races and will be held at different times of the year.”

Held in July, the Tynedale 10K is a fast, rural race along minor roads and tracks, while the 10-mile race, famed for providing competitors with a plateful of jelly post-run, takes place in August and is a flat, fast course out and back from Ovingham Middle School, via Bywell.

The Run Northumberland races will set off together but competitors will have different colour bib numbers to designate which route they should take.

They will branch off at the White Swan pub, in Ovingham, with the 20-milers heading to Newburn and back to add an extra distance of around seven miles.

The runs will take place on Sunday, March 15 and places are now available at www.runnation.co.uk. Early bird discounted rates are available until December 31.

Next up in the Run Northumberland series is this Sunday’s Big 10 Miler, the last to be held at the venue.