START THE YEAR RUNNING – 2026

A New Year Community Challenge with Run Eat Sleep.

FREE TO TAKE PART.

🗓 Sunday 11 January 2026
📍 The Little Haven Hotel, South Shields Seafront
🏁 Shared finish at 11:00am

A Community Event — Not a Race

Start the year running with others and build towards local events throughout 2026 such as the Great North Run.

Start The Year Running is a friendly, inclusive community running event hosted by Run Eat Sleep. There are no winners, no pressure, and no race clocks — just people of all abilities moving together, encouraging one another, and making a positive start to 2026.

This event is designed as a starting point. Whether you’re completely new to running, returning after a break, or already active, you can use this day as a platform for the year ahead — setting goals, building consistency, and becoming part of a supportive local running community.

👟 How It Works

Choose your own personal challenge:

🏃‍♀️ 1 Mile
🏃 5KM
🏃‍♂️ 10KM
💪 10 Miles
🏅 Half Marathon
👏 20 Miles
🏆 Marathon
—or create your own custom distance.

The event runs on a 1-mile loop, keeping everyone connected and supported. A support station will be available every lap for drinks, snacks, and encouragement. Longer-distance runners are welcome to go further afield if they prefer. The start point is at Harbour Drive South Car Park (next to The Eye – pictured below)

Route Map – CLICK HERE

Each participant provides an estimated START time, AND PLANS THEIR START TIME so that everyone finishes together at 11:00am, creating a shared finish and celebration  🎉

❤️ Who It’s For

This event is open to everyone — first timers are welcome 

Runners of all abilities

Beginners, first-timers, and those restarting after a break

Friends, families, and social runners

Anyone looking to get active, social, and motivated in the new year

Use it as:

A training run

A social run

A confidence-building first step

Or simply come along to support and cheer

🤝 What to Expect

A friendly, supportive atmosphere with a supportive team to greet & WELCOME you on starting

1-mile loop — easy to connect, cheer, and encourage

Support station every lap

Volunteers and spectators welcome

A shared feel good finish with everyone

A table for snacks, drinks, and a place to leave belongings

PUBLIC TOILETS LOCATED AT THE START/FINISH AND AT LITTLE HAVEN HOTEL

Beyond the Event

This event is also a chance to get involved with Run Eat Sleep after the New Year.

Participants will have the opportunity to:

Trial group runs and community sessions

Meet existing members and coaches

Use this event as a launch point for your 2026 running journey

Following a trial, new runners can choose to become annual members of Run Eat Sleep Club, gaining access to regular sessions, support, motivation, and a welcoming running community throughout 2026. 

There’s no pressure — just an open invitation to keep the momentum going.

☕ After the Run

Join us at The Little Haven Hotel for a relaxed post-run coffee and breakfast — the perfect way to celebrate, chat, and connect with others starting their year running.

👟 Hosted by

Run Eat Sleep 
South Shields’ friendly running community — supporting all abilities to start, progress, and stay consistent.

✍️ How to Join

Fill out the form HERE

YOU CAN CHECK THE START TIMES OF OTHERS HERE 

Route Map – CLICK HERE

On the day feel free to arrive a little earlier for a chat before starting AND YOU CAN LEAVE ANY BELONGINGS.