HUNDREDS of runners turned out for this year's Prudhoe Miner's Race.

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

It marks the return of the race - once popular with members of Prudhoe's working men's clubs - after a two-year-Covid-enforced break.

The race, put on by Prudhoe Plodders Running Club, supported by Prudhoe Town Council and sponsored by Essity, died out after the Second World War but was revived in 2012 by the town council to mark the London Olympics and to celebrate the town's coal mining heritage.

This year, around 220 people took part - with the furthest participant coming from Dumfries.

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. "And we've got nice weather. 

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

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

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

The races were at the later time of 4 and 4.30pm with a series of road closures in place.

All runners received a medal and goodie bag; 1st, 2nd and 3rd received additional prizes and trophies for male and female placings.

A £500 cheque was presented to the Miner's Lamp by race organisers.

Prudhoe mayor cllr Bryan Futers, who started the races, added: "To have the Miner's Race back after Covid, it's fantastic for the people of Prudhoe - especially the people of West Wylam who've really rallied around and helped and supported.

"And the Miner's Lamp, they've come together on a day we needed support and it went well. Everybody did their bit.

"Prudhoe Town Council would like to thank Prudhoe Plodders and Essity for their continued support, organisation and sponsorship of the Miner's Race.

"Thank you to all the athletes who attended the race, making it the established event Prudhoe can be proud of."

Junior winners:

Female

1) Martha Thomas (Prudhoe Plodders Running Club) - 9.06

2) Lucy Carver (Prudhoe Plodders Running Club) - 9.24

3) Molly Brook (9.38)

Male

1) Max Mountford (Prudhoe Plodders Running Club) - 7.49

2) Luke Page (Blaydon Harriers) - 8.05

3) Arthur Byrne (Prudhoe Plodders Running Club) - 8.10

Adult winners: 

Female

1) Danielle Hodgkinson - 29.29 (Wallsend Harriers)

2) Claire Davies - 31.56 (Stocksfield Striders)

3) Claire Collinson - 35.22 (Stocksfield Striders)

Male

1) Jarlath Mckenna - 25.11 (Bristol & West AC)

2) David Young - 27.03 (Heaton Harriers)

3) Tom Slane - 27.21 (Blackhill Bounders)