The Morpeth to Newcastle Road Race was at one time the countries oldest road race, held every New Year's Day, the event, I believe, began in 1904. 'The Morpeth' was a race I enjoyed (?) on many occasions.
Originally the distance covered between Morpeth and Newcastle was 13.6 miles. This was extended to 14.1 miles in 1983. However, following some issues regarding safety precautions the distance was reduced to the standard half marathon distance of 13.1 miles m 2002.
Unfortunately, these safety issues continued and led finally to the event coming to an end, with the last race being held in 2004. Since then Morpeth Harriers have hosted an 11km race in Morpeth each New Year's Day.
Now, however, there are plans for a new Morpeth to Newcastle Road Race in 2016. In fact there are plans for two new 'Morpeth's'. As there will be a choice of a marathon and half marathon' on fully closed roads between Morpeth and Newcastle, with sections of the race encompassing sections of the original route.
The race will not, however, be taking place on it's traditional date of 1st January but the 17th July.
For further details check out @M2Newcastle on Twitter or click here
Originally the distance covered between Morpeth and Newcastle was 13.6 miles. This was extended to 14.1 miles in 1983. However, following some issues regarding safety precautions the distance was reduced to the standard half marathon distance of 13.1 miles m 2002.
Unfortunately, these safety issues continued and led finally to the event coming to an end, with the last race being held in 2004. Since then Morpeth Harriers have hosted an 11km race in Morpeth each New Year's Day.
Now, however, there are plans for a new Morpeth to Newcastle Road Race in 2016. In fact there are plans for two new 'Morpeth's'. As there will be a choice of a marathon and half marathon' on fully closed roads between Morpeth and Newcastle, with sections of the race encompassing sections of the original route.
The race will not, however, be taking place on it's traditional date of 1st January but the 17th July.
For further details check out @M2Newcastle on Twitter or click here
Comments