Sun, sand and family fun combine at North East’s newest running festival

Hundreds of people enjoyed a day of summer running activities as a new family festival made its debut in the North East last weekend. Tidal Trails took over the beach and famous Leas in South Shields last Sunday, with a series of runs for all ages and abilities, a family relay, beach activities, music and food and drink. Around 500 people took part in the loud and colourful event. Tidal Trails was organised by Events of the North, in partnership with South Tyneside Council, Everyone Active, Red Sky Foundation, Colmans Seafood Temple, South Tyneside NHS Trust, and Goodr.

Tidal Trails was designed to offer a summer festival style day out for active families. Using the beach and surrounding area at South Shields, events included 2k and 8k trail races, the ‘Super Sand Sprints’, and Paula Radcliffe’s Families on Track initiative, which gives family groups the opportunity to exercise together in a safe and fun environment. Durham Cricket Foundation, Beamish Golf and Everyone Active kept people moving in the Active Zone and there were beach games throughout the afternoon. There was also music and entertainment at the Tidal Trails Stage, and food and drink for participants and spectators.

Tidal Trails founder Steve Cram comments: “We’re really encouraged by the first ever Tidal Trails event, which proved that the concept works really well. The weather was superb and everyone seemed to enjoy themselves immensely. A particular highlight was the number of young children who came along, with many of them tackling their first organised run with huge smiles and boundless enthusiasm. Seeing the next generation embracing running and getting active added an extra buzz to the festival atmosphere.

“Our thanks go to South Tyneside Council, our other partners and all of our volunteers, who helped deliver Tidal Trails, and of course to the hundreds of enthusiastic participants. We’ve had great feedback and hope to return to South Shields with this vibrant event next year.”

To find out more about the event and future plans, visit www.tidaltrails.co.uk and follow @tidaltrailsseries on Facebook and Instagram.