Blaydon Race 2025: How to enter as ballot opens for traditional race

We all know the Blaydon Race as a route and a song, but for many local running enthusiasts the 'ninth of June' remains a major date in the calendar.

The Blaydon Race, which began in 1981, is a race of just under six miles and now takes participants from the Quayside along Scotswood Road and into Blaydon after the initial starting position at the city Centre Bigg Market was moved.

Last year marked a major change for how runners sign up to the event and it left plenty of local participants frustrated. After years of places being allocated on a 'first come first served' basis which has seen the race sell out in less than 24 in previous years, organisers have replaced the system with a ballot, much like the Great North Run.

The ballot for the 43rd Blaydon Race opened at 6am on Friday, February 7 and potential participants have until 8:30am on Wednesday, February 12 to enter. All runners - both successful and unsuccessful - will be notified of their result the following day.

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Race organisers have already confirmed the route will remain the same as 2024, with runners starting on the Quayside and “gannin' alang the Scotswood Road” before crossing the Scotswood Bridge into Blaydon, finishing at the area’s Youth and Community Centre.

Teh 2024 edition of the event saw 4,700 spots up for grabs with a 50/50 split between UK Athletics Affiliated and Unaffiliated runners.

The 2025 Blaydon Race will take place on Monday, June 9.