This celebratory event – a new three-leg relay – marks 20 years since Jesmond Joggers’ foundation. Each leg is approximately 2.7km, starting in Paddy Freeman’s Park and taking a single loop through Jesmond Dene, on an undulating, traffic-free course, back to the handover/finish.
Key Event Info
Where: Paddy Freeman’s Park and Jesmond Dene.
When: 7pm, Tuesday 14 July 2026.
Teams: At least one female runner, one male/open runner and one V35 runner (female/male/open). These can be the same person.
Prizes:
1st, 2nd and 3rd teams.
Fastest senior female and male/open.
Fastest V35 female and male/open.
Race Director: Alice Hartley (contact: jjsrelayrace@gmail.com).
Held under UKA rules: #31204.
Entries
Registration opens on 14 April 2026 and closes on 30 June 2026. All runners must be aged 18 or over, and be members of NECAA clubs.
Entry fee: £18 per team.
Entry limit: maximum of 100 teams, limited initially to 6 teams per club.
Teams must be declared by Friday 10th July.
Further entry and team declaration details will be shared with club secretaries when registration opens.
Race Route
The challenging course begins in Paddy Freeman’s Park, descends into Jesmond Dene, loops through the Dene on tarmac paths and closed roads, and returns uphill to Paddy Freeman’s Park for the handover/finish. That short, but steep final rise might come as a surprise to runners unfamiliar with Jesmond Dene routes, with 21 shallow, runnable steps leading into the hill. Earlier in the Dene, there is one bridge section where runners will be directed single file with no overtaking. The route will be carefully marshalled, of course, but we are sharing the delightful dappled shade of the Dene with the public – including pedestrians, pram passengers and possibly cyclists – so please run with awareness!
Jesmond Joggers 20th Anniversary Relay Race route – for an interactive map link please click here
Race Day Information
Race HQ will be at Paddy Freeman’s Pavilion, the location for race number collection, event queries, lost property and toilets. One representative from each club should collect race numbers for distribution to team members.
The start, finish and relay changeover area will be on the grass adjacent to the changing rooms, close to the pavilion.
Race Day Timings
17:30 – Race HQ opens for number collection
19:00 – Race start
20:00 – Prize presentation
Facilities
Runners and spectators are strongly encouraged to use public transport or car share where possible. Parking at Paddy Freeman’s is limited to two small public car parks, and surrounding residential roads should be used considerately. Nearby Metro options include Longbenton, South Gosforth, and Ilford Road (each around one gentle warm-up mile away). Bus routes to Freeman Hospital stop near the venue.
Toilet facilities will be available at Paddy Freeman’s Pavilion, with additional portable toilets provided.
Jesmond Joggers are grateful for the support of:
• Jesmond Pool & Gym
• Newcastle City Council