North Tyneside Council is supporting the revived Morpeth to Newcastle (M2N) marathon through its public health service.
The event, which was first held in 1904 and was the oldest road running race in England, will make its long-awaited return on Sunday 30 October after a 12-year absence.
As part of the council’s support, children with a North Tyneside postcode will get free entry into the Mini Mile event, which takes place on the Quayside in Newcastle on Saturday 29 October.
It is the first ever one-mile Kids to Newcastle (K2N) race, which is open to anyone aged between three and 17 and is a great way for youngsters to get active.
Contours gym members can also claim 10 per cent off entry fees into the M2N marathon and the North Tyneside to Newcastle (N2N) half marathon, which gets underway at the iconic Spanish City in Whitley Bay.
Cllr Eddie Darke, cabinet member for Leisure, Culture and Tourism, said: “It’s great to see the Morpeth to Newcastle road race make a comeback – this is an event I’m sure many people in the borough will have fond memories of.
“The Mini Mile event is a fantastic opportunity for youngsters who may have been inspired by the Olympics or the Great North Run to get active and have some fun at the same time.
“I’m also delighted that the new half marathon will get underway at the Spanish City in Whitley Bay. This is another boost for the town alongside the exciting regeneration work taking place and we look forward to welcoming all the runners and their supporters on the day.
“As a council we’re pleased to be supporting these events and would encourage members of our Contours facilities to take advantage of the discounts on offer.”
Wendy Burke, the council’s Director of Public Health, added: “We are committed to promoting physical activity across the borough and encouraging adults and children to cycle.
“Participating in events such as this is a great way to get people active as part of a healthy lifestyle in order to improve health and wellbeing and promote healthy weight.”
The revived M2N race will take runners on a 26-mile course from Morpeth before heading through Cramlington, Blyth, Whitley Bay, Cullercoats and North Shields and finishing at Newcastle Quayside.
Phil Gray, of event organisers Total Racing International, said: “There is so much that goes into staging an event like this, the support from North Tyneside Council has been invaluable. They are clearly committed and passionate about getting people healthy and active.
“The support they are providing to the Mini Mile by offering children with a North Tyneside postcode free entry is a clear example of this.”
For more information about discounts available to Contours members visit http://my.northtyneside.gov.uk/node/11391