THE popular ‘Stockton River Rat Race’ – an exciting 10k and 5k obstacle race which takes place around Stockton and its Riverside – is returning.
On Saturday 20 August more than 1000 people will take part in an action-packed course which takes in many of Stockton Borough’s iconic structures.
It is the seventh year Stockton has hosted this fantastic event and organisers are calling for people to sign up quickly to make sure they secure a chance to take part.
Participants can either challenge themselves to the full distance or the new 5km route introduced to the 2016 race which is designed for those who love the obstacles but are not too keen on the running. Competitors can choose their own pace with the 10k course, taking anywhere between 55-150 minutes to complete.
The 5km and 10km courses, organised by Stockton-on-Tees Borough Council and Rat Race Adventure Sports, start and end at Riverside Road car park. They will follow the same outbound route and will see participants take in the Tees Barrage, the famous Captain Cook’s replica HM Bark Endeavour Ship jump and tackle the Tees Barrage International White Water Course.
There will also be an event village on Stockton Riverside where spectators can watch the final obstacles and food vendors will be available.
Councillor Norma Wilburn, Stockton-on-Tees Borough Council’s Cabinet Member of Arts, Leisure and Culture, said: “The Stockton River Rat Race continues to be a successful annual event in the Borough with participation numbers ever-growing and we are looking to build even more on last year’s success.
“The race is open to everyone and if you are looking for an adventurous and fun challenge, the Stockton River Rat Race has it all.”
Jim Mee, Event Organiser and Director of Rat Race, said: “We’re looking forward to bringing our River Rat Race back to the banks of the Tees. It’s a fantastic event which brings many new people to Stockton and is always a great success with the help of Stockton-on-Tees Borough Council. We promise this year will not disappoint with many special water and shore based activities included in the course.
“More and more people are switching on to the fun of adventure races. No special skills are required, just a pair of trainers that you don’t mind getting wet and muddy, a willingness to challenge yourself to something new and a sense of humour!”
Grab your spot on the start line and enter now.
This exhilarating event is open to over 16’s and you can enter as an individual, as a team of five or a team of 10; you can run for charity or just for fun. Enter as a team of five and each person saves £5 off the entry price or as a team of 10 and each person saves £10. For more information and to enter online visit www.stockton.gov.uk/ratrace
The deadline for online entries is 16 August.