Middlesbrough 10K appeal for volunteers to stage event

The call comes ahead of the 2026 Middlesbrough Runs, taking place on August 29 and 30, which includes the Middlesbrough 10K, the Ali Brownlee 5K, and the debut of Paula Radcliffe’s Families on Track programme.

The organisers, Events of the North, are working in partnership with Middlesbrough Council and Everyone Active to deliver the festival, which brings together a full weekend of running for all ages.

A volunteer hands out medals at an Events of the North race (Image: Supplied)

Steve Cram, race director for Middlesbrough Runs, said: “As with any major event, we couldn’t stage the Middlesbrough Runs without our brilliant volunteers.

“Bringing together the Middlesbrough 10K, Ali Brownlee 5K and Paula’s Families on Track into one weekend will create a really big occasion and a fantastic atmosphere, but that does mean that we need a little extra help, so we’re asking for more local people and community organisations to get involved.

“We’ll be welcoming some of our regular volunteers from events that we stage elsewhere who love being part of them and want to help in Boro, and it will be great to see them working alongside adults and youngsters from the local community.”

Young volunteers in action (Image: Supplied)

The festival requires a large team of volunteers to support the core team, particularly for marshal points and radio marshal roles around the course on Sunday, August 30.

Volunteers will also help at the finish line, handing out medals to race finishers.

Helen Sherratt, a long-time volunteer with Events of the North, said: “I first volunteered when I saw an advert asking for helpers for the inaugural Worcester City Runs, and as someone who is passionate about the city, I wanted to be part of putting on a great event here.

Some of Events of the North’s hi viz heroes (Image: Supplied)

“The next year, I went back for more, and that was just the start.

“I soon started volunteering at other Events of the North races around the country and I have had many roles over the years, ranging from organising the parking to handing out medals.”

Ms Sherratt’s volunteering experience has opened doors to opportunities at national and international sporting events.

She said: “Events of the North suggested that I could also get involved in other major events, such as national and international championships.

Helen Sherratt has volunteered at multiple events around the country (Image: Supplied)

“After applying to UK Athletics, I found myself in even more roles at British and global events, indoors and outdoors, and I’ve most recently been working on the medal ceremonies at the European Athletics Championships, which has been really interesting and exciting.”

She encourages others to consider volunteering, saying it offers far more than it asks.

Ms Sherratt said: “I always say that I get so much more out of volunteering than I give.

“As well as being lucky to work on all these events, it has given me the opportunity to do something completely different from my day job, along with the chance to have new experiences and meet many lovely people, a large number who are now close friends.”

Volunteering at the Middlesbrough Runs comes with additional perks.

All volunteers will receive snacks and refreshments on the day, and as a thank you, each will be given complimentary entry to one Events of the North running event over the next 12 months.

This includes events in Kielder, Newcastle, Sunderland, Durham, Worcester, and the following year’s Middlesbrough Runs.

Alternatively, volunteers can opt for a 50 per cent discount on multi-sport events such as the Northumbrian Triathlon or Kielder Duathlon.

Events of the North also operates a scheme for youth organisations, charities, and community groups, offering a donation in place of complimentary entries for teams of more than six or 10 volunteers.

Many individuals who began volunteering at these events have gone on to support other major sporting occasions, including the Commonwealth Games and European Athletics Championships.

Those interested in volunteering at the 2026 Middlesbrough Runs can email volunteers@eventsofthenorth.com.

More information and race entry details are available at Middlesbrough Runs – Events of the North.