Former Sunderland captain Michael Gray set for return to Stadium of Light.

Former Sunderland captain Michael Gray will return to the Stadium of Light on Sunday 18th July to see a record number of runners cross the finish line at Bupa Great North 10k – Sunderland.

The former Black Cats star will fire the starter’s gun from the cities Wearmouth Bridge before heading to the Stadium of Light to congratulate runners as they cross the finish line. Organisers Nova International who organise the race in partnership with Sunderland City Council, are delighted to announce today that the number of runners taking part in the event has already surpassed last years entry total with over 4000 runners already signed up for the 10km road run. Gray, who made 363 league appearances for Sunderland, said “It will be great to return to the Stadium of Light, I spent 12 fantastic years at Sunderland and I’m looking forward to returning to my home town club. “Last year proved that the Bupa Great North 10k is a superb addition to the cities excellent event programme. Hosting a running event in the city is a great way to keep Sunderland active, I saw the event on TV last year and I’m really looking forward to soaking up the atmosphere and being part of it in 2010.” Cllr Paul Watson, Leader of Sunderland City Council said “We are looking forward to an excellent event in the heart of Sunderland. With a record number of people taking part this year there is sure to be an electric atmosphere on the day. The course was very well received by runners last year, and while this event will follow a similar route we have moved the start to the Wearmouth Bridge. This will provide some spectacular images of the city as a record number of runners cross over this major route in and out of our city.” The Bupa Great North 10k – Sunderland, is organised by Nova International, also organisers of the Bupa Great North Run. The 10km course is suitable for runners of all abilities starting on the Wearmouth Bridge. The route then takes in the sights and sounds of Sunderland including the Museum & Winter Gardens, St Peter’s Church, Sunderland University and The National Glass Centre as well as providing spectacular views of The Harbour, Roker Beach and the coast. The course passes through Roker Park and returns on the same route back down Dame Dorothy Street before finishing at Sunderland AFC’s Stadium of Light where runners will pick up their finishers packs. The day also includes the Bupa Junior Great Sunderland Run. The junior event covers an approximate 2.4km and is suitable for young runners of all abilities aged 9 – 14 years making it a fantastic day out for the whole family. All junior runners are chip timed and receive an event t shirt, medal and finishers pack. For more information or to enter either event visit www.greatrun.org Ends For more information Lynsey Stephenson Lynsey.stephenson@nova-international.com 0191 2263249 07595564266 Nova International The Bupa Great North 10k - Sunderland 2010 is brought to you by event organisers Nova International in partnership with Sunderland City Council. Nova International, headed by Olympic Medallist Brendan Foster is one of the UK’s leading event management and sports marketing agencies. The company’s current brand portfolio also includes some of the biggest running events in the world all based on the Bupa Great North Run, the world’s biggest half marathon with over 54,000 entries. Nova International was established in 1988 and has a strong sporting pedigree. Based in Newcastle upon Tyne, Nova have established themselves as a market leader in the world of sports marketing and event management. For more information please visit www.greatrun.org <http://www.greatrun.org/>. Bupa Bupa is a leading international healthcare company. Established in 1947, it has over ten million customers in more than 190 countries and employs over 52,000 people around the world. Its main interests are health insurance, care homes for young disabled and older people, workplace health services, health assessments and chronic disease management services, including health coaching and healthcare services in the home. While Bupa’s largest and original business is in the UK, it has significant operations around the world including Sanitas in Spain, MBF, HBA, Mutual Community in Australia, IHI in Denmark and Health Dialog in the US. Bupa also has businesses in Hong Kong, Thailand, Saudi Arabia, India, China and Latin America. In addition, Bupa Care Services owns care homes in Spain, Australia and New Zealand. Bupa has no shareholders. We reinvest our money to provide better healthcare for our customers, helping them to live longer, happier, healthier lives. Sunderland City Council Sunderland City Council and its partners are regenerating the city, building on its assets and developing Sunderland into a place that can offer a better future for residents, visitors, students and businesses. Sunderland combines a quality environment with a smart way of working. The city is building a new image that reflects its light and airy location by the sea and its green environment, as well as its success in embracing and adapting to new technologies. To find out more go to www.sunderland.gov.uk <http://www.sunderland.gov.uk/> Alzheimer’s Society Alzheimer’s Society and Alzheimer Scotland are calling for runners to support them in one of the 2010 Bupa Great Runs across the country. For further details visit www.alzheimers.org.uk/greatrun <http://www.alzheimers.org.uk/greatrun> or telephone 0870 417 0192. Runners in Scotland can visit www.alzscot.org <http://www.alzscot.org/> or telephone 0845 260 0789.

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