Newcastle- Gateshead Marathon, Half & 10k 2026

Thank you for a very special event 💙

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On Sunday 3rd May 2026, the Newcastle–Gateshead Marathon, Half Marathon, 10K and Junior races brought together runners, families and supporters for a day that meant far more than just crossing a finish line. It was all in support of The Bubble Foundation, helping children with life-threatening immune disorders and the families who care for them.

From early morning, the event village opened at 7:30am and the atmosphere quickly built, despite the downpour of rain for the entire morning. By the time the marathon started at 9:00am, bubbles filled the air, followed by the half marathon and 10K at 9:25am, and the juniors later at 1:00pm bringing a lovely burst of energy and excitement to finish the day, as us older folk were cold and wet through!

The route itself took runners through some of the best-known spots in the area, including the Gateshead Millennium Bridge, The Glasshouse International Centre for Music, BALTIC Centre for Contemporary Art, the Tyne Bridge and the Swing Bridge, all before finishing inside the iconic Gateshead International Stadium.

One of the highlights of the day was the Hartlepool Bubble Man, who filled the stadium with huge, drifting bubbles all day long. They didn’t just stay within the grounds either, some even floated all the way towards the nearby metro station. It added a bit of magic to the whole event and had people of all ages stopping to watch and smile.

Before the races got fully underway, Professor Mary Slatter spoke to the crowd during the warm-up. She talked about Ward 3 at the Great North Children’s Hospital and the work being done to support children with serious immune conditions. It was one of those moments that really brought home why everyone was there.

The Bubble Foundation tent was busy throughout the day. Families came by to chat, runners stopped to learn more, and there were quite a few emotional conversations. It reminded everyone that behind the medals and finish times, there are real children and families being supported.

All the fundraising from the day helps provide things that make a big difference, from toys and activities for children in hospital, to vital medical equipment and support for families going through incredibly tough times. It also helps fund important research into diagnosis and treatment, improving survival rates and giving children in Newcastle and beyond a better chance at life.

After the races, the day didn’t quite end there. Everyone headed over to The Cluny for the monthly Smokin’ Spitfires gig. Runners got free entry, and it turned into a really relaxed celebration of everything that had been achieved. Team Rory also popped by to celebrate some seriously impressive race times, which added to the atmosphere.

By the end of the day, it wasn’t just about miles run or medals collected. It was about people coming together, having a great time, and doing something that genuinely helps children and families who need it most. Thank you all!