Blaydon Race 2024 - Everything you need to know from route and start time to road closures and bus diversions

The annual Blaydon Race returns to the region this weekend with thousands of people set to take part.

Held on June 9 each year, the 5.8 mile route takes runners from Newcastle Quayside, along Scotswood Road and over to Blaydon. The route is based on the Geordie Ridley song 'The Blaydon Races' and although set to be slightly different this year, it will be as iconic previous races since the event began in 1981.

This year, the run will be routed via Swirle, Quayside, The Close, Skinnerburn Road, Monarch Road, William Armstrong Drive, Scotswood Road and Scotswood Bridge to Blaydon. It is hoped that this will reduce traffic disruption in the city centre compared to previous years.

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Here's everything you need to know about The Blaydon Race 2024, from getting to the event to navigating Newcastle and Gateshead while road closures are in place between 4:30pm and 8:45pm.

Participants travelling to the race can catch the bus to the Start Area free of charge from Blaydon Leisure Centre. The bus will be drop runners off on South Shore Road, Gateshead, and from there it's just a short walk over the Millennium Bridge to the Start Area.

Buses are included in every race entry. However, participants should be aware there is no parking available at Blaydon Leisure Centre.

The race will begin at 6.15pm.

To allow the Blaydon Race to take place safely, there will be a number of road closures between Newcastle Quayside and Blaydon from 4:30pm until approx 8:45pm. The road closures are as follows:

Newcastle

Quayside Road (B1600) - 17:00 - 19:15.

Sandhill/Close/Swingbridge (B1600) - 17:35 - 18:45.

Skinnerburn Road - 17:35 - 19:00.

Monarch Road/William Armstrong Drive - 17:35 - 19:15.

Scotswood Road Eastbound (A695) - 18:35 - 20:45.

(Scotswood Bridge to William Armstrong Drive East)

(Whitehouse Road junction [Eastbound only] to be released at 19:15.

Scotswood Road Westbound (A695) - 17:35 - 19:45.

(Plummer Street to Scotswood Bridge)

Scotswood Bridge Southbound 17:35 to 19:45.

Scotswood Bridge North & Westbound 17:35 to 20:15.

Gateshead

Chainbridge Road (B6317) 16:30 – 20:30.

Tyne Street 17:35 - 20:15.

Blaydon Highway (A694/5) 17:35 – 20:15.

McDonalds/Blaydon Bus Station/Blaydon Shopping Precinct service road 17:35 - 20:15.

While road closures are in place a number of bus services will also be operating revised routes. They are as follows:

Newcastle bus services:

VOLTRA 53: Operating between Market Street, Newcastle, and Gateshead Quays via Tyne Bridge. This service will not stop at the Hard Rock Cafe. Passengers should board the bus from Grey Street.

VOLTRA 54: Operating between Gateshead Interchange and Market Street, Newcastle, via Tyne Bridge and Pilgrim Street. This service will not stop at Gateshead Quays, the Hard Rock Cafe or Dean Street. Passengers should board the bus from Gateshead Interchange.

Quaycity Q3: Operating between City Road and Pilgrim Street, Newcastle, via City Road. This service will not stop at Newcastle Quayside, the Hard Rock Cafe or Dean Street. Passengers should board the bus from City Road.

Service 12: This service will be unable to operate via Scotswood Road or Newcastle Business Park. It will run non stop and omit stops between Central Station and Blaydon bus station.

Blaydon bus services:

Services 10, 10A, 10B & 12: This service will be unable to stop at Derwenthaugh Marina, Chainbridge Road or Blaydon Morrisons. Passengers should board the bus from Riverside Way near the Holiday Inn Express or Blaydon bus station.

Services 49 & 49A: This service will be unable to stop at Blaydon Morrisons. Passengers should board the bus from Shibdon Road or Blaydon bus station.

Roads may re-open sooner than anticipated once the race has passed safely. Public transport updates will be available on the Go North East website and X (formally Twitter).