South Shields Landmark Challenge

“The Most Fun Running Event of the Year - a Christmas Classic!”

The South Shields Christmas Landmark Challenge is a fun team running event combining running, navigation and the history and heritage of South Shields.

Following another record-breaking event in 2025, we're back in 2026 with new landmarks, new adventures and a new Landmark Challenge medal.

It’s not about running a perfect route or chasing a personal best. Get your team together, enjoy the latest challenge, explore some of South Shields and soak up the Christmas atmosphere along the way.

Fancy dress and Christmas-themed team outfits are very welcome!

There’s no need to take it too seriously. Bring your friends, enjoy the fresh air, explore South Shields and burn a few calories along the way.

Run Details

Start & Finish: The Sanddancer Pub, South Shields, NE33 2LD
Start Time: 9:00am
Registration: 8:15am–8:45am
Distance: Approximately 10 miles
Entry: £13 per runner

The actual distance will depend on the route your team chooses, but we expect around 10 miles on average.

How Does the Challenge Work?

One week before the event, teams will receive the list of landmarks and a map.

Your team will need to work out where the landmarks are and decide how you want to get between them. There’s no marked route, so you’re free to choose your own way and visit the checkpoints in any order.

• Start and finish at The Sanddancer Pub, South Shields
• Visit all of the designated landmarks
• Navigate your own route
• Visit the checkpoints in any order
• Take a team photo at each landmark
• Complete the challenge in the shortest time possible
• Send us your team photos and join us afterwards for breakfast
• All runners must be part of a team. When entering, your team name can either be picked from the drop down list or if it is the first member of a team entering, they will need to add the name for others to choose

Open to All Runners

The challenge is open to all levels of runner, whether you're a member of a running club, fitness group or simply fancy doing something a little different with friends.

Teams must have a minimum of 2 runners, with no maximum team size.

Winter Running

December in South Shields can bring typical winter weather, so come prepared for a mixture of roads, grass, trails and hills.

Expect the possibility of cold, wet and muddy conditions — and don't worry, you will get wet!

Please bring:

• Fully charged mobile phone
• Water
• Food or snacks
• Emergency money
• Suitable winter clothing
• Organising team contact numbers
• Warm, dry clothes, spare socks and shoes for afterwards

Prizes & Medals

There will be prizes for:

First All-Male Team
First All-Female Team

And everyone who enters in time can take home our South Shields Landmark Challenge medal.

Medal Deadline

Please try to enter your teams early to give us plenty of time to prepare for the event & to enjoy our Christmas too!

To receive your medal on the day, you must enter by Thursday 3rd December 2026, allowing time for Christmas deliveries.

Entries after this date can still receive a medal, which can be posted out (P&P charge applies) or collected after the event.

Finish the Year With a Run

A relaxed morning with friends, a little friendly competition, some South Shields history and a chance to burn off a few festive calories.

Get your team together and join us for the latest South Shields Landmark Challenge!