Nice North Run medals present Sunderland as an alternative of Newcastle

Nice North Run organisers have apologised after medals given to members on this yr’s occasion featured the incorrect metropolis and river.

About 60,000 individuals accomplished the 13.1m (21km) half marathon on Sunday with every of them handed a medal incorporating a picture of what was presupposed to be an aerial view of Newcastle, Gateshead, South Shields and the River Tyne.

Nonetheless, acknowledging the objects truly confirmed close by Sunderland and the River Put on which don’t have any involvement within the occasion, the Nice Run Firm admitted it had “made a mistake”.

In a humorous response, organisers mentioned “Put on [sic] sorry!” and that “eagle-eyed” individuals had noticed the error, which additionally featured on clothes.

They claimed it made it “probably the most distinctive T-shirt and medal in Nice North Run historical past, a souvenir that we’ll be speaking about in 44 years’ time”.

With grounds about 12 miles (19km) aside, Newcastle and Sunderland have lengthy had a fierce footballing rivalry.

On social media, some posters requested whether or not Sunderland fan – and BBC athletics commentator – Steve Cram had designed the medals, and famous “even the ribbon is pink and white” just like the membership’s colors.

In an announcement, the Nice Run Firm mentioned: “To reply the rumours that this was the route reveal for subsequent yr… sorry to disappoint, it is a mistake.

“A lot of individuals appeared very carefully on the designs and none of us picked it up.

“We had Newcastle United stars on the beginning line and the Stadium of Gentle on the medal.

“The Nice North Run is actually a celebration of the area, much more so than we had deliberate.”

The occasion’s founder, Sir Brendan Foster, mentioned he had “spent ages marvelling” on the designs and “by no means noticed the error” even after they had been displayed within the window of metropolis centre division retailer Fenwick.

He added: “I’ve lived on the River Tyne my complete life and I ought to’ve seen.

“But when I might run the Nice North Run yesterday, I might nonetheless be sporting my medal with pleasure.

“Because of everybody who took half in a tremendous occasion yesterday and all of the supporters who got here out to cheer on the runners.

“It was a unbelievable Nice North Run, and we’re already wanting ahead to 2026 after we have brushed up on our geography.”