Probably our favorite run in Sunderland is the route centered around Roker Beach, which includes paths around the Marina, a seafront promenade, parks, and preserves. Roker Beach, a wide beach extending for 2 miles, is also great for running!
Pier to Roker Lighthouse. Steve F.
The main route is ~5 miles out and back. Start at the Sunderland Marina, with 1/2 mile of paths right along the harbour. Then join the Marina Walk/seafront promenade, alongside Roker Beach, with great views out to the North Sea. This section is 2.25 miles, including the 1 mile out and back jaunt out Roker Pier to the Roker Lighthouse. Seaburn Park is a good spot for a turn around. Our route heading back south includes paths in Seaburn Park, Cliffe Park, and Roker Park.
Whitburn Nature Reserve. Google Street View
Longer Run:From Seaburn Park, the promenade path continues north for another 0.5 miles. Then there are paths along Seaburn Beach, and a series of more rugged, unpaved paths winding through beach grass & dunes, through the Whitburn Nature Reserve to the Souter Lighthouse (the world’s first powered by electricity!). This adds up to 3 miles, making for a 10-11 mile run! You can even connect to paths in South Shields, part of our Newcastle upon Tyne running guide.
Add-Ons: Can also combine with our River Wear route, just south of the Sunderland Marina.
Probably our favorite run in Sunderland is the route centered around Roker Beach, which includes paths around the Marina, a seafront promenade, parks, and preserves. Roker Beach, a wide beach extending for 2 miles, is also great for running!
Pier to Roker Lighthouse. Steve F.
The main route is ~5 miles out and back. Start at the Sunderland Marina, with 1/2 mile of paths right along the harbour. Then join the Marina Walk/seafront promenade, alongside Roker Beach, with great views out to the North Sea. This section is 2.25 miles, including the 1 mile out and back jaunt out Roker Pier to the Roker Lighthouse. Seaburn Park is a good spot for a turn around. Our route heading back south includes paths in Seaburn Park, Cliffe Park, and Roker Park.
Whitburn Nature Reserve. Google Street View
Longer Run:From Seaburn Park, the promenade path continues north for another 0.5 miles. Then there are paths along Seaburn Beach, and a series of more rugged, unpaved paths winding through beach grass & dunes, through the Whitburn Nature Reserve to the Souter Lighthouse (the world’s first powered by electricity!). This adds up to 3 miles, making for a 10-11 mile run! You can even connect to paths in South Shields, part of our Newcastle upon Tyne running guide.
Add-Ons: Can also combine with our River Wear route, just south of the Sunderland Marina.
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Essentials
4.8 miles (7.8 km) for Marina to Seaburn Park route; Can continue north for another 3 miles
156 feet (47m)
Sunderland Marina, or other spot along Roker Beach
There's some nice running in Sunderland along the River Wear. The best section is 2 miles on the north bank between the Marina and Stadium of Light. Combine with our Marina/Roker Beach route for more waterfront running!
Some nice parks for running in south Sunderland. We've mapped a 6-mile loop combining Barnes Park & Silksworth. Optional extension to Queen's Heritage Coastal Path. Herrington Country Park is another nice option.
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Essentials
4.8 miles (7.8 km) for Marina to Seaburn Park route; Can continue north for another 3 miles
156 feet (47m)
Sunderland Marina, or other spot along Roker Beach
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Share your feedback on this route and see that of other Great Runs users. Click on the image icon to upload a photo. And please let us know if there are notes or changes we should incorporate!