Two local personal trainers from Everlast Gym, Metrocentre are inviting people to lace up for a 5K run through the shopping centre on Saturday 21 November, raising money for local charity If U Care Share and its suicide prevention and support services.
24-year-old Alex Graham and colleague Chaya Blackett, 30, had the idea for the indoor run following a gym fundraiser back in September. That initial challenge saw colleagues and members clock up a collective 1,450km on the treadmills – the equivalent length of the UK – in just two days, all in honour of Alex’s friend Ben Goodman who tragically died by suicide. Now, the duo are swapping the treadmills for the centre’s main malls to stage an early morning run that will transform Metrocentre into a 5K running route.
Co-organiser Alex Graham said: “With our first fundraiser, the aim was to do something in Ben’s honour and support his family, but we were completely taken aback by the response. Over 200 people took part, including colleagues, gym members, friends, and family. We were also supported by the incredibly generous Sanco Pizza and Acropolis, who were on hand with free food and drink. “The more people opened up and shared their own personal stories, the more we realised the scale of the problem. It made us ask what more we could do to help raise awareness and encourage anyone who might be struggling to talk to someone about how they are feeling.” Their answer? A mood-boosting 5K indoor run through one of the UK’s biggest shopping centres.
Local runners are encouraged to secure their spot now by registering via Eventbrite. Bib collection will then take place at Everlast Gym, Metrocentre on Wednesday 18 and Thursday 19 November, when participants will be asked to make a minimum donation of £5. All proceeds raised will go to If U Care Share.
The event itself kicks off at 6.45am on Saturday 21 November. Runners will be split into four waves based on their estimated times – under 20 minutes, under 25 minutes, under 30 minutes or the fun run – with each group setting off from Red Mall at five-minute intervals. The route will then lead runners through Metrocentre’s many malls and levels, even its multi-storey car park, before bringing them back to Red Mall to cross the finish line outside Sports Direct. On hand and showing their support throughout will be Newcastle-based fitness group SpeedX, led by Sam Dibbs-Fuller, alongside Sunderland-based Believe to Run, headed by Joe Larkin.
Co-organiser Chaya Blackett said: “Once again we’ve been blown away by the support for the event: from colleagues, gym members, local clubs, and Metrocentre itself for entertaining our bold idea. It’s shaping up to be a real passion project for so many. “Most importantly, it’s bringing people together – runner, spectator, or volunteer. It’s getting people talking and sharing, and we’re hoping it will encourage anyone who is struggling to reach out for support. There’s a community and a place out there for everyone, and we’re here to help them find that.”
Following the run, which will finish by 8am ahead of the centre’s doors opening to shoppers, racegoers are invited back to Everlast Gym on what be the venue’s third birthday. On offer will be post-run refreshments and a prize-giving, along with a mini marketplace with stalls by If U Care Share and local businesses. There will also be a raffle with prizes including two tickets to see Sam Fender at St James’ Park, donated by a friend in Ben’s honour.
Metrocentre Marketing Manager Helen Atkinson said: “When Alex and Chaya came to us with the idea, we knew we had to find a way to make it happen. Ben’s memory has inspired something truly meaningful here, supporting the work of a much-needed charity while also creating an opportunity for people to come together, connect, and break the silence that so often accompanies mental health.”
