Reverend runs to back the bid

Wednesday 08 Jul 09

Reverend Dr Ian Stockton will be backing Bede this month in Sunderland’s Bupa Great North 10k Run to raise awareness of the Wearmouth-Jarrow World Heritage Site Bid.

Thousands of runners are expected at this year’s event on Sunday 12 July, which starts and finishes at Sunderland AFC’s Stadium of Light, taking in Sunderland’s City Centre.  

A keen runner since 1983, Reverend Dr Stockton, team rector of Monkwearmouth, will be running past St Peter’s Church, on route around the 10k course.
“I am very much looking forward to taking part in this year’s run especially as it takes in a number of Sunderland’s key attractions and beauty spots including St Peter’s Church, Monkwearmouth which makes up part of the UK’s World Heritage Site Bid. It is such a beautiful church and we are delighted that people from across the country and the region, who are taking part in the event, will have a chance to see the magnificent building as they run the new route. For all we know seventh century monks may have run around Wearmouth and Jarrow, and we could be following in their steps! ”

St Peter’s along with St Paul’s in Jarrow form the twin Anglo-Saxon monastery of Wearmouth-Jarrow, which is the UK’s nomination for World Heritage Site status in 2010 and has huge historical significance. Parts of the 7th century buildings still stand on both sites and it was the home of Bede, who was the most influential figures in contemporary culture. The monastery of Wearmouth-Jarrow could be the last World Heritage Site in the region.

“I have not run competitively since 1987”, Reverend Dr Stockton continued, “but I normally run two or three times a week for the joy of exercise and the benefit of fresh air. I am not doing any special training, except ensuring that each week I put in one run of at least that distance. These days I am not very used to running with others, but I hope there will be a few supporters along the route.”