What I seen that night was incredible. Hundreds of people in their fluorescent and hi-viz running gear, running one mile around Bents Park and enjoying it. Women, Men, Boys and Girls of all shapes and sizes hitting the paths and sprinting to the finish line.I signed up for it immediately.

I love events like this; bringing a running community together, having a laugh whilst also doing something we all love and of course, running a fast time.

It’s such a unique event to do. Not many or any areas offer a timed mile which is so well organised, safe and enjoyable, it’s something that should be adopted by running groups to encourage more runners and people who wish to get fit – it’s a no brainier to see why The Monthly Mile was voted North East Project of the Year 2014.

As for the course, it’s pretty much flat almost, with one small hill, the rest is as even as you could wish for, which for people who are hunting for PBs, it’s spot on.

I’ll walk you through the course:

1. Starting opposite to Minchella’s Cafe, it’s flat for about 150m or so, ideal for fast starters.
2. Next is a slight right curve up the first and only hill, heading towards Westoe Crown Village.
3. Another slight curve and it’s a flat straight along Bent’s Park Road – a good opportunity to open up the stride as you pass the football field and caravan park as you run towards the Marine Park.
4. The penultimate corner and a welcomed bank to run down, perfect to generate momentum, this is where the pace goes up.
5. At the final turn and the finish is in sight! You’ll pass The Sundial as you enter the home straight, this is where you leave everything on the roads and cross in the line that is opposite to The Rattler.