Bus passengers in Sunderland should prepare for travel disruption this weekend, 16 May and 17 May 2026, as the city hosts the 15th annual SG Petch Sunderland City Runs.
The event, which is returning to the city streets, will see road closures across Sunderland city centre, Roker, Grangetown, Hendon, and Ashbrooke. To accommodate the runners, Go North East has confirmed that several bus routes will be diverted throughout the weekend.
On Saturday 16 May, road closures on St Mary’s Boulevard will be in place between 16:00 and 20:00 for the 5K event. During this time, services 9, 56, 700, and 701 will be diverted. Passengers should note that services 9 and 56 will operate between Wearmouth Bridge and Sunderland Interchange via John Street and Holmeside.
The disruption continues on Sunday 17 May for the 10K and Half Marathon. Services 9, 24, 35, 56, 60, 61, 62, and 63 will face changes as the events take place. Specifically, services 35 and 56 will be unable to serve stops between Church Bank, Southwick and Sunderland Interchange from 08:00 to 16:00. Services 9 and 24 will miss stops between Sunderland Interchange and Fulwell Grange from 08:00 until 14:30, while services 60, 61, 62, and 63 will not serve stops between Grangetown and the city centre from 08:30 to 13:30.
The 10K and Half Marathon events were moved to this weekend to avoid a scheduling clash with football matches. Residents are advised to allow extra time for their travel and to check with the bus operator for the latest information on alternative stopping points.
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