Revised HogmanHOWAY 5K route to take 3,000 runners along iconic Newcastle street for first time in 40 years

Organisers of the Develop North HogmanHOWAY 5K have revealed a revised route for the New Year’s Eve event, which will see racing return to an iconic Newcastle street for the first time in 40 years.

Partners confirmed today that the race will head along Northumberland Street, allowing it to double in size to 3,000 runners. The 2026 HogmanHOWAY5K will be the first time that the street has featured in a race route since the Newcastle City Centre 5K events from the early to mid-1980s, when North East stars such as Mike McLeod and Steve Cram competed.

Sponsored by investment company Develop North PLC, the HogmanHOWAY 5K is organised by Events of the North, in partnership with North East Mayor Kim McGuinness and Newcastle City Council, and with the Sir Bobby Robson Foundation as its official charity.

Starting at 7:30pm on December 31st at the junction of St. Mary’s Place and College Street, the race will follow a route around the city centre, including key sites within host partner Northumbria University. The HogmanHOWAY 5K finishing line will be on Ceremonial Way in front of the Civic Centre.

After its successful debut in 2025, the HogmanHOWAY 5K will once again play a key role in Newcastle’s New Year’s Eve celebrations, with a route that showcases ongoing development that is establishing the city on the world stage and driving the North East economy.

Changes that have already been made to Northumberland Street and elsewhere along the HogmanHOWAY 5K course during the last 40 years demonstrate the ambition of local and regional partners, which will continue after this year’s race helps see in 2027.

HogmanHOWAY 5K founder Steve Cram comments: “I have very fond memories of racing along Northumberland Street against Mike and many rivals from the North East, elsewhere in the UK, and other nations. The Newcastle crowds always generated a great atmosphere, and running past so many iconic landmarks added a lot to the occasion. So, it’s a great privilege and really exciting to bring the HogmanHOWAY 5K to Northumberland Street, and we’re grateful to Newcastle City Council, Mayor Kim and the North East Mayoral Strategic Authority, and Develop North for working with us to make that possible.

“I don’t think that Mike or I are planning a rerun of our 1984 battle, but I look forward to watching thousands of others enjoy the experience of racing and supporting – it’s going to be a spectacular part of New Year’s Eve in Newcastle.”

North East Mayor Kim McGuinness said: “The first HogmanHOWAY 5k was a huge success, and now we’re backing it to go bigger and better as part of our ambition to make the North East a Region of Sport. Bringing thousands of runners together through the heart of Newcastle on New Year’s Eve is exactly the kind of event I want us to support: getting people active, bringing communities together and celebrating our region on a big stage. It’s going to be a fantastic night and a brilliant way to run into 2027.”

Michelle Percy, chief executive officer of Develop North PLC, said: “Seeing 3,000 runners head along Northumberland Street will be a memorable way to end the year. It gives people a chance to experience a familiar part of Newcastle in a different way at the same time, bringing runners and spectators together to spend time in Newcastle city centre.

“HogmanHOWAY gives people a chance to invest in themselves and in their place, while celebrating the end of the year feeling part of something shared. Taking part will also help support your own health and wellbeing while bringing you together with others to celebrate the place we call home. At Develop North, our investment in real estate is underpinned by our confidence in the North East and its future. This event is a chance to share that confidence with people from across the region.”

Cllr Rob Austin, Cabinet Member for Culture, Communities, and Youth Services at Newcastle City Council, said: “We’re delighted to welcome HogmanHOWAY back to Newcastle and help make it bigger and better this year. It’s fantastic to see the race grow to 3,000 runners, with Northumberland Street back on the route for the first time in more than 40 years.

“Alongside Howaymanay on the Quayside, it’s all about showing off what makes Newcastle special, bringing people together, and giving everyone more ways to celebrate New Year’s Eve in our city.

“It’s a brilliant showcase for Newcastle, supports our local businesses, and raises money for the fantastic Sir Bobby Robson Foundation.”

The team behind the HogmanHOWAY 5K is encouraging participants and spectators to celebrate their love of the city and the region by sharing their “WHY AYE” LOVE THE NORTH EAST messages during the build-up to December 31st.

Already, 1,000 runners have signed up to take part in the 2026 HogmanHOWAY 5K, and organisers expect the event to reach capacity, with thousands more watching the action as they join the New Year’s Eve party in the centre of Newcastle.

To enter the HogmanHOWAY 5K, visit https://eventsofthenorth.com/event/hogmanhoway-5k.