Peacock Set For Stockton’s Streets

Champion sprinter Jonnie Peacock is the latest name to be confirmed for the Great North CityGames which makes its debut in Stockton on Tees in a fortnight’s time.

The multi-Paralympic and World champion will line up in the IPC 100m sprint category on the specially-created track in the free to spectate event on the High Street on Saturday 7 September.

It is all change for the Great North CityGames for 2019, with the event having spent a decade on NewcastleGateshead Quayside before moving to Tees Valley.

Peacock will face off against top para athletes Felix Streng, Mike Seitis and Ryan Herzog in the high-quality lineup in the men’s event.

The 26-year-old will be defending his 100m IPC T44 World Championship title in Doha in October, having taken two World titles in 2012 and 2017 respectively. Peacock is also current Paralympic champion having triumphed over 100m in Rio De Janeiro in 2016 to add to his London 2012 gold.

After a career break in 2018 to take part in Strictly Come Dancing, Peacock has been stepping up his return to competitive action and will be in good shape to compete in Stockton with one eye on Doha.

He said: “I love competing at Great CityGames – they’re always brilliant events and as athletes we all love that the spectators can get so close to the action. It adds a different dimension to track and field sports.

“I’m really excited to be competing in a brand new location in Stockton-on-Tees, it’s sure to be an excellent occasion.”

Tees Valley Mayor Ben Houchen said: “The Great North CityGames is going from strength to strength with each new announcement. It is great that they have secured Jonnie Peacock, a true household name and a fantastic athlete.

“The Tees Valley is continuing to attract, huge names, concerts and events. These are not only boosting our profile but also our economy by getting people into our towns, spending in businesses that depend on the tourist pound. Once again this year, all eyes will be on us.”

Cllr Bob Cook, Leader of Stockton-on-Tees Borough Council said: “I’m delighted to welcome Jonnie Peacock to Stockton and have him involved in this great event, which will make our High Street unrecognisable for an action-packed day.

“We’ve got huge ambitions, and this is another example of Stockton-on-Tees offering something a bit different. With Jonnie competing against our local talent, this is sure to draw big crowds and get everyone talking about the borough.”

With a range of events on offer from 100m sprints to the one-mile distance, and including pole-vault and long jump in a specially constructed multi sports arena on Stockton-on-Tees High Street, the Great North CityGames kicks off a weekend of first-class sporting action which includes the Simplyhealth Junior and Mini Great North Run, the Simplyhealth Great North 5k, the Simplyhealth Great Tees 10K and finishes with the world-famous Simplyhealth Great North Run on Sunday. The event is being supported by Tees Valley Combined Authority and Stockton Borough Council.

The athletics action starts at 11am, and is completely free to spectate with no ticket required.

Entries are still open for the Simplyhealth Great Tees 10K, which takes place before the Great North CityGames begin on Saturday 7 September. To enter, visit greatrun.org/tees10k