The Blaydon Race Big Lick: Powered by Volunteers, Fuelled by Community
- BHAC
- 6 days ago
- 2 min read
On Tuesday evening, Blaydon Youth and Community Centre was buzzing with conversation, laughter and the steady rhythm of envelopes being filled as Blaydon Harriers came together for the annual Blaydon Race Big Lick.
For those new to the race, the Big Lick is one of the most important evenings in the Blaydon Race calendar. It is when the final piece of preparation begins, with race numbers carefully packed and prepared for posting out to runners across the region and beyond. This year saw around 5,000 Blaydon Race numbers packed, along with a further 500 numbers for the Junior Blaydon Race.
What could be a daunting logistical task is transformed into a brilliant example of teamwork and generosity. Members, family, friends and supporters give up an evening of their time to help ensure everything runs smoothly. Teams formed quickly, production lines appeared almost magically, and before long the boxes of envelopes began to fill.
The evening was a powerful reminder that the Blaydon Race is, at its heart, a community event. From start to finish, it is organised entirely by volunteers. There are no external organisers or commercial teams behind the scenes. Every envelope packed, every number delivered, every marshal on race night and every result processed is the result of people freely giving their time.
The Big Lick also gave everyone a chance to catch up, swap stories and feel that familiar sense of anticipation that builds as race day approaches. For newer members, it offered a clear insight into just how much collective effort goes into delivering what has become one of the most iconic road races in the North East. For long-standing volunteers, it was another opportunity to support an event they care deeply about.
As ever, the success of the Blaydon Race depends on moments like this. A huge thank you goes to everyone who turned up, rolled up their sleeves and played a part in the Big Lick. It is your generosity and willingness to help that ensures the Blaydon Race continues to thrive, year after year, as a true community-led event.
