{"id":63097,"date":"2026-05-24T11:00:39","date_gmt":"2026-05-24T10:00:39","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.britishtramsonline.co.uk\/news\/?p=63097"},"modified":"2026-05-24T08:28:46","modified_gmt":"2026-05-24T07:28:46","slug":"tyneside-mum-seeks-to-become-first-woman-to-run-the-metro-route","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.britishtramsonline.co.uk\/news\/?p=63097","title":{"rendered":"Tyneside mum seeks to become first woman to run the Metro route"},"content":{"rendered":"

Over the years we\u2019ve reported on how various people have run the complete 65 mile route of the\u00a0Tyne and Wear Metro network in a single day and the latest to attempt the feat would be the first woman to do so. Alice Townend, 53, will be attempting the run over the weekend of 8th<\/sup> and 9th<\/sup> August in support of Women\u2019s Street Watch.<\/p>\n

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Alice is aiming to complete the run within 24 hours (her aim being 18-20 hours) and it will see her track the Metro lines as close as possible whilst using public roads and footpaths. She isn\u2019t daunted by the ask either as she has previously completed two ultra marathons and six Great North Runs.<\/p>\n

Alice said: \u201cI\u2019m really determined to complete this challenge, and I am training hard to be ready for it.<\/p>\n

\u201cIt is a big distance to cover in a single day. I am nervous at the prospect of taking this on, but I want to show other women that big challenges are possible and that age should really be no barrier. I\u2019m really motivated for this.<\/p>\n

\u201cI am running in support of Women\u2019s Street Watch in Newcastle, which such an important community group. They do amazing work keeping women safe at night.<\/p>\n

I love running. It has helped to change my life. It is such a great way to keep fit and meet new people.<\/p>\n

\u201cI have previously run marathons and ultra marathons, so I\u2019ve got a pretty good idea of what\u2019s in store.<\/p>\n

\u201cI am aiming to cover the whole distance of the Metro system in 20 to 24 hours. Even if I don\u2019t hit that target, I am determined to get to the finish no matter what. The potential challenges over this distance are fatigue, blisters, soft tissue injuries and bad weather, but I’ve trained hard to deal with whatever is thrown at me so I\u2019m confident I can do it.<\/p>\n

\u201cI supported Paul McDougal on his Metro run last February and he really helped to inspire me. It gave me the idea that I wanted to give it a go.<\/p>\n

\u201cI am starting at South Hylton before running up through Sunderland and then down to South Shields.<\/p>\n

\u201cFrom there it\u2019ll be a case of running all the way back through South Tyneside, Gateshead and Newcastle city centre, where I hope to see the Street Watch volunteers as I pass through.<\/p>\n

\u201cIt is then on to the airport and back to South Gosforth, before the huge task of running the North Tyneside coastal loop, which will bring me back to the finish at Monument Metro station.<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019ll have a support team assembled and also plenty of friends and family to cheer me on along the way, including my husband and my two sons.\u201d<\/p>\n

Lynne Dickinson, Station Delivery Manager at Nexus, added her support: \u201c\u201cAlice is taking on a massive challenge, and she will also be the first woman to run the Metro route.<\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s a huge test of endurance, especially when attempting to run the full Metro route in just a single day. It\u2019s has become popular with ultra-marathon runners in recent years. We wish her all the best and look forward to meeting her at the finish line.\u201d<\/p>\n

Women\u2019s Street Watch was set-up following the deaths of Sarah Everard and Sabina Neesa when the issue of women\u2019s safety was thrust into the spotlight. The volunteers ensure other women feel safe on the city\u2019s streets on Wednesday, Friday and Saturday nights.<\/p>\n