Kenyan victorious in Blaydon Race

Julius Kimtai won the race for the fifth time

Thousands of people have taken part in a traditional race through the streets of Tyneside.

More than 3,500 runners from all over the world took part in the 24th Blaydon Race, which follows a 5.7 mile course from Newcastle to Blaydon.

The race on Wednesday evening was won by Kenyan athlete Julius Kimtai in 27 minutes 11 seconds, with fellow Kenyan Wilfred Taragon in second place.

The race commemorates the Tyneside anthem 'The Blaydon Races'.

Julius Kimtai took first place for the fifth time, winning the race every year from 1999 to 2002.

The race follows a route from outside St Nicholas Cathedral along Scotswood Road across the Tyne to Blaydon.

Police closed the roads in the city centre for around 25 minutes from 1850 BST to allow the runners to pass.