TERRY O’GARA MEMORIAL 5K 2024

The Terry O’Gara Memorial 5k Road Race is our annual race, open to all, held in memory of our dearly beloved and much-missed former chairman who sadly passed away in 2012.

It was with a heavy heart that we had to announce this year (2024) that we would not be hosting the race. We have run this extremely popular event and children’s fun run for 12 years in memory of Terry. His motto was “people need people” and in that spirit we continued to host the race even though it is not a money-making activity for the club, recognising it gives Wallsend Harriers a chance to contribute to the local racing calendar, bringing North East athletes together in Terry’s memory.

The TOG, like most club races, is run completely by our volunteers and is a massive undertaking. Whilst we enjoy being able to do this, the club is now facing legal action due to an injury that occurred at the 2022 race. This has had a significant impact on us as a club and charity and our volunteers, who have been involved in organising the event.

With regret the difficult decision was made to cancel the 2024 race as a stand alone event. We were and still are extremely grateful to Chris Parr and RunThrough for incorporating the Terry O’Gara 5k into their Quayside 5k A-race in April 2024. Wallsend Harriers were part of the event team for this hugely popular, fast North East 5k and were privileged to be involved in the winners’ presentation, ensuring Terry’s legacy lives on. We hope to continue this partnership in the future and above all, celebrate and commemorate a wonderful man who made such a positive impact in the North East running community.