Newcastle upon Tyne

Newcastle upon Tyne, often shortened to Newcastle, is a city in the county of Tyne and Wear in North East England. It is also a unitary authority with a population of around 259,000 (2001 census). However, the metropolitan boroughs of North Tyneside (population c.190,000), South Tyneside (population c. 150,000) and Gateshead (population c.200,000) are also part of Newcastle's conurbation. Newcastle is the main city in North East England, and around the 14th largest city in England. As such, it is one of England's core cities.

Sport

The City has a strong sporting tradition, being home to Premiership football team Newcastle United, and Guinness Premiership rugby union side Newcastle Falcons, for whom England's "(Rugby Union) World Cup winning hero" Jonny Wilkinson features.

Related Topics:
Premiership - Football - Newcastle United - Guinness Premiership - Rugby union - Newcastle Falcons - (Rugby Union) World Cup - Jonny Wilkinson

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

The city's Metro Radio Arena is home to Newcastle Vipers ice hockey team, and Newcastle Eagles basketball team. The City's Speedway team Newcastle Diamonds are based at Brough Park in Byker, a venue that is also home to greyhound racing. Newcastle Racecourse at High Gosforth Park holds regular meets, including the prestigious race for the Northumberland Plate, which takes place in June each year.

Related Topics:
Newcastle Vipers - Ice hockey - Newcastle Eagles - Basketball - Speedway - Newcastle Diamonds - Brough Park - Byker - Greyhound racing - Newcastle Racecourse - Gosforth Park - Northumberland Plate

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Newcastle also hosts the start of the annual BUPA Great North Run, the world's largest half marathon in which participants famously race over the Tyne Bridge into Gateshead and then towards the finish line 21 km away on the coast at neighbouring South Shields. Another famous race is the 5.7 mile Blaydon Race, which takes place annually on June 9 commemorating a horse meeting at the Gateshead town of Blaydon. Finishers are presented with a goody-bag which contains - among other prizes - black-pudding, pickled onions and beer.

Related Topics:
BUPA - Great North Run - Marathon - South Shields - Blaydon Race - June 9 - Gateshead - Blaydon - Black-pudding

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~