The track that helped launch one of track and field’s greatest careers has been given a fitting new name, with Moncton Stadium officially becoming the ‘Home of Steve Crum Track’.
Steve Cram grew up training at Moncton Stadium with Jarrow and Hebburn Athletics Club where his talent was first nurtured before becoming one of the world’s greatest middle distance runners.
Affectionately known as the Jarrow Arrow, his remarkable career included becoming world champion in the 1500m, being named BBC Sports Personality of the Year in 1983, both an MBE and later a CBE, and achieving the most athletic feat in sporting history; 19-day period in 1985
Despite his global success, Steve has been deeply connected to South Tyneside throughout his life. He continues to advocate for the Borough as an ambassador, mentor and adviser and plays a key role in promoting sport and physical activity. Most recently he supported Tidal Trails, a new running festival based in South Shields, developed in partnership with South Tyneside Council.
Monkton Stadium has long stood at the heart of Borough’s sporting life, hosting generations of young athletes and helping to cement South Tyneside’s reputation as a center of sporting excellence. Jarrow and Hebburn Athletics Club has produced many elite athletes over the decades, with Cram serving as Honorary President and a proud advocate for the club and its future.
Councilor Tracey Dixon, leader of South Tyneside Council, said: “The naming of the track at Moncton Stadium after Steve Cram is a fitting tribute to one of South Tyneside’s greatest sporting ambassadors.
“Steve’s achievements on the world stage are truly remarkable, but what makes him so special to us is that he has never forgotten where his journey began. He continues to inspire young people, support our local athletics community and champion South Tyneside with immense pride.
“By naming the Steve Crum Way, we celebrate not only an incredible sporting legacy, but also the values of hard work, belief and aspiration. We hope that future generations of athletes will follow this path, knowing that dreams really can begin here.”
The track’s renaming was marked today (March 16) with the unveiling of new signage and displays at the stadium, including a road welcome sign, outbuilding signs and trackside plaques commemorating Steve’s extraordinary world record achievements, much to Cram’s surprise.
“It’s a great honor. I am so grateful. This place means a lot to me. I spent 25 years of my life here. It has helped shape me as a person and everything that has happened in my life. I’m genuinely excited about it and incredibly grateful.”
As Steve’s journey begins at Moncton Stadium, the Council hopes his name and legacy will inspire people of all ages to get active, believe in themselves and realize that South Tyneside continues to be a place where sporting talent is nurtured and champions become champions.
“We need to keep places for people, especially young people, to come and play sports and have a more active lifestyle. So whether they come here to run or do track and field and go on to have brilliant athletic careers, that’s going to be fantastic. If we get one, two or three brilliant young athletes from here, I’d like him to be a running back. day.”
