Durham City Run Festival

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Durham City Run Festival

Durham City Runs
16th-18th July 2026
5K, 10K, Families On Track

23/06/2026

You heard it here first 📢

One of the greatest marathon runners of all time is heading to Durham for a special event kicking off the 10th-anniversary celebrations of our Durham City Runs Festival.

The one and only, Paula Radcliffe, will be hosting a Shakeout Run at Radisson Blu Hotel on Wednesday 15 July, followed by an exclusive screening of a new documentary about her return to marathon running at the age of 51 at the Gala Theatre. Paula will also be recording an episode of her podcast (Paula’s Run Club) with co-host and fellow Olympian, Chris Thompson, on stage after the screening.

Here is your schedule:

🆓 Shakeout Breakfast Run (Free)
📍08.00 am — Meet
🏃08.15 am - Run leaves hotel
🥐 Breakfast pastries and refreshments courtesy of Radisson Blu after the run

🎫 Film Screening & Podcast (Ticketed - £15)
👑 6:00 pm – VIP Drinks Reception – Gala Theatre, Durham
📽️ 7:00 pm – Welcome & Film Screening: Paula Radcliffe: Chasing Stars, followed by the Live Podcast Recording & Audience Q&A.

Can’t make it but want to submit a question to be asked? Email [email protected] or voice note via. WhatsApp: +447564747914 💬 Note: Any voice notes may be used in the podcast recording.

The event should be finished by 9.30 pm.

🎤 Guests include: Steve Cram (Race Director of Durham City Runs), Kim McGuiness (North East Mayor), and Kate McPherson (Co-Founder of Durham Mums on the Run).

Tickets for the screening and podcast are available at the Gala Theatre. Link here: https://galadurham.co.uk/book-online-cinema/?EventInstanceId=1850602

See you all on 15 July for a vibrant day of running to kick off our 10th Anniversary 🎉

22/06/2026

FAQs Alert 🔔

Will you send me information in advance?
Once you have entered we will send you by post your race number, timing chip & race information pack. Your 2026 Race Guide will be emailed to you 2 weeks before race day.

What do I do if I lose my runner number?
If you realise prior to the event, let us know via email and we can arrange for another number to be ready for you on event day, however a £5.00 fee applies. If you can’t find your number on the day, please come along to Race Information on the event weekend, we will check your entry and issue you with an alternative number for a fee £5.00 (card only).

What is included in my race pack?
You will receive the following items:
* Race number
* Timing chip (attached to number)
* Any pre-ordered event merch (t-shirts etc)
* Event Information booklet

I’m injured and can’t run what should I do?
h no and after all that hard work too! We are sorry you are missing out on the event. Please contact [email protected] to inform the event team of your withdrawal.

DO NOT PASS YOUR RACE NUMBER on to anyone else, it potentially puts them at a medical risk, we have no medical information or emergency contact details for them. Medical deferrals may be accepted if we receive medical evidence from a GP or Physio up to 4 weeks prior to the event.

16 July 2026: 5K & 10K
18 July 2026: Families On Track 🔴🟣🟡🔵

Supported by Durham County Council

18/06/2026

1 MONTH TO GO 🔜

The countdown is officially on – just 1 month until Durham City Run Festival takes the city’s historic streets 🎉

Whether you’re aiming to achieve a distance goal, running with friends, or soaking up the incredible atmosphere, we can’t wait to see thousands of runners cross the start line and experience the magic of race day.

Who’s excited? Let us know in the comments 👇

16 July 2026: 5K & 10K
18 July 2026: Families On Track 🔴🟣🟡🔵

Supported by Durham County Council

15/06/2026

St Cuthbert’s Hospice is back for the Durham City Run!

The hospice provides specialist care and support for people with life-limiting illnesses, as well as their families and loved ones across County Durham.

Events like the Durham City Run are a wonderful way to bring the community together, raise awareness of hospice care and highlight the importance of local support services.

Last year, the event helped raise an incredible £4,753.00, every pound making a real difference to local families ✨

A huge thank you to everyone running for Team St Cuthbert’s and to those supporting on the day, every step helps make a difference 💚

14/06/2026

With just over 1 month to go, there’s still time to enter into our Durham City Runs 2026 🏰

Here’s some of our frequently asked questions to help you plan ahead 🖊️

Which event should I do?

It depends on your experience and current levels of fitness. Choose an event that will challenge you but is ultimately achievable. You can choose from the 5k or 10k

Can my kids enter?

1. Children over 15 can enter the 10K or over 11 can enter the 5K.

10K minimum age limit for participants is 15 years old on the day of the event. Anyone born on or before July 16th 2011

5K minimum age limit for participants is 11 years on the day of the event. Anyone born on or before July 16th 2015

Is there an upper age limit?

No. All that we ask is that any participant unsure of their physical ability to take part should seek medical advice from a general practitioner prior to the event.

I haven’t run in a proper race before? Can I still enter?

Absolutely! You should ensure you are physically able to complete the event, it is advisable to try a few runs close to the distance you are looking to complete before the event, it’s not a race against the clock but a fun and safe way for you to find out how enjoyable running is and to hopefully start you running regularly.

16 July 2026: 5K & 10K
18 July 2026: Families On Track 🔴🟣🟡🔵

Suppored by Durham County Council

10/06/2026

With just over 5 weeks to go until Durham City Runs, we’re eagerly looking ahead to a Thursday evening race day bonanza in the historic streets of Durham 🌳

And if you haven’t signed up, now’s the perfect time to try your first 5K or convert that 5K into 10K 🏃

Here’s some FAQs to help forward plan your entry…

What is the fee to enter?

FULL PRICES (available until entries close on 13th July, or when entries sell out)

10K - £28.50 (A £2 discount is applied at the checkout for affiliated runners)

5K - £17.50

NB: Affiliated is to be a member of a running club registered with UKA.

Is there a closing date for entry?

Midnight Monday 13th July 2026, or when sold out

Can I enter on the day?

Unfortunately we do not accept any entries on the day.

16 July 2026: 5K & 10K
18 July 2026: 🔴🟣🟡🔵

Supported by

07/06/2026

Drum roll, please… 🥁

Your Durham City Runs T-Shirt Reveal is here 👕

Now is your chance to pre-order your race t-shirt and run in style on our 10th Anniversary. Visit eventsofthenorth.com/merchandise 💻

NOTE 🏁 ALL T-SHIRTS PURCHASED MUST BE COLLECTED ON THE EVENT WEEKEND FROM OUR RACE INFORMATION

16 July 2026: 5K & 10K
18 July 2026: 🔴🟣🟡🔵

Supported by

04/06/2026

And just like that…we’re 6 weeks away from Durham City Runs 🔜

Have you already signed up? How’s the prep going?

Or maybe you’re still thinking about it? Durham is the perfect race for last-minute sign-ups…

Couch to 5K-ers, take to the stage 👑

Avid 5K-ers wanting to push to the next level, give the 10K a shot 🎯

See you all on the start line!

16 July 2026: 5K & 10K
18 July 2026: 🔴🟣🟡🔵

Supported by

01/06/2026

It’s Medal Monday🏅

Show us your medals as we celebrate 10 years of Durham City Runs 🎉

16 July 2026: 5K & 10K
18 July 2026: 🔴🟣🟡🔵

Supported by

25/05/2026

Durham City Run Festival 2026 Moodboard

16 July 2026: 5K & 10K
18 July 2026: 🔴🟣🟡🔵

Supported by

Address

Durham

Website

http://www.durhamcityrunfestival.com/

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