Durham City Run Festival a success despite wet weather

Events in Durham City Run Festival were held at locations across the city. Although numbers were reduced and people were forced to duck and dive through the driving rain, the Run Like a Legend event was enjoyed by everyone.

Thunder clapped above the track and streaks of lightning lit up the clouds as runners got underway.

The track is the perfect spot for experienced runners to test their pace in a time trial on a flat and fast mile-long route.

Jennifer Barton, an avid runner who has attended the Run Like a Legend event four times previously, said she was looking forward to the run.

Speaking just before the off, she said: “I’m maybe not quite as ready as I usually am because I had a six-hour car journey yesterday so I’m a bit stiff, but it should be good."

Asked about whether she feels these events promote running to a wider audience, she added: “I think because the events are so inclusive it’s getting more and more popular.

“They have the 'Families on Track' activity, so the kids are getting involved and I think the setting that you have it in makes it a lot more appealing.

Read more: New 'raining' champions crowned at Durham City Run - did we get your picture?

“It’s quite a nice introduction for people. It’s not a race, it’s a run so I think it is getting much more popular.”

However, Mrs Barton said that many runners might have been turned off by the weather, adding that if you’re not a seasoned runner “you’re more likely to not do it because of the rain”.

Elsewhere, one Durham University graduate was gearing up to tackle the sprint.

He later crossed the line and clocked an impressive time at just over four minutes.

The university graduate had completed the city's 10k race the previous evening (Friday, July 14) and added: “I’m just very addicted to this sport at the moment, but it’s good.

“I graduated this year and I’m here for a few more weeks, and this was just before my tenancy ends, so I was going to do all of this stuff and then leave - and I can be done with Durham.

“I can then say that I’ve conquered it and have ticked all the boxes.”

He said he also feels that running is getting more popular, which he attributed to the ease at which people can join the sport.

“It’s definitely got more popular over the last couple of years," he said.

"I was in the university cross-country team and the numbers in the club have definitely increased massively.

“It might be getting more popular as people will just want to get out and do a sport that it is quite easy to do - all you need is a pair of shorts and semi-decent shoes and you’re off."

Steve Cram CBE, former track and field athlete, who was part of Paula’s Families on Track event - run by British long-distance legend Paula Radcliffe, said: “It’s been brilliant - we had a little bit of rain and thunderstorms but it didn’t dampen spirits.

“The kids were great and everyone just got on with it.

“We love this event - it’s a really good way of bringing people of all ages together, joining in together and the atmosphere was brilliant.

“We had orienteering on Thursday, we had the big 5k and 10k last night, and today we have themed runs going on around the city.

“There’s a bit of something for everyone hopefully and we try to include as many people as possible.

“You know if it’s an introduction to running then great, if they’re experienced that’s good as well."

Asked if he felt running was becoming more popular thanks to the events being held in Durham, Cram said that numbers were returning - despite dropping during Covid-19.

He added: “People might be getting back into the routines they had before, perhaps setting new targets and things.

“But it’s coming back a bit in terms of numbers this summer - it’s very good.

“I think running is very simple and straightforward and when people are struggling from an economic point of view, it’s still very cheap and accessible.

“You don’t have to be a member of the gym you can just go out and run, I think - because of that it’s going to keep its popularity, particularly during the time everyone is facing now.

Read next:

• Thousands missing out on £442 in free supermarket vouchers
• Plans to make outdoor seating in Darlington street permanent
• Environmental groups call for removal of Teesdale airstrip

Get the latest news, sports, and entertainment delivered straight to your device for just £4 for 4 months. Click here for more

“But I think it’s just an accessible exercise or sport, whichever way you see it. It’s open to everyone which is good.”

Elsewhere in Durham, the much-loved Horrible Histories author-themed run was taking place around the historic city.

The event saw a run through the city streets as Horrible Histories creator Terry Deary gives people the gory and gruesome details during the trip through time.

Although this year runners might have been forced in and out of shelter to avoid the hail and heavy rain pounding the streets, it was still enjoyed by all.