RUNNERS will take in stunning views of the Durham coastline during a new half marathon next weekend (Sunday, June 9).

The inaugural National Trust Durham Coast Half Marathon is scheduled to start at Nose’s Point, Seaham, east Durham, at 10am on Sunday, June 9.

The challenging hilltop route ends at Crimdon Dene, near Hartlepool.

Around 250 runners are expected to take part.

National Trust ranger Wayne Appleton, the event organiser, said: “It’s great to be involved in such an exciting new event. We’re proud of what we’ve achieved in setting it up.

“I’m really looking forward to the big day. We’re hoping it will become a regular date in the local running calendar, attracting competitors from far and wide to the Durham coast.

“It’s a fantastic stretch of coastline that has been a bit of a well kept secret for many years.”

The event is sold out but spectators are welcome. As well as at the start and finish lines, the best views of the course are said to be from Cotsford Field near Lime Kiln Gill car park in Horden, Hawthorn Dene, Castle Eden Dene mouth and footpaths around Easington Colliery, Blackhall Colliery and Blackhall Rocks.

For more information, visit durhamcoasthalfmarathon.co.uk