Good weather welcomed over 2,000 participants to the 2022 Durham City Run Festival this week.

Over three days, a series of races, family events and themed runs took over the city centre, with the fine weather encouraging large crowds of supporters.

The festival coincided with Durham BRASS Festival, with the two events combining to create a fun atmosphere.

The festival began on Thursday, July 14, when acclaimed author Terry Deary led a Horrible Histories run through the historic streets of the city, with stops along the way to hear the tales of notorious events where they happened.

The Northern Echo: Terry Deary led a Horrible Histories run through the historic city. Picture: STEVEN CURTISTerry Deary led a Horrible Histories run through the historic city. Picture: STEVEN CURTIS

The Northern Echo: Thousands turned out to take part in the running festival. Picture: PAUL NORRISThousands turned out to take part in the running festival. Picture: PAUL NORRIS

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The two biggest events of the festival took place on the evening of Friday, July 15, with the popular Durham City 5k and 10k races, which both started by the river at Durham Racecourse and finished in Millennium Place.

Many runners took part in the races to raise money for good causes, including the festival’s official charity partner, St. Cuthbert’s Hospice.

The winner of the 2022 Durham City 10k was Cameron Allan of Houghton Harriers in 31 minutes and 22 seconds, retaining the title he won last year.

Liam Aldridge of Billingham Marsh House Harriers was second in 31:39, with North East Project’s Kieran Walker third in 31:46.

The Northern Echo: The three-day festival has grown in popularity year-on-year. Picture: PAUL NORRISThe three-day festival has grown in popularity year-on-year. Picture: PAUL NORRIS

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The women’s race was won by Emily Chong of Chester-le-Street & District AC in 39:47, with Kimberley Simpson of Gateshead Harriers second in 40:18 and Emma Bramley of Durham University AC third in 41:04.

Joshua Cowperthwaite of Middlesbrough Mandale AC won the Durham City 5k in 15:44, with Chris Perkins of Birtley AC second in 15:51 and fellow Birtley runner Lewis Mcconnell third in 16:22.

The Northern Echo: Some runners set themselves challenges, including this man running with a wheelie bin strapped to his back. Picture: PAUL NORRISSome runners set themselves challenges, including this man running with a wheelie bin strapped to his back. Picture: PAUL NORRIS

Charlotte Dillon of Durham City Harriers won the women’s 5k for the second year in a row in 18:37, with Shona Haston of Newcastle University AC second in 19:06 and Grace Carter of Durham City Harriers third in 19:40.

Since making its debut in Durham in 2019, Paula Radcliffe’s Families on Track initiative has established itself as one of the most popular and entertaining events at the festival.

The Northern Echo: Runners from all over the North East participated. Picture: PAUL NORRISRunners from all over the North East participated. Picture: PAUL NORRIS

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On Saturday (July 16) over 60 family teams of up to five completed a 10k relay challenge at Durham Racecourse, running laps of either 1,000m, 500m or 250m.

The festival concluded with a second Horrible Histories run with Terry Deary.

Event organiser Allison Curbishley said: “It’s been another brilliant Durham City Run Festival, with added sound this year! We put on a programme that offered running themed opportunities to participate for everyone, whether a fast club athlete, a dedicated charity fundraiser, or a family that simply wanted to do something active together.”

Cllr. Elizabeth Scott, Durham County Council’s cabinet member for economy and partnerships, said: “It’s been great to see so many people from a range of ages enjoying the fun events which made up this year’s Durham City Run Festival. With Durham BRASS Festival and the visit of the Queen’s Baton Relay also taking place in the past few days, thousands of visitors have been able to see what County Durham has to offer.”

Quentin Sloper, director of student enrichment at Durham University, said: “The Durham City Run Festival brings together such a wide variety of people and it’s been great to see so many take part in the events on offer, the event is growing in size every year.”

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