Durham City Run returns again this year – and organisers have promised that the event will the “the best yet”.
The three-day Durham City Run Festival (DCRF) will take place from July 18 to 20 this summer, with events for “all ages, abilities, and fitness levels” happening across Durham City.
Organised by Events of the North, in partnership with Durham County Council and Durham University, the 2024 Durham City Run Festival will welcome back the 5k and 10k events, as well as Paula’s Families on Track, the Run Like A Legend timed mile, XO Durham and more.
Revised race routes are to be announced in the coming weeks, with DCRF founder and Olympian Steve Cram OBE “delighted” to be holding the event once again, saying this year’s will be “the best yet”.
With support from the Radisson Blu hotel in Durham and new partner Everyone Active gyms, festival organisers will be introducing new routes. Both races will start outside of the Radisson Blu and finish at the Durham Cathedral and Castle World Heritage Site.
Festival founder Steve Cram said: “People come from all over for Durham City Run, but at heart it is a community event. That’s why we are always really keen to work with partners like the Red Sky Foundation, and Everyone Active, as well as the university and the Council.
“I am just very keen to get as many people fit and happy, and living a healthier lifestyle. This is the sort of program we want to see happening right around the North East.”
At the event launch, Steve urged anyone, “of any ability”, to get involved with the festival. He said: “I love that there are people just at the start of their running adventure – we have lots of people who have been doing it for years, but what we are always trying to do is look for those who have not thought they were able to complete something like this.
“Please come along – you will absolutely love it, there will be lots of people like yourself and we always have a lot of fun. Come see what it’s all about!
“Hopefully, the sun will be shining, unlike last year when there was a lot of rain!”
Cllr Amanda Hopgood, leader of Durham County Council, said: “We are delighted to once again be supporting the Durham City Run Festival.
“Having world-class athletes such as the North East’s own Steve Cram returning to put on the Durham City Runs is proof of what a great platform County Durham provides for staging top events, and showcases exactly what we have to offer.
“Together with events like Brass and Seaham and Bishop Auckland food festivals, it cements our standing as ‘The Culture County’, showcasing our wonderful history and heritage.
“It’s such a privilege to welcome Steve Cram and other elite athletes – whilst bringing everyone together.”
Sergio Petrucci, founder of Red Sky Foundation, the official charity partner of DCRF, said: “We are absolutely honoured to be back.
“We are really, really excited – the support we had last year was incredible, and this year we are looking for even more people to join Team Red Sky, we want to get as many people as possible involved in the run!
“Our partnership with Events of the North is not just about running, but about running with purpose.
“In every step we take to make a positive impact to the lives of those suffering from complex heart conditions.”
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Entries are open now for events at the 2024 Durham City Run Festival, with ‘early bird’ prices for the 5K and 10K events available until February 29.
An early bird place on the Durham City Run 10K for a runner from an affiliated club costs £23.50 (£25.50 for unaffiliate runners), and the early bird price of the 5K is £14.50.
Places on the Run Like A Legend challenge cost £9, and a team place (of up to five) on Paula’s Families on Track costs £45.
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