North East athletics legend Steve Cram has offered advice to anyone preparing to participate in Durham's popular running festival.

Founder of Durham City Run Festival and Gateshead-born Olympian Steve Cram OBE is “delighted” to be holding the event once again, encouraging people of all ages, abilities, and fitness levels to get involved. 

On Tuesday (June 25), Steve met with officers from Durham County Council who will be running in races next month. 

The three-day Durham City Run Festival (DCRF) will take place from July 18 to 20 this summer, with events suitable for all happening across Durham City.

Steve has offered training advice for those looking to compete in this year's events and has urged anyone on the cusp of signing up to commit to competing. 

Steve said: "The great thing about any of these events is that even if people haven't done too much training and aren't too sure about competing, you'll be okay.

"We have a lot of people who are only just coming to running, maybe not having taken part in an event like this, but we're just trying to give people that incentive and that confidence to join in, to come along and take part."

"Lots of people make plans late and enter late, so there's plenty of time to do that. There's no reason why you shouldn't come and join in!"

The annual event will once again feature the popular Durham City Run 5K and 10K races, and among those taking part will be senior officers at Durham County Council, including Amy Harhoff, corporate director of regeneration and growth, and Alison Clark, head of culture, sport and tourism.

(Image: Stuart Boulton)

The council is the portfolio holder for culture, tourism and sport in the new North East Combined Authority, and the festival will be one of the first major events to take place in the county since the formation of the new authority.

With the final day for entry (Monday, July 15) on the horizon, Steve has told runners planning on taking the start line to stay calm. 

He said: "With three weeks to go I'd say don't panic - whatever you've done you've done, and whatever you haven't done you haven't done.]

"The thing is not to kind of suddenly think 'oh I have to get out and do loads of training'. Try and get yourself out to do a few runs before race day and you'll be fine. 

"Be careful about the warm weather - make sure you're staying hydrated!"

Amy Harhoff, the council's corporate director of regeneration and growth, will be racing for the first time this year.

She said: "I haven't run for a long time, so this is my first adventure back into running - I am excited, but a little bit scared. 

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"I've been in training - I've had some help from Steve with my program, which I'm very grateful for, so fingers crossed I finish!

"In Durham, we are really proud to be the regional leader for sport, culture, and visitors for the combined authority, so it's really important for us to show that by hosting big events like this. 

"Nothing but good comes from sport  - we see that nationally, with the benefits that sports brings, but it's also great for mental health, physical health, and getting visitors in the area in County Durham."