Durham City Run Festival returns to the City

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Durham City Run Festival returned to Durham last weekend as the festival took over the city. The festival, which included a 5K and 10K race, attracted over 2,000 participants. The weekend coincided with the Durham BRASS festival, with the events combining to create a “vibrant atmosphere”, according to organisers. 

The three day festival was kicked off on Thursday by Horrible Histories author Terry Deary, who both opened and closed the festival with a run through the city. The race included stops along the streets of the city so participants could hear tales of Durham’s historic past. 

Thursday also included the introduction of XO Urban Orienteering to the festival, which saw teams taking part in an orienteering race around the city. The orienteering was meant to allow competitors to make “their own running route through a landscape of architecture and cultural landmarks around the city centre”. 

The two main races of the festival — the 5K and the 10K took place on the Friday, with many runners taking part to raise money, including St Cuthbert’s Hospice, the official charity partner. 

The weekend coincided with the Durham BRASS festival creating a “vibrant atmosphere”

Cameron Allan retained the 10k title, running the course in 31 minutes and 22 seconds. This was closely followed by Liam Aldridge who came second with a time of 31 minutes and 39 seconds.

The women’s 10K was won by Emily Chong at a time of 39 minutes and 47 seconds, with Kimberley Simpson coming second at a time of 40 minutes and 18 seconds. Emma Bramley of Durham University AC came third with a time of 41 minutes and four seconds. 

Joshua Cowperthwaite won the 5K with a time of 15 minutes and 44 seconds, followed by Chris Perkins with a time of 15 minutes and 51 seconds. The women’s race was won by Charlotte Dillon, who runs with Durham City Harriers, retaining her title with a time of 18 minutes and 37 seconds. This was closely followed by Shona Haston with a time of 19 minutes and 6 seconds.

On Saturday the Paula Radcliffe’s Families on Track initiative took place. Considered by the organisers to be one of the most “popular and entertaining events at the festival”. Over 60 families teamed up to complete a 10k relay challenge running laps of either 250m, 500m, or 1,000m. 

Saturday also saw the ‘Run Like A Legend Mile’ challenge: a race designed to help competitors set a personal best. The fastest for men was Adam Hughes with an impressive four minutes and 39 seconds and the fastest for women was Izzy Hall with another impressive time of six minutes and 19 seconds. 

The festival was organised by Events of the North, in partnership with Durham County Council and Durham University.

“It’s been another brilliant Durham City Run Festival, with added sound this year!”

Allison Curbishley — event organiser

Event Organiser Allison Curbishley celebrated the turn of the event, saying “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. 

Add in fine weather, plenty of spectators and the wonderful sounds of the Durham BRASS Festival, and the atmosphere was fantastic throughout. None of it would have been possible without our army of dedicated volunteers and we’re also very grateful to our supportive partners at Durham County Council and Durham University.”

Cllr Elizabeth Scott, Durham County Council’s cabinet member for economy and partnership, echoed the excitement, saying “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. Well done to everyone who has taken part, we hope you had a fantastic time.”

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