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Paula Radcliffe

Radcliffe On Track To Durham

Durham City Run Festival prepares for big return in July

Organisers of the Durham City Run Festival have revealed new details about this year’s event, as they prepare for its return this July. Events of the North, in partnership with Durham County Council and Durham University, is making final plans for the Prince Bishops Durham City 5K and 10K, Run Like a Legend Mile and Paula Radcliffe’s Families on Track, which will take place from 15-17 July around the city.

The 5K and 10K runs feature new, faster routes, and Paula Radcliffe will be at the festival in person, supervising Families on Track, which is set to double in size, following its global debut in Durham in 2019.

The 2021 Prince Bishops Durham City 5K and 10K will take place on the evening of Thursday 15 July.  Both races are flatter and faster than in previous years, but still present runners with a challenge, while taking in some of the historic city’s most famous sights. Every finisher will receive a medal, technical t-shirt and goody bag.

Run Like A Legend also returns to the Durham City Run Festival in 2021, on Friday 16 July. Runners will be able to test themselves against the iconic mile distance, on a flat route that starts and finishes at the Boat Club, heading to the bandstand next to the racecourse and back. 

Paula’s Families on Track will provide the finale for the festival, on Saturday 17 July. The brainchild of athletics legend Paula Radcliffe, Families on Track made its global debut in Durham in 2019 and gives family groups the opportunity to complete a 10K distance in a continuous relay, in a safe setting and format that allows everyone to contribute, no matter what age or ability.

The first event was a huge success and capacity has been doubled for 2021, but places are going fast. Radcliffe herself will be in Durham to supervise Families on Track and encourage groups as they tackle their 10K challenge together. 

The weekend will also host Durham County Council’s popular BRASS Festival which will run from 14-18 July with a vibrant and colourful celebration of brass music in all its forms. Taking inspiration from the brass band heritage of County Durham, the festival weaves together all musical genres into a vibrant and entertaining five-day festival taking place across the county. 

Durham City Run Festival founder Steve Cram said: “We are so pleased to be returning to Durham this July. It’s been a hugely challenging time for all events organisers and also for cities like Durham, which have traditionally had such vibrant summer programmes.

"Thanks to the support of Durham County Council and Durham University, we will be hosting three fantastic days of running events, with something for all ages and abilities. It’s going to be a brilliant way to welcome back big events to the city of Durham this summer.”

For more information visit the event website, and for the latest festival news, follow @durhamcityrun on Twitter and Instagram, and find the event on Facebook.

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