The centre of Durham was taken over by thousands of runners and spectators for the 2024 Durham City Runs on Thursday 18 July. Over 2,100 participants completed the Durham City Run 5K or 10K events on a mild evening, finishing at the World Heritage Site in front of Durham Cathedral. The races were part of the three-day Durham City Run Festival, which also included a family relay event on Saturday 20 July that attracted a record number of teams.

The winner of the 10K race was Corrin Leeming of Western Athletic Club, in a time of 30:47. Adrian Bailes of Birtley AC was second in 31:42, with Stephen Jackson of Sunderland Harriers third in 32:30. The women’s race was won by Charlotte Dillon of Houghton Harriers in 35:48, followed by Vicky Simpson (39:05) and Natalie Lye (40:45), both of North Shields Poly.

Chris Perkins of Birtley AC retained his title in winning the Durham City 5K in 15:43, followed by Duncan Hughes of Blackhill Bounders (16:23) for the second year in a row, with Liam Taylor of Sunderland Harriers in third (16:31). Jessica Eaton of Tyne Bridge Harriers won the women’s race in 19:02, followed by Anna Pigford of Houghton Harriers (19:06) and Nicole Burlinson of Durham City Harriers (19:15).

Both the Durham City 10K and 5K followed new undulating routes this year, starting outside the Radisson Blu Hotel. Along with leading club runners from around the region, many of the participants were taking on personal challenges or raising money for good causes, such as the festival’s official charity partner, Red Sky Foundation.

Event founder Steve Cram commented: “Thursday was a fantastic evening of running in the heart of Durham. The new routes have worked really well, and our runners rose to the challenge of tackling the hills in this beautiful city. As ever, we’re grateful to Durham County Council, Durham University and all of our partners and volunteers, who together make it possible to host the Durham City Run Festival.”

Cllr Amanda Hopgood, leader of Durham County Council, said: “The Durham City Run Festival is one of the most important events in County Durham’s cultural calendar and demonstrates our commitment to encouraging people of all ages and abilities to participate in sport. It’s been wonderful to see the streets of Durham City bustling with thousands of runners and their supporters over the last few days. The sense of camaraderie and positivity has been palpable and is such a key part of the festival and grass root sports in general.”

The 2024 Durham City Run Festival continued on Friday with XO urban orienteering in the city centre, and concluded on Saturday with Paula’s Families on Track at the old racecourse, which saw a record number of 75 teams of three to five family members of all ages tackle a 10K relay event.

If you'd like to know more, visit the Durham City Runs website.

Image: Events of the North