Organisers of the Durham City Run Festival (13-15 July) have confirmed that races at the event will return to an iconic location this year. Yes, the 2023 festival will once again see participants in the Durham City Run 5K and 10K cross the finishing line at the stunning Durham Cathedral and Castle World Heritage Site.
 
Launched in 2016, the Durham City Run Festival is now a popular summer fixture on the city’s events calendar. Up until 2019, the Durham City Run 5K and 10K started on Saddler Street and finished on Palace Green, providing a spectacular finale for runners and spectators alike. Due to the pandemic, routes had to change to allow for more social distancing, but event organisers have been able to bring back the iconic start and finish lines for the races this year.

Also returning for the 2023 Durham City Run Festival will be Paula Radcliffe’s Families on Track, the Run Like a Legend Mile, XO Urban Orienteering and a schedule of themed runs, including two with Horrible Histories author Terry Deary. More events will be announced in the months ahead. Once again, Durham County Council has confirmed that the Durham City Run Festival will take place during Durham BRASS Festival, with running and music combining to provide a menu of sport and entertainment in the city centre.
 
Steve Cram, Durham City Run Festival founder, commented: “We’re over the moon to be returning to Palace Green for the 5K and 10K finish line. It’s an absolutely stunning location and while the final climb up the hill might test tired legs, we know that our runners loved crossing the finishing line beneath Durham Cathedral and Castle. With the addition of the Durham BRASS Festival to the mix, we expect the atmosphere to be even more special. We’re really looking forward to working with Durham County Council and Durham University to put on one of the highlights of the North East’s summer events programme.”
 
If you'd like to know more, visit the Durham City Runs website.

Image: Durham City Runs/Events Of The North