Sedgefield Harriers as part of a steering group are leading a project to deliver an athletics track for the benefit of its members and the East Durham community. Known as ‘Back The Track’, this initiative, to promote active lifestyles in the area, has attracted support from leading names in the sport that include Steve Cram and Laura Weightman.

This popular and successful club has a thriving junior section that along with the senior athletes, have to travel a distance to use a track and this is also a problem for other clubs, running groups and community groups in the area. Sedgefield Harriers AC is actively involved with their local parkrun and encourages newcomers to the sport through their ‘Couch to 5K’ programme and other similar activities. They are keen for everyone to get involved in sport, health and fitness whatever their age and ability.

The proposed facility - East Durham Community Athletics Track (EDCAT) – would be built on ‘safeguarded’ land to the north of Sedgefield and with minimal damage to the environment, the latter enhanced by over 250m of new hedgerow. It includes a 6-lane running track with a natural grass infield, long/high jump runway, pole vault runways and a clubhouse plus car parking that would be accessible to all. 

A planning application will be submitted early in 2021 but before that, people can learn more about the proposal, the club and the track itself via the EDCAT website. There is a short survey to complete. 

If the application is successful, work will commence in 2021.

Image courtesy of Chris Lines (Right Lines Communications)