There's not much time left to book your spot in an event at Durham's Run Festival - so if you want to be a part of this north-east running spectacular, you better get your skates (sorry trainers) on!

The Durham City Run 10K and 5K will both take place on the evening of Friday 15 July, starting by the river at Durham Racecourse and following courses around sections of the River Wear and past some of the city’s iconic landmarks. The deadline for entries in these events is midnight tonight (Tuesday 12 July).

Throughout Saturday 16 July, runners will be able to challenge themselves in the Run Like A Legend Mile, the deadline for which is midnight on Thursday 14 July.

The 2022 Durham City Run Festival will also host a schedule of free themed activities. First up on the afternoon of Thursday 14 July will be Terry Deary’s Deadly Durham 5K, when the Horrible Histories author will lead a run through the historic streets of the city, with stops along the way to hear the tales of notorious events where they happened.

On the morning of Friday 15 July, Durham Mums on the Run will hold a buggy warm up run for mums, dads and youngsters. At lunch-time on the same day, the festival’s official charity partner, St Cuthbert’s Hospice, will host a guided walk around the city, welcoming people along for a sociable wander and to find out more about how the organisation supports individuals and families.

First thing on Saturday 16 July, European 1,500m medal winner turned coach Becky Lyne will lead a race technique workshop at Durham Racecourse near the site of Families on Track. Becky will guide runners through her ‘GRACE’ approach, with five key principles that form the blueprint of how humans are designed to run.

The final free themed event will be hosted by Sedgefield Ploggers. Plogging combines jogging with picking up litter. Gloves, bags and grabbers will be provided, and the Sedgefield Ploggers will lead participants of all ages on a sociable tidy up to wrap up the festival. The themed events are free, but places still need to be booked online here.

Durham City Run Festival founder Steve Cram comments: “This year’s festival is packed with a great variety of events – there’s something for everyone who has an interest in running, or would like to get started in the sport. Durham is a truly stunning location, and working with Durham County Council and Durham University, we’ve put together a programme that provides loads of opportunities to explore the city.

"We’re looking forward to welcoming everyone who joins us, whether they’re pushing for a personal best in the mile, listening to Terry’s gruesome stories, enjoying a stroll with our friends at St. Cuthbert’s Hospice, or teaming up as a family to tackle 10K down by the river.”

For all of the latest news about the 2022 Durham City Run Festival, visit the event website here.

Image: Events Of The North