Running festival returns to help County Durham take the sporting lead

The festival will be one of the first major events to take place in the region after the formation of the North East Mayoral Combined Authority, and a showcase for County Durham, which will be leading the sport and culture portfolio within the new devolution arrangement. Organised by Events of the North, in partnership with Durham University and us, the 2024 Durham City Run Festival will be held from 18-20 July.

The 2024 Durham City Run Festival will once again feature the popular Durham City Run 5K and 10K races, plus Paula Radcliffe's Families on Track, the Run Like A Legend Mile challenge, and XO urban orienteering. With support from the Radisson Blu hotel in Durham and new partner Everyone Active gyms, festival organisers will be introducing new routes for the 5K and 10K runs. This year, both races will start outside the Radisson Blu and finish at the Durham Cathedral and Castle World Heritage Site. Organisers will also add more content to the festival schedule during the lead up to July, and will be working closely with the event's official charity partner Red Sky Foundation, to promote heart health and the installation of community defibrillators in the county.

Festival founder Steve Cram comments: "The Durham City Run Festival has become a big celebration of running and has provided a wonderful showcase for many of the iconic sights in this historic city. As the event has grown, we have had to adapt to accommodate participants and spectators, and ensure that we deliver a great experience for everyone. We're delighted to build our partnership with Radisson Blu Durham and welcome Everyone Active, giving us the opportunity to introduce revised routes for the 5K and 10K races, and enhance other aspects of the festival.

"The timing of these developments is ideal. As County Durham takes the lead on sport and culture in the North East, we're excited about working with Durham County Council and Durham University to host this major summer event in the heart of the region."

Cllr Amanda Hopgood, our leader, adds: "We are delighted to once again be supporting the Durham City Run Festival. Having world class athletes such as the North East's own Steve Cram returning to put on the Durham City Runs is proof of what a great platform County Durham provides for staging top events.

"The Durham City Run Festival is a great example of our joined up approach to public health, sport and culture. Together with events like Brass and Seaham and Bishop Auckland food festivals, it cements our standing as 'The Culture County'; and our regional role in leading the culture, tourism and sport portfolio in the new North East Mayoral Combined Authority is further recognition of the vibrant scene we are creating here.

"Our investment in supporting this event is all about bringing growth to our visitor economy and in turn how much money is spent in the county. We look forward to welcoming all the runners to Durham this summer, whether they are looking to record a great time, get some exercise, or simply have fun while running in our beautiful World Heritage city."

Quentin Sloper, director of student enrichment at Durham University, comments: "We are delighted to be playing an active role in supporting the Durham City Run Festival again this year. The festival has become an event that students, staff, the wider community and visitors to the city look forward to in anticipation, and with the programme of activities set to grow further this year, I'm confident that even more people will want to take part and celebrate the importance and value of physical activity together."

Stuart Lloyd, general manager at Radisson Blu Durham, comments: "Radisson Blu Durham is delighted to support the Durham City Run Festival once again and welcome thousands of visitors to our picturesque city. Our tranquil riverside location will be showcased to participants at this year's festival and provide the perfect starting point for what always proves to be an incredibly scenic and exhilarating run around our historic city."

Sergio Petrucci, founder of Red Sky Foundation, adds: "We are absolutely thrilled and honoured to have the privilege of being the official charity partner for the Durham City Run Festival for the second year in a row. Our partnership with Events of the North is not just about running, but about running with purpose. The joy during the lead up to the event and on the actual day itself is not just in crossing the finish line, but in every step we take to make a positive impact to the lives of those suffering from complex heart conditions. Our hearts are full, and we couldn't be more excited for this year's event, where we unite with Events of the North and our incredible #TeamRedSky to keep hearts beating."

Entries are open now for events at the 2024 Durham City Run Festival, with 'early bird' prices for the 5K and 10K events available until 29 February. An early bird place on the Durham City Run 10K for a runner from an affiliated club costs £23.50 (£25.50 for unaffiliated runners), and the early bird price of the 5K is £14.50. Places on the Run Like A Legend challenge cost £9, and a team place (of up to five) on Paula's Families on Track costs £45.