Thousands of people headed to Durham for an annual running festival this week. Over four days, the 2025 Durham City Run Festival attracted more than 3,000 participants to the city centre, plus large crowds of spectators. The festival was organised by Events of the North, in partnership with Durham County Council, Durham University and SG Petch, and supported by the Radisson Blu Hotel, Durham.
The 2025 Durham City Run Festival kicked off with a special event in the Gala Theatre on Wednesday 16 July, when former BBC Look North presenter Jeff Brown introduced an audience with Steve Cram, to celebrate the 40th anniversary of the time the North East athletics star broke three different world records in the space of only 19 days. They were joined by special guests and together with a packed audience, relived each record-breaking run on the big screen.
On Thursday 17 July, the centre of Durham was taken over by runners and spectators for the popular Durham City 5K and 10K races. After a performance by a bugler from Durham based D Company 8 RIFLES, each run was started by athletics legend Paula Radcliffe and Cllr Lyndsey Fox, Durham County Council’s cabinet member for economy and partnerships. Over 2,500 participants tackled the undulating routes, that started outside the Radisson Blu Hotel and finished at the World Heritage Site in front of Durham Cathedral. Athletes and supporters were entertained by music performed as part of Durham BRASS Festival from the Prince Bishops Shopping Centre loading bay. Once they finished, JP Physio provided runners with free massages on Palace Green. As well as a bugler, D Company 8 RIFLES also provided volunteers to help out on the evening.
The winner of the 2024 Durham City 10K was Liam Aldridge of Billingham Running CLub in 31 minutes and 10 seconds. Joseph Wilson of North East Project was second in 31:34, with Rob Scott of Richmond & Zetland Harriers third in 31:51. Charlotte Dillon of Houghton Harriers retained her title in the women’s race in 35:37, followed by Kate Storey for Crook & District AC (38:42) and Vicky Simpson of North Shields Poly (39:54). Liam Taylor of Sunderland Harriers won the Durham City 5K in 16:11, with Sam Jackson of Elvet Striders second (16:46) and Will Jardine of Durham City Harriers third (16:51). Alex Sneddon of Jarrow and Hebburn AC won the women’s race in 18:16, followed by Anna Pigford of Houghton Harriers (19:12) and Poppie Phillipson of Birtley AC (19:47).
Along with leading club runners from around the region, many of the Durham City 5K and 10K participants were raising money for good causes, such as the festival’s official charity partner, Red Sky Foundation. Over 250 runners were affiliated to Durham University colleges and representatives from Durham County Council took part. Paula Radcliffe’s son Raphael joined runners in the 5K.
The finale of the 2025 Durham City Run Festival was on Saturday morning with Paula Radcliffe’s Families on Track at the old racecourse. Cllr Andrew Husband, leader of Durham County Council, was in attendance at the event, where almost 80 teams of three to five family members of all ages completed 10K in a continuous relay. With an emphasis on fun and inspiring families to exercise together, Families on Track was a colourful event, with more live music from BRASS performers. It was a vibrant conclusion to the festival, but the activity didn’t end there.
Immediately after, the momentum was kept going by Fireride, a free pop-up cycling event designed to inspire and get people of all ages and abilities moving. As part of the council’s “Together We Move” campaign, Fireride invited the whole community to get on their bikes, get active, and enjoy being outdoors. It was another opportunity for people to have fun, be active and enjoy time together.
Event founder Steve Cram comments: “We’ve enjoyed a wonderful celebration of running in Durham this week. I really enjoyed taking a trip down memory lane in the Gala Theatre and it was great to share the stage with Jeff Brown and Paula Radcliffe. The action really kicked into gear on Thursday and it’s always brilliant to see thousands of people running and spectating in such a stunning setting. As ever, Paula’s Families on Track delivered a joyful and colourful finale. Our thanks go to Durham County Council, Durham University, our other partners and our fantastic volunteers. The Durham City Run Festival wouldn’t be possible without them.”
Cllr Lyndsey Fox, Durham County Council’s Cabinet member for economy and partnerships, said: “This year’s Durham City Run Festival has been a huge success, and it has been fantastic to see so many people either taking part in the festival or cheering the runners on.
“With the spectacular backdrop of our heritage venues alongside brilliant brass music, it is no wonder the festival is growing in popularity year on year. The events not only help to put the city on the map, but also cement our status as the Culture County as we demonstrate how capable we are of hosting world-class events here in County Durham.
“The Durham City Run also highlights our commitment to engaging people of all ages into an active lifestyle. Hopefully, the festival will inspire more people to get into running and enjoy the health benefits that brings. It was certainly inspiring to hear Steve Cram talk to audiences at Gala Durham about his sporting success, 40 years on from setting three world records, and I’m sure he will help us to encourage a future generation of runners across the region.”
Nathan Sempala-Ntege, dean of colleges at Durham University, comments: “We are pleased to be partnering with Durham City Run Festival again this year, as it’s a highlight event in the city’s sporting calendar. It’s fantastic to have so many of our staff and students participating in the run and supporting the event across the wider community.”
To find out more about the Durham City Run Festival, visit www.durhamcityrunfestival.com