The Durham City Run Festival has celebrated its 10th anniversary by welcoming a record number of participants to the city. Over 3,500 people signed up for a series of running events, and were cheered on by spectators around the streets of Durham. The 2026 Durham City Run Festival was organised by Events of the North, in partnership with Durham County Council and supported by the North East Mayoral Strategic Authority.
Long distance running legend Paula Radcliffe kicked off this year’s Durham City Run Festival by leading a ‘Paula’s Runpod Breakfast Shakeout’ social breakfast run around the city centre. Almost 100 people took part in the free event. Afterwards, Paula visited Durham Johnston School, where she met with young people to talk about her career and answer their questions. Students were also treated to a special screening of ‘Chasing Stars,’ a new documentary about Paula’s return to marathon running at the age of 51. The day ended with another screening of the film at the Gala Theatre, followed by a live on-stage recording of an episode of Paula’s podcast, co-hosted by fellow Olympian Chris Thompson, with special guest Steve Cram.
The Durham City Run 5K and 10K races took over the city centre on the evening of Thursday 16 July. On a warm and sunny evening, the crowds came out in force to cheer on almost 3,000 runners, who started outside the Radisson Blu Hotel and finished at the World Heritage Site in front of Durham Cathedral and Castle. Before they set off, participants were treated to a performance by a bugler from the 8th Battalion (The Rifles), and were then set on their way by Cllr Joe Quinn, Durham County Council cabinet member for planning, investments and assets.
Joseph Wilson of Middlesbrough Mandale AC won the 2026 Durham City 10K in 30 minutes and 53 seconds. James Largey of Darlington Harriers was second in 32:24, followed by Stephen Jackson of Sunderland Harriers in 32:33. The women’s Durham City 10K was won by Megan Stenhouse of Durham City Harriers in a very impressive time of 34:11 – Megan was seventh overall. Kate Storey of Crook & District AC was second in 37:34, and Grace Carroll of Sunderland Harriers was third in 38:07. Winner of the Durham City Run 5K was George Lowry of Morpeth Harriers in 15:59, followed by Will Jardine of Durham City Harriers (16:52) and Sam Jackson of Elvet Striders (16:57). Anna Pigford of Houghton Harriers won the women’s race in 19:08, with Abby Codling of Birtley AC in second (20:04) and Joanna McNeill of Saltwell Harriers in third (20:10).
As well as many committed club runners from the North East, the Durham City Run 5K and 10K fields included people raising money for good causes, such as the official event charity, Red Sky Foundation. Officers from Durham County Council also took part, and there were large numbers of runners and volunteers from long term event partner Durham University.
The sunny weather stayed for the last event of the 2026 Durham City Run Festival on the morning of Saturday 18 July. Paula’s Families on Track had 85 teams of three to five family members tackle a 10K relay at the old racecourse. The event puts an emphasis on fun and encouraging generations of families to get active together, and many of the teams wear fancy dress during a noisy and colourful event. As with other events at the 2026 Durham City Run Festival, there has been a record number of entries for Families on Track this year.
Event founder Steve Cram comments: “We really did celebrate the 10th anniversary of the Durham City Runs in style. The weather was glorious throughout the week, without being too hot, which was ideal for runners and spectators alike. Once again, the atmosphere around the city was brilliant and it was great to see so many smiling faces. It’s a huge privilege to be able to stage races that finish on a World Heritage Site. We love giving that opportunity to runners of all ages and abilities, and showing off this beautiful city to them. We’re grateful to Durham County Council for backing the festival, and to all our partners and volunteers who make it possible.”
Cllr Karen Allison, Durham County Council’s cabinet member for leisure, tourism and high street, said: “We’ve had a fantastic time celebrating the Durham City Run Festival. This year saw a bumper number of entries, a brilliant atmosphere from crowds, and we’ve even been lucky enough to have the perfect running weather – no rain, and not too hot. What a better way to mark the festival’s 10th anniversary.
“Over the last decade the Durham City Run has become a household name, attracting thousands to our historic city centre each year. Not only does this contribute to our visitor economy, which is currently around 1.5 billion, butt he additional footfall also brings a boost to our county’s businesses.
“We are committed to helping residents find ways to move more and live long, active and healthy lives. We’re delighted to support the festival, which includes a variety of events to make running accessible to people of all fitness levels. I’m sure there will be plenty of people who have never considered themselves a runner but have taken part, had a great time, and feel proud of what they have achieved.”
To find out more about the Durham City Run Festival, visit www.durhamcityrunfestival.com