2026 marks the 10th anniversary of the Durham City Runs, a big milestone for the races that have since expanded to become the Durham City Run Festival. Since the first Durham City 5K and 10K runs, the route has changed many times, with everything from weather, to maintenance works, and demand from growing numbers, needing the route to often be adapted.
For some runners, the Durham City Run is as solid in their running journey as the shoes on their feet. Despite the undulating route and sharp incline up to the finish line, the event welcomes runners of all abilities, from first-timers and fun runners, to club members and those doing a crazy challenge for charity.
For Joanne Archer, who started running in 2016, the Durham City 5K was her first race, and it has remained a permanent fixture in her yearly calendar. “It’s just something I can’t miss, regardless of what level my fitness is at each year. In 2023, the race was the night before I flew to Australia – but I couldn’t miss it!”
Joanne Archer at the Durham City Run Festival
The Durham City Runs are not just for the runners who take part, as many local businesses, charities, social groups and residents turn out on the day, helping to create a really exciting atmosphere in the city centre. “The support around the course is amazing,” says Joanne. “The last few years, I actually don’t think there was any part of the course that there weren’t supporters.” The event encourages the city of Durham to show their support for the runs, with bands from Durham Brass Festival and local dance groups performing on the route over the years.
The Durham City Run has a special feel to it, bringing together local runners, clubs and individuals who travel from all over the region just to take part. “What I love about it is I can finish the 5K, grab my medal and goody bag and get a good spot to watch the 10K runners finish, which often include my husband – who I actually met through running!” says Joanne. “I have been fast and I have been really slow, as life gets in the way sometimes, but I love the sense of community you feel as a runner, even if you aren’t attached to a club.”
“I hope there will never be a time I can’t make this race!”
Janet Scott, another recurring runner at the Durham City Runs, has completed every Durham City 10K since 2016. “When it was advertised back in 2016, I thought ‘I’ve got to do it.’ Running around the city and up to the Cathedral, well, I was hooked.” The finish up on Palace Green is iconic, and for many runners, the highlight of the race. The Cathedral coming into view in the last few hundred metres is the sign that they’ve done it, and makes that achievement all the more rewarding.
Janet Scott at the Durham City Run Festival
“I ran the first few years with not much experience,” says Janet. “Now, after joining my running club (Washington Running Club), I am confident, and I even got a PB last year running all the way up the Cathedral hill. I can’t recommend the event any more than I do.”
Experience the race that runners keep coming back to, entries for the 10th anniversary of the Durham City Runs are open at www.durhamcityrunfestival.com