AN annual run, set against the historic backdrop of a World Heritage site has unveiled plans to expand this year.

Organisers of the Prince Bishops Durham City Run said after last year’s 10K and 5K races both sold out, changes will be made to accommodate an expected surge in demand for places.

The 2018 Durham City Run will take place on Wednesday July 18 and is being organised by Events of the North, supported by Durham County Council, and with Prince Bishops Shopping Centre as headline sponsor.

This year, the event will have different start locations for the 10K and 5K races, adjacent to Millennium Square and in the market place respectively. As in previous years, both runs will finish on Palace Green at the Durham Cathedral and Castle World Heritage Site.

The new arrangements will alleviate congestion for both runners and traffic in the city. The Durham City 10K will follow an amended route that incorporates the Durham University cricket fields alongside the river, allowing the A690 arterial road to remain fully open.

Not only will the separate 10K and 5K starts improve the running experience for participants, they will also help the event to grow, building on the 2,500 who signed up in 2017.

The event’s new charity partner has been confirmed as the If U Care Share Foundation, a local charity aimed at suicide prevention, intervention through training, and support for those at risk of or bereaved by suicide.

Event founder Steve Cram said: “We are very excited about our plans for the 2018 Prince Bishops Durham City Run.

“After reaching capacity last year, we have been working hard with Durham County Council and the changes we are making this year will allow us to host an even bigger and better event.

"We’re looking forward to another memorable night in July in a fantastic setting, which will also lay the foundations for the continued growth of an occasion that is quickly establishing itself as a highlight of the region’s summer sporting calendar.”

Councillor Ossie Johnson, Durham County Council’s Cabinet member for tourism, culture, leisure and rural issues, said: “We’re delighted to once again be supporting the Prince Bishops Durham City Run.

“This event really helps shine a light on our wonderful city by bringing so many people into the heart of Durham."

Richard Toynbee, centre manager of Prince Bishops Shopping Centre, added: “We love being at the heart of this event and it’s brilliant that it brings so many people into the city centre on a midweek summer’s evening.”

Shirley Smith, founder of the If U Care Share Foundation, said: "This is a great opportunity to raise awareness, as well as much needed funds to continue our life saving, culture changing work, and to do it against the beautiful backdrop of the city of Durham will make it even more special.”

Other confirmed partners include Durham City Physio and Best Bar None. For more information and to book visit www.durhamcityrun.com. The 10K costs £24 to enter for unaffiliated runners and £22 for members of clubs (affiliated to UK Athletics).

The price for the Durham City Run 5K is £15 (£13 for club runners). For more information about the If U Care Share Foundation, visit www.ifucareshare.com or call 0191 387 5661 during office hours.