A TEAM of fundraisers from Durham Cathedral is preparing to join thousands of runners at the Durham City Run Festival later this month.

Ten members of the Team Durham Cathedral will tackle the Prince Bishops Durham City 10k or 5k on Thursday, July 25, to raise money for the conservation and upkeep of the iconic World Heritage Site.

The Very Reverend Andrew Tremlett, Dean of Durham, will also be on the 10k starting line, returning after running in the event in 2016 and 2017.

Organised by Events of the North in partnership with Durham County Council, the Durham City Run Festival will take over the centre of Durham and the Gala Theatre from July 25 to 27.

Fundraisers Vanessa Ward and Rebecca Dodd yesterday met event founder Steve Cram at the main tower of Durham Cathedral for a training session on the stairs, helping them to prepare for the event. Once again, both races will finish on Palace Green.

There will be a strong clerical involvement throughout the festival.

Dean Tremlett said: “The Durham City Runs have proven to be a draw to the city of Durham for runners from around the region and beyond.

"The hills of the city can be a challenge and there is no better place to train than a climb up the tower of the cathedral.

"Its 325 steps each way are great preparation. The Cathedral is delighted to once again be represented in the run by Team Durham Cathedral. I thank its members and those who are sponsoring them."

The Team Durham Cathedral runners hope to raise over £1,500 during the 10k and 5k. Anyone who would like to contribute can do so at www.justgiving.com/campaign/TeamDC2019.

For more information about the Durham City Run Festival and to book places on any of the events, including the celebration of the life of Sir Roger Bannister, visit www.durhamcityrun.com.

For the latest news on the festival, follow @durhamcityrun on Twitter and search for the event on Facebook.