RACE runners are warned of late time and route changes to an major event this evening after a burst water main led to an emergency closure of a busy road.

Following a closure of the A167 northbound at Neville’s Cross in Durham, Events of the North and Durham County Council have issued a statement about changes to arrangements for the Prince Bishops Durham City Run 10k and 5k races on Thursday.

  • For updated route maps for the 10k and 5k click here

A spokesperson for the event said: “As a result of a burst water main, the county council has been forced to implement temporary road diversions in the centre of Durham, which are expected to be in place for the rest of the week.

The diversions mean that it is not possible to hold the 10k and 5k races on the advertised routes. Events of the North and Durham County Council have worked very hard and have identified an alternative course.

“Much of the existing course has been retained and the races will finish as advertised on Palace Green.

"However, the knock-on effects of the burst water main mean that some changes to the routes have had to be made, and both races will now start together on Claypath next to Millennium Square at 7:30pm.

"This is a change to the original start location and time (7:15pm) for the 5k, and 7:25pm start for the 10k. We will of course have signs up along the route and a full team marshalling it so there’s no need for runners to worry about the slight changes that have been made."

The park and ride service will operate as advertised, but participants have been asked to allow themselves a little more time to get to the start as the area will now be even busier than originally anticipated.

In addition, race organisers are issuing additional information to participants about running in the heat.

Thursday is forecast to be the hottest day of the year so far and runners are being advised to prepare for conditions by hydrating well in the build-up to their race, and to listen to their bodies during their runs. There will be well stocked water stations at key points in both races (one for the 5k and two for the 10k). County Durham and Darlington Fire and Rescue Service will also be on site at Framwelgate Waterside (close to the Radisson Blu Hotel) on the route and will have a ‘water curtain’ in action on race night.

For all of the latest updates about the Prince Bishops Durham City Run 10k and 5k, and other events during the Durham City Run Festival, follow @durhamcityrun on Twitter and Instagram, find the event on Facebook at www.facebook.com/durhamcityrun or visit www.durhamcityrunfestival.com.

For the latest updates on road closures and diversions in Durham, follow @durhamcouncil on Twitter or visit www.durham.gov.uk/article/1946/Emergency-road-closures.