THOUSANDS of runners took to the streets of Durham on the hottest day of the year yesterday, cheered on by a big crowd of spectators. 

In soaring temperatures, a field of around 3,000 tackled the 2019 Prince Bishops Durham City Run 10k and 5k races, completing challenging courses around the city centre, before finishing on Palace Green, in front of Durham Cathedral and Castle. 

Sponsored by Prince Bishops Shopping Centre and organised by Events of the North in partnership with Durham County Council, the two races kicked off the first ever Durham City Run Festival, which is taking over Durham from now until Saturday, with three days of running themed events for the whole family. 

Following a burst water main, the county council had been forced to implement temporary road diversions in the centre of Durham, leading to late changes to the routes and start times. 

As a result, both the 10k and 5k started together on Claypath – the added challenges of one mass start were dealt with successfully by both athletes and officials. 

The race organisers also increased supplies of water along the course, and a team from County Durham and Darlington Fire and Rescue Service was on site with a ‘water curtain’ to cool down runners.

The winner of the 2019 Prince Bishops Durham City Run 10k was Grant Johnson of Salford Harriers in 33 minutes and 38 seconds. 

Just behind him was 2018 winner Stephen Jackson of Elvet Striders in 33.41, with Jordan Bell of Blackhill Bounders third in 34.37.  Emily Kearney of Wirral AC won the ladies’ race in 36.49, with Aly Dixon of Sunderland Strollers second in 38.26 and 2018 winner Tracy Millmore third in 39.21. 

The winner of the 2019 Prince Bishops Durham City Run 5k was Sparrow Morley of Tyne Bridge Harriers in 16.40. 

Craig Gunn of Sunderland Harriers was second in 16.53 and Joshua Wraith of Durham City Harriers was third in 17.32. 

First woman was Katie Francis of Birtley AC in 19.04, with Charlotte Dillon of Durham City Harriers second in 19.33 and Emily Chong of Chester-le-Street AC third in 19.48.

Race director Steve Cram said: “Once again, the Prince Bishops Durham City Runs have been excellent events.  Both races sold out and the crowds came out in force to cheer on our runners.  Circumstances beyond our control led to the late route alterations and I have to pay tribute to our race team and Durham County Council, who pulled out all of the stops to put on such a great event.  We’re grateful for the understanding of our runners who adapted to the changes brilliantly and as always it was a fantastic sight to see them streaming across the finishing line in front of Durham Cathedral.”

Cllr Joy Allen, Durham County Council’s Cabinet member for transformation, culture and tourism, said: “We are delighted at how the 10k and 5k went, providing as they did the perfect start to our first Durham City Run Festival.  It was great to see so many people of all ages and abilities enjoying themselves during the two runs even in the very warm weather. Events like this are not only a fun way of exercising but also a great way for us to show off our beautiful city to a wider audience.  We’re really looking forward to the rest of the festival – part of our year of culture #Durham19, especially the world’s first ever staging of Paula Radcliffe’s Families on Track event on Saturday.”

Did you take part? Look out for our gallery of more than 200 pictures.