Thousands take to the streets for Durham City Runs 2026

The Durham City Run 5K and 10K races were held on Thursday evening (July 16), forming one of the headline nights of the 2026 Durham City Run Festival.

More than 3,000 people signed up for this year’s festival, which has grown from its first Durham City Runs in 2016 into a multi-day event attracting runners, families, spectators, and volunteers from across the region.

Durham City Run (Image: NORTHERN ECHO)

Durham City Run (Image: NORTHERN ECHO)

Durham City Run (Image: NORTHERN ECHO)

Durham City Run (Image: NORTHERN ECHO)

Durham City Run (Image: NORTHERN ECHO)

Durham City Run (Image: NORTHERN ECHO)

Durham City Run (Image: NORTHERN ECHO)

Durham City Run (Image: NORTHERN ECHO)

(Image: NORTHERN ECHO)

This year’s 5K and 10K races started outside the Radisson Blu Hotel, taking runners through the city centre and finishing at Palace Green, in the shadow of Durham Cathedral and Castle.

The event, organised by Events of the North in partnership with Durham County Council, brought a lively atmosphere to the city as runners of all abilities took part, from club athletes chasing fast times to first-time participants soaking up the midsummer evening setting.

In the men’s 5K, George Lowry, of Morpeth Harriers & AC, took first place in 15 minutes 59 seconds.

Durham City Run (Image: NORTHERN ECHO)

Durham City Run (Image: NORTHERN ECHO)

Durham City Run (Image: NORTHERN ECHO)

Durham City Run (Image: NORTHERN ECHO)

Durham City Run (Image: NORTHERN ECHO)

Durham City Run (Image: NOTHERN ECHO)

He was followed by Will Jardine, of Durham City Harriers & AC, in 16 minutes 52 seconds, and Sam Jackson, of Elvet Striders, in 16 minutes 57 seconds.

Anna Pigford, of Houghton Harriers & AC, was the first woman in the 5K, finishing in 19 minutes 08 seconds.

Abby Codling, of Birtley AC, followed in 20 minutes 04 seconds, with Joanna McNeill, of Saltwell Harriers, third in 20 minutes 10 seconds.

In the men’s 10K, Joseph Wilson, of Middlesbrough Athletic Club, crossed the line first in 30 minutes 52 seconds.

Durham City Run (Image: NORTHERN ECHO)

Durham City Run (Image: NORTHERN ECHO)

Durham City Run (Image: NORTHERN ECHO)

James Largey, of Darlington H & AC, was second in 32 minutes 24 seconds, while Stephen Jackson, of Sunderland Harriers & AC, finished third in 32 minutes 32 seconds.

Megan Stenhouse, of Durham City Harriers & AC, led the women’s 10K field with a time of 34 minutes 11 seconds.

Kate Storey of Crook & District AC was second in 37 minutes and 34 seconds, and Grace Carroll of Sunderland Harriers was third in 38 minutes and seven seconds.

All finishers received a medal and goody bag, with prizes awarded to the top three male and female runners as well as leading veteran-category athletes.

The 2026 festival began on Wednesday (July 15) with Paula’s Runpod Breakfast Shakeout, led by long-distance running legend Paula Radcliffe, who also appeared at a special event at the Gala Theatre later that evening.

The festival concludes on Saturday (July 18) with Paula Radcliffe’s Families on Track, a 10K relay event for family groups by the river at Durham Racecourse.

Event founder Steve Cram said: “We really did celebrate the 10th anniversary of the Durham City Runs in style. The weather was glorious throughout the week, without being too hot, which was ideal for runners and spectators alike.

"Once again, the atmosphere around the city was brilliant and it was great to see so many smiling faces. It’s a huge privilege to be able to stage races that finish on a World Heritage Site.

"We love giving that opportunity to runners of all ages and abilities, and showing off this beautiful city to them. We’re grateful to Durham County Council for backing the festival, and to all of our partners and volunteers who make it possible.”