Durham City Run 10k, 16th July 2026

The hills are alive with the sound of Lynne Cornell:

“Whilst this is not a ‘favourite’ I’m often tempted by the early-bird offer and this year was no exception. What did surprise me was Susan mentioning last week that she was also doing it, after her description last year of this race -“Picturesque but brutal”!!!

So we arrived at County Hall to find a warm, but thankfully not as warm as it has been, evening. We walked to the city centre, familiarised ourselves with the route to get back to the baggage drop at the end of the race (Susan!!!) and then dropped our bags off. A pleasant evening just to sit and wait for the start of the 10k at 7:30, 30 minutes after the 5K.

When we arrived at the start in front of the Radisson Hotel, we bumped into Lucy Ward who asked if we had done this race before and was it hilly? I couldn’t lie and said it was a run that challenges me! I knew she had done the Jesmond Joggers relays 2 nights earlier so hills would be 2nd nature to her!

Pacers in place we lined up, a bugle was played and then we were off. I was wondering if the route would change from last year, as it often does, but it didn’t appear to have – either that or my memory of last year is a blur. Still hilly!!!

Through the underground car park UP to Framwell Gate Bridge and UP Silver Street. Then through the marketplace and along Claypath followed by the lovely downhill of Providence Row. Across the Pennyferry bridge and back to where we started!! Back though the carpark again (!) and UP South Street which seemed to go on forever. Finally we reached New Elvet and a nice downhill section to Old Elvet.

This is where my favourite part of the race begins. A lovely stretch along the side of the river including much needed water at nearly 6K. Across the Maiden Castle footbridge and back along the other side of the river-beautiful and relatively flat which was good, plus lots of cheering and support from passengers on a riverboat cruise sipping wine and beer-how I wished!!! At some stage along this part of the route an onlooker said to me ‘well done Claremont – you’re putting some effort in’. That would be the lovely bright red face then!!!

Back across the river at Baths Bridge then back onto Old Elvet, New Elvet then a loop through another car park! Then a loop through Prince Bishops shopping centre and UP Saddler Street, where the support is amazing and really helps, and the final cobbles of Owengate to Palace Green and the finish in front of Durham Cathedral.

A medal and a goodie bag (no chicken sticklers this year!) plus thankfully more water. I’d just collected my goodie bag when I heard ‘well done Claremont’ and realised it was Lucy, so she and I walked back down the hill together reflecting on the run with her husband, who had been supporting and taking photos.

I’m pleased to report Susan found her way to the baggage drop and was grinning from ear to ear -obviously enjoyed it! I really enjoyed it this year as well – a minute slower than last year but enjoyed it so much more. Still not a favourite but I suspect if that early bird email arrives I’ll be tempted again.”

Position	Runner	Time
512	Lynne Cornell (2nd VW60)	51:03
604	Lucy Ward	52:34
1194	Susan Hillman	61:00

_{photos may follow…}