Paula Radcliffe helps Durham City Run celebrate its 10th anniversary with record numbers.

More than 3,500 runners took to the streets for the annual Durham City Run Festival, which celebrated its 10th anniversary.

Organised by Events of the North in partnership with Durham County Council, with support from the North East Mayoral Strategic Authority, the popular event was officially launched by long-distance running legend Paula Radcliffe.

For 2026, the Durham City Run Festival comprised the Durham City Run 5K and 10K races as well as Paula’s Families on Track, a relay race for families.

Cllr Karen Allison, Durham County Council’s cabinet member for leisure, tourism, regeneration and high street, said: “We are committed to helping residents find ways to move more and live long, active and healthy lives. We’re delighted to support the festival, which includes a variety of events to make running accessible to people of all fitness levels. I’m sure there will be plenty of people who have never considered themselves a runner but have taken part, had a great time, and feel proud of what they have achieved.”

Designed to make running inclusive and fun for everyone, the 10th-anniversary festival brought together elite athletes, club runners, families, fundraisers, and first-time participants.

Radcliffe kicked off the festival with a ‘Paula’s Runpod Breakfast Shakeout’, a free social breakfast run around Durham city centre which attracted almost 100 participants.

Following the run, Radcliffe met pupils at Durham Johnston School, shared insights from her career and answered their questions. Students were also treated to a special screening of Chasing Stars, a new documentary charting Radcliffe’s return to marathon running at the age of 51.

The main Durham City Run 5K and 10K races took over the city centre, with almost 3,000 runners setting off from outside the Radisson Blu Hotel before finishing at the World Heritage Site in front of Durham Cathedral and Castle.

The festival concluded with Paula’s Families on Track, which saw 85 multi-generational teams – almost 400 people – take part in a 10K relay at Durham’s old racecourse.

Event founder, Steve Cram, said: “We really did celebrate the 10th anniversary of the Durham City Runs in style. We’re grateful to Durham County Council for backing the festival, and to all of our partners and volunteers who make it possible.”

Cllr Allison added: “Over the last decade, the Durham City Run has become a household name, attracting thousands to our historic city centre each year. Not only does this contribute to our visitor economy, which is currently worth around £1.5 billion, but the additional footfall also brings a boost to our county’s businesses.”