On your marks for the return of the city runs
Former Olympian Steve Cram and local councillors have unveiled plans for the 2022 Durham City Run Festival, as part of a summer of sports and cultural events programme in County Durham.
The county is making final preparations to submit its bid to be named UK City of Culture 2025, and organisers of the popular running events are highlighting the major role sport can play in promoting culture.
Organised by Events of the North, in partnership with Durham County Council and Durham University, the 2022 Durham City Run Festival will see the return of the popular Durham City Run 10K and 5K races, along with the Run Like a Legend Mile, and Paula Radcliffe’s Families on Track.
This year’s festival will include a series of themed runs, talks and interactive workshops,whiletheDurhamBrass Festivalwillalsobetakingplace on the same week, from July 8 to 17.
Both festivals feature in the county’s bid for Durham to be namedUKCityofCulture2025, highlightingtheimportantrole thatsportplaysinCountyDurham’s cultural landscape.
SteveCram,FestivalfounderandDurham2025ambassador, said: “When we launched the first full Durham City Run Festival in 2019, our aim was to provide a showcase for both running itself, and for every aspect of the community that surroundsit.Ourthemedruns explored the culture of Durham
and we’re so pleased to be able to introduce those elements again this year.
“Sport is embedded in the culture of our region and it’s brilliant that it will be playing such a big role in the county’s UK City of Culture 2025 bid.”
At the launch, Steve Cram was joined by Cllr Elizabeth Scott, Cabinet member for economy and partnerships.
Shesaid:“TheDurhamCity RunFestivalhasbecomeafirm favourite in the county’s summereventscalendar,withpeopleabletowatchortakepartin manydifferentrunningevents over the two days.”
Places can be booked at www.durhamcityrun.com