Durham 10k and 5k launch: Steve Cram unveils plans for Durham Run Festival 2022 as event returns with sporting boost for City of Culture bid

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, while the Durham Brass Festival will also be taking place on the same week, from July 8-17.

Both festivals feature in the county’s bid for Durham to be named UK City of Culture 2025, highlighting the important role that sport plays in County Durham’s cultural landscape.

Steve Cram, Durham City Run Festival founder and Durham 2025 ambassador, comments: “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 surrounds it. Our themed runs 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, Durham County Council’s Cabinet member for economy and partnerships.

She said: “The Durham City Run Festival has become a firm favourite in the county’s summer events calendar, with people able to watch or take part in many different running events over the two days.”

The official charity partner for the 2022 Durham City Run Festival is St. Cuthbert’s Hospice, which is based in the city.

Places on the Durham City Run Festival events can be booked at www.durhamcityrun.com.

Support your Echo and become a subscriber today.

Enjoy unlimited access to all of our news and sport, see fewer ads, experience faster load times, test your brain with daily puzzles and get access to exclusive newsletters.

Your support for our journalism means we can continue telling Sunderland’s stories for generations to come. Click here to subscribe - and click here to get a snapshot of the Echo’s news and sport to your inbox through our email newsletters.