Paula Radcliffe will headline the 2026 Durham City Run Festival, marking its 10th anniversary.
What's happening at the festival?
The festival will run from July 15 to July 18 and feature a mix of public events, personal appearances, and family-focused activities.
Paula Radcliffe will visit Durham on July 15 to launch the event.
Why is Paula Radcliffe involved?
Radcliffe has been a huge supporter of the Durham City Run Festival, and her initiative, Families on Track, aligns with the festival's objectives to get more people physically active.
Steve Cram, festival founder and former world champion runner, expressed delight at Radcliffe's involvement.
What events can attendees expect?
The popular 5K and 10K city centre races will return on July 16, starting outside the Radisson Blu hotel and finishing at Durham Cathedral and Castle.
Radcliffe will begin her day in Durham with a public 4-5K shakeout run, starting at 8:15am from the Radisson Blu hotel.
That evening, she will join Steve Cram and other special guests at the Gala Theatre for the screening of a new documentary, Paula Radcliffe: Chasing Stars.
The film follows her journey to complete all six Abbott World Marathon Majors and earn the Six Star Medal at the age of 51.
Radcliffe will host a live recording of her podcast, Paula's Run Club, on stage with fellow Olympian Chris Thompson.
The event will also feature an audience Q&A and personal reflections.
Councillor Karen Allison, Durham County Council's cabinet member for leisure, tourism, regeneration, and high street, praised Radcliffe's support in getting people active.
Radcliffe launched the first-ever Families on Track event in 2019 and has regularly attended with her own children, Isla and Raph, to encourage multi-generational participation.
The festival will conclude on July 18 with Paula Radcliffe's Families on Track, a 10K family relay held at Durham Racecourse.