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About Us

Durham parkrun is a FREE weekly 5km event for runners of all standards, which takes place every Saturday at 9am at The Graham Sports Centre, Maiden Castle, Stockton Road, Durham, DH1 3SE.

It is not a race against other runners, but a 5k timed run and it can really be whatever you want it to be, whether that's for fun or as part of a training plan.

It offers an opportunity for all the local community, male or female, young or old, to come together on a regular basis to enjoy this beautiful park and get physically active into the bargain. We want to encourage people to jog or run together irrespective of their ability – this event is truly open to all and best of all it really is FREE!

Taking part is easy – just register before your first ever parkrun. The great thing is that you only ever need to do this once! Then just set your alarm for Saturday morning and get yourself there!

After the run, if you don’t have to get off straight away, there will be the chance to socialise with everyone at the cafe within the sports centre, to maybe swap stories about your run that day, chat to other runners over a cup of tea or coffee and just be an important part of this new running community.

So whether you are a complete novice looking to get yourself started on your own "running journey" or a seasoned athlete wanting to use this as a part of your training schedule, you’re welcome to come along and join us.

Supporting Durham parkrun

Durham parkrun is supported by Allied Bakeries Gateshead:

Local Durham County Councillors have supported Durham parkrun through contributions from their Members Initiative Fund:

Permission to use the course is granted courtesy of Durham University, Durham County Council, Durham City Rugby Club and Richard Hopps.

The Durham parkrun Team

	Alister Robson Alister works for the University's Computing and Information Services department and is a member of Elvet Striders running club. He is a proud member of the 50 club, having completed most of these at Sunderland parkrun, prior to Durham's launch in August 2011.

Colin Everson Colin is well known as an official in the local running community and is a member of Crook Harriers running club. Previously he ran occasionally and volunteered often at Sunderland parkrun. He is usually Run Director if Alister and Jacquie are away and is often assisted by his two granddaughters. Most often found on a barcode scanner.

	Craig Herkes Craig is the manager of the Metrocentre Sweatshop and a Durham City Harrier. He is lucky enough to be able to hand over the parkrun monthly prize - a pair of trainers - to the person the organizers think most worthy that month. http://www.parkrun.com/sponsors/sweatshop

Mike Elliott Mike is the most experienced parkrunner on the team, a member of the prized 50 club having completed runs at four different venues. He has also previously regularly volunteered at Sunderland parkrun and is an Elvet Strider. He is also one of our Run Directors and is working on achieving his 100 club T-shirt and jacket.

	Stewart Herkes Stewart is Craig's dad and originally came down just to watch but got landed with helping us out and is now a regular and part of the core team. We're working on persuading him to run one soon. Stewart is usually the timekeeper.

Jacquie Robson Long suffering Jacquie is Alister's wife. She started parkrunning shortly after him and has now also joined the 50 club. Once a top level netball player, injuries to both knees and finally her shoulder have forced her retirement from that sport and she is now working on lowering her PB at parkrun. She usually gives the first timers briefing at 8.45am and is usually Run Director if Alister is away without her.