One of the greatest marathon runners of all time is heading to Durham next month for a special event to kick off the 10th anniversary celebrations of the city’s popular running festival. Paula Radcliffe will be at the Gala Theatre on Wednesday 15 July for an exclusive screening of a new documentary about her return to marathon running at the age of 51. Paula will also be recording an episode of her podcast on stage after the screening, and is inviting people to join her for a run around Durham earlier in the day. Her visit to the city will mark the start of the 2026 Durham City Run Festival, which will be held from 15-18 July, and is organised by Events of the North in partnership with Durham County Council.
The first Durham City Runs were staged in 2016 and the event has since grown into a multi-day festival that attracts thousands of participants and spectators from around the region and further afield. On Thursday 16 July, the Durham City Run 5K and 10K races will once again take over the city centre, starting outside the Radisson Blu Hotel and finishing at the Durham Cathedral and Castle World Heritage Site. The festival will conclude with Paula Radcliffe’s Families on Track on Saturday 18 July, giving family groups of all ages the opportunity to get active together by completing a 10K relay by the river at Durham Racecourse.
Paula Radcliffe has been a regular at the Durham City Run Festival and hosted the first ever Families on Track event in the city in 2019. She is passionate about encouraging the younger generation to get active, and has regularly brought her own children Isla and Raph to take part in events during the festival. Over the years, organisers of the Durham City Run Festival have worked closely with Durham County Council to deliver a programme that appeals to all generations and provides accessible pathways into physical activity. Those efforts will continue at the 2026 festival.
Paula Radcliffe’s visit to Durham this year is extra special. Paula will join festival founder Steve Cram and other special guests and partners for a screening of a new documentary. ‘Paula Radcliffe: Chasing Stars’ follows her quest to complete all six Abbott World Marathon Majors and earn a coveted Six Star Medal. This happened decades after Paula dominated global distance running and the film captures her return to marathon racing at the age of 51, following her journey to Tokyo, Boston and beyond in pursuit of one final remarkable achievement.
After the screening, guests will be part of a unique live recording of ‘Paula’s Run Club‘ podcast, which she will host alongside fellow Olympian Chris Thompson. The evening will also include a live conversation and audience Q&A, featuring more special guests, personal reflections, untold stories and insights from Paula’s distinguished career, from world records to her Six Star journey.
Earlier on 15 July, Paula will host a ‘Paula’s Runpod Breakfast Shakeout’ run from the Radisson Blu Hotel – anyone is welcome to join her at 8:15am for an easy jog of 4-5K around the city.
Steve Cram comments: “Paula has been a huge supporter of the Durham City Run Festival and we were delighted when she decided to launch Families on Track here. That initiative aligns very closely with objectives that we share with Durham County Council to get more people physically active. The Gala Theatre event will be a great opportunity to talk about the importance of that, but it will also be a chance to reflect on Paula’s own phenomenal running career as one of the true greats of distance running.”
Paula Radcliffe comments: “I really love visiting Durham. It’s a beautiful, welcoming city and a wonderful setting for a running festival. It will always have a special place in my heart for many reasons, not least the fact that it was here that we demonstrated that the Families on Track concept worked. Much as I have enjoyed my own achievements in the world of running, my greatest passion these days is playing my role in inspiring and helping other people to get active. I can’t wait to meet everyone in Durham in July, whether in the Gala Theatre, or heading out for an early run around the city.”
Cllr Karen Allison, Durham County Council’s cabinet member for leisure, tourism, regeneration and high street, said: “Paula’s Families on Track event has been a beloved staple of the Durham City Run Festival, and we have always deeply valued her incredible support in getting people active. We are excited that we will be seeing her at this year’s event, which we hope as many people as possible can attend to show their support for all her hard work.
“This year’s Durham City Run Festival will offer another packed programme of activities, so don’t miss out.”
Tickets for the evening with Paula Radcliffe at the Gala Theatre are available at www.thegaladurham.co.uk/galapost/paula-radcliffe-chasing-stars-film-screening-live-podcast-special.
Places for other events at the 2026 Durham City Run Festival can be booked at www.durhamcityrunfestival.com.
