Paula’s Families on Track event, staged on the Durham University Racecourse sports ground, attracted entries from 77 family teams, sharing the 10k course in continuous relay fashion.
Although the founder, former World Marathon Champion and world record holder, Paula Radcliffe, could not be present due to her TV punditry commitments at the London Diamond League Athletics Meet, the competitors, young and old, did her proud in her absence.
The colourful and noisy event, staged with the backing of the New York Brass Band, “on loan” from Durham’s Brass Festival, saw runners big and small running against each other on loops of the Racecourse field.
(Image: Andy Smith, Events of the North) Although more of a fun challenge, the honour of being the first family over the line went to the ‘Less Haste Moore Speed’ quintuple.
Chris Lines, of Durham City Run Festival organisers, Events of the North, said despite the overcast conditions, and the onset of the forecasted rain showers, it could not suppress the spirits among the hundreds of participants.
(Image: Chris Booth) “We’ve had bad weather previously, but it never dampens the atmosphere.
“It’s a lovely family event, and a great way to start the weekend.
“It brings families together to exercise together … a fantastic way to get people active.”
The Lines family team, featuring Chris and sons Charlie and Samuel, plus sister Kate English and her son Albie, all from Sedgefield, finished not far behind.
(Image: Chris Booth) They adopted the name the Brian Porter Fan Club for the day in homage to the larger-than-life event announcer, who could not be missed in his garish yellow garb.
(Image: Chris Booth) See more Durham City stories from The Northern Echo by clicking here
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Events of the North were delighted with the success of the festival which featured the Durham City 5 and 10k runs, on Thursday evening.
They were preceded by ‘Back to 1985’, a trip down memory lane reflecting on Steve Cram’s 19-day purple patch, when he broke three world records amid the golden age of British athletics.
Former BBC Look North presenter Jeff Brown was in discussion with the running legend, and now tv athletics commentator, at Durham’s Gala Theatre, on Wednesday evening.