Darlington 10k
Darlington 10k will be held on Sunday 4 August 2024. Find all the information you need below, including road closure details at the bottom of the page.
Details of how you can enter the Fun Run, 3k run & the 10k run:
Darlington 10km – 10:30am start time
Enter here. Please note this run is online advance entry only. The closing date for all entries will be Wednesday 31 July 2024. Race packs will begin to be sent out 3 weeks prior to race day.
Junior 3km Run - 9:45am start time
Enter here.
Important changes:
Due to new guidelines laid out by UK Athletics we have amended our age category accordingly from 8 year old to 9 – 14 yr olds
The Junior run is an out-and-back course on closed roads. All entrants are chip timed and can opt to receive a text of their run time, they will also receive a t-shirt. There are medals for the following age categories for 1st, 2nd, 3rd in both Girl and Boy results: 9 years, 10-11 years, 12-13 years, 14 years.
Please note this run is online advance entry only. The closing date for all entries will be Wednesday 31 July 2024. Race packs will begin to be sent out 3 weeks prior to race day.
Family Fun Run - 9am start time
Enter here.
It’s a great opportunity for all the family to take part together and a great warm up for grown ups before the 10k. Souvenir medals for all participants.
Even the smallest children are catered for with our family fun run. Pushchairs are welcome too. Entries for this event have now moved to online. The closing date for all entries will be Wednesday 31 July 2024. Race packs will begin to be sent out 2 weeks prior to race day.
Please note this run is online advance entry only. Adults - £3, children under 15 - £2 (Online fee applies)
Frequently Asked Questions
How can I enter the 10km?
You can click here to sign up and you will receive your race information in the post.
Do I have to belong to an Athletics Club to take part?
No - over half our entrants don't belong to a club.
Is there an age limit?
You must be at least 15 years old on the day of the race to enter the 10K.
The Junior 3km age range is 9 – 14 years old.
There are no age limits on the family fun run and pushchairs are welcome.
If I enter in advance but cannot take part, can I have a refund or transfer my entry?
Unfortunately no refunds are available and whilst we do not encourage transfer of race numbers, if you do transfer a race number you must advise us in advance so we can amend the race entry database at eventsteam@darlington.gov.uk.
Is the route suitable for wheelchair users?
We have been advised that our course may not be suitable for wheelchair users; however we have decided to allow wheelchair users and wheel-assisted entries. We simply ask you to check the gradient is suitable to your ability.
We ask that entrants identify themselves by ticking the relevant box in the entry process. Wheelchair assisted participants line you put and start slightly ahead of the main field. The Race Director will contact prior, leading up the event. For more information email eventsteam@darlington.gov.uk or call 01325 406417.
Is there any traffic allowed on the route?
The route for all of the runs are closed to traffic except for the race vehicles and any emergency vehicles, which have priority over runners and may need to access the route.
Can I run for a charity?
You certainly can and ideally we would like you to support our chosen charity which is still to be confirmed.
If you wish to donate, please visit the Darlington Rotary Club Charitable Trust page.
We do understand though that many people like to run in support of a charity or cause which is personal to them.
I have never competed in a 10km race before, is there anywhere I can get training advice from?
You can visit Run Britain which has lots of advice and information available. If you have never raced before it would be advisable to consult your doctor before beginning your preparation and consult a sports footwear shop for advice on the best running shoes for your running style.
Alternatively, why not join parkrun or one of our local running clubs; Quakers Running Club or Darlington Harriers?
I always listen to music on my mp3 player when I train, can I do this in the race?
In ear headphones are not permitted at this event. Whilst we understand the reasons why people listen to music during their run, personal music players with earpieces restrict your ability to hear safety instruction from marshals and sirens from approaching emergency vehicles. We must therefore advise you that you will be disqualified if you run with your personal music player.
Is there first aid and medical provision at the race?
We have comprehensive medical support for the event. We have two race doctors, one around the finish area and a mobile doctor out on the route.
There are also first aiders around the course and a fully equipped treatment centre at the finish. You can assist us by clearly showing on the back of your race number any medical condition you may have.
Runners information - before the run
Will you send me information in advance?
Once you have entered, we will send you by post your race number & timing chip. If you have entered before, including and up until midnight of the 7 July. Your race pack has been sent out, you should receive it by Monday 31 July. For those of you entered after this date, you will need to collect race pack on the day from the race desk – located in the Market Square.
What is in your race pack?
You will receive the following items:
- Race number
- Timing chip (attached to number)
What is my race number and timing chip?
Attach your race number to the front of your vest and please do not fold, cut or mutilate it in any way. The timing tag (chip) is attached to the back of the race number, so do not remove it.
Do not fold any part of the tag as this may cause it to stop working. Do not put any pins through the tag.
You must wear the number on the front of your torso pinned in all four corners, it needs to be clearly visible.
The tag is detected when you cross the mats at both the start and the finish. Do not run around outside of the mat area or your time will not be recorded. The tags are disposable, so you do not have to return them if you do not take part.
Please also fill in the personal details section on the rear of your race number. This greatly assists the medical staff, should you require first aid or medical treatment.
Why haven’t I received my entry pack?
If you entered on the 7 July onwards, you need to collect your race pack on the day from the race desk. Arrive 1 hour before the race to allow yourself time to collect and prepare for the run.
If you entered prior to the 7 July and not received your race pack by Monday 31 July, contact eventsteam@darlington.gov.uk
Prizes
Prizes are:
MEN’S AND WOMEN’S PRIZES
1st prize of £600.00, 2nd prize of £350.00, 3rd prize of, £225.00, 4th prize of £50.00, 5th prize of £30.00, 6th prize of £20.00
MEN’S AND WOMEN’S TEAM PRIZES
(First 3 to count) 1st 3 prizes of £30.00, 2nd 3 prizes of £20.00, 3rd 3 prizes of £15.00
VETERAN PRIZES
(Over 40 to over 80 for men and over 40 to over 80 for women). For the 1st and 2nd in each 5 year age category. Value £20 and £15 each respectively (not otherwise a prize winner).
YOUNG ATHLETES CATEGORY
There will be a young athletes category in the 10km and a trophy plate will be awarded to the 1st boy and girl. Young athletes aged between 15 and 17 will be eligible.
An additional £150 in prize money is on offer for winning the race and setting a new 10km course record.
Is there somewhere I can park my car?
The car parks in Abbots Yard and East Row will not be available.
All long stay car parks outside the inner ring road are £1 all day. East Street multi storey car park is also £1 all day.
Please check car park display boards before getting a ticket. For more information, please visit https://www.darlington.gov.uk/transport-and-streets/car-parking/car-parking-information/
If I forget my race number?
Please go to the race desk located in the Market Square. One of the team will check your entry and issue you with an alternative race number. There will be a £5 (cash) charge for new timing chip replacement.
I have moved house, what can I do?
Contact your old address to get it. Otherwise, contact eventsteam@darlington.gov.uk or visit the race desk on the day. There will be a £5 (cash) charge for new timing chip replacement.
Is there somewhere I can leave my luggage?
There will be a room available in the Dolphin Centre for luggage. Follow the signage directing you to the room.
Are there any toilets?
We have portable toilets in the Market Square vicinity. There are additional toilets available at the Indoor Market Hall on East Row, adjacent to the market square and the Dolphin Centre.
Will there be any distancing at the start?
We plan to set you off in waves. You will receive an email at least 4 days leading up to the run to confirm your allocated area and further detail.
Does the course go on any public roads with traffic?
Yes, the course is on public roads, however there are important changes to the run. The course is entirely on closed roads.
Please note:
- You must keep to the left side of the carriageway (road) to allow blue light emergency vehicles to pass.
- Blue light emergency vehicles access takes priority over the run.
- On the 2nd lap you’ll be instructed to go onto the right side of the carriageway (road) on Coniscliffe Road only.
- There is a new cycle lane on a section of Woodlands Road with a lip curb. Runners are asked to take caution along this section as you come off Stanhope Road.
- Do not go onto the cycle path at any point.
How will I know which way to go?
There will be course signage and marshals at all key junctions to ensure you don’t get lost.
Will there be any other activities available?
There will be music on stage after the presentation.
Will there be any refreshments?
There are water bottles available at our designated water station out on route and the finish line.
Do I get a medal or a t-shirt?
This year, you’ll receive a t-shirt only. You need to collect your t-shirt at the end of your run from the Market Square.
Can I wear headphones?
In ear headphones are not permitted at this event. Whilst we understand the reasons why people listen to music during their run, personal music players with earpieces restrict your ability to hear safety instruction from marshals and sirens from approaching emergency vehicles. We must therefore advise you that you risk disqualification if you run with your personal music player.
Is there any food or drink?
Yes to both! We have our local establishments around the Market Square hub, 16 Horsemarket, Pennyweight, Hole in the Wall, Darlington Market Hall and Boot & Shoe.
I’m injured/can’t run, what should I do?
We are sorry you are missing out on the event due to injury. Please contact eventsteam@darlington.gov.uk
DO NOT PASS YOUR RACE NUMBER on to anyone else, it potentially puts them at a medical risk, we have no medical information or emergency contact details for them. The entry fee is non-transferable and non-refundable, however there could be the possibility of deferring.
I need to collect my race number on the day, where do I collect it from?
You must collect your race number from Race Information at least 1 hour before the start of the race. Race desk located in the market square.
Can I run with my dog beside me or with a run buggy?
No, we don’t allow pets or run buggies.
Do you have first aid at the event?
First Aid responders are available along the route. Marshals will be on the course looking for signs of anyone in distress. If you are requested to stop, please do so, it is in your own interest. If you come across anyone injured or in distress please report it to the nearest marshal. First Aid staff on the route are in contact with both Ambulance personnel and the Race Doctors who are located in the centre of town and out on the race route.
What is the participants’ code of conduct regarding COVID-19?
Should you report or demonstrate any such symptoms, you must follow NHS and PHE guidance.
Guidance states you should:
- try to stay at home and avoid contact with other people for 5 days
- avoid meeting people at higher risk from COVID-19 for 10 days, especially if their immune system means they’re at higher risk of serious illness from COVID-19, even if they’ve had a COVID-19 vaccine. This starts from the day after you did the test.
Therefore we ask you not to run if this relates to you.
Road closures
Horsemarket - Entirely from 6.00am to 2.00pm
Bull Wynd - Entirely from 6.00am to 2.00pm
Blackwellgate - Entirely from 6.00am to 2.00pm
High Row - Entirely from 6.00am to 2.00pm
Post House Wynd - Entirely from 6.00am to 2.00pm
East Row - Entirely from 6.00am to 2.00pm
Northgate - Entirely from 6.00am to 2.00pm
Prospect Place - Entirely from 6.00am to 2.00pm
Tubwell Row - Westbound carriageway from Church Row to East Row from 6.00am to 2.00pm
Feethams - Entirely from 9.00am to 1130am
Skinnergate - Entirely from 6.00am to 1.00pm
Bondgate - Entirely from 6.00am to 1.00pm
Houndgate - Entirely from 6.00am to 1.00pm
Commercial Street - From Regent House to Bondgate from 6.00am to 1.00pm
Duke Street - From Rising Bollard to Skinnergate from 6.00am to 1.00pm
Grange Road - From Northumberland Street to Coniscliffe Road from 6.00am to 1.00pm
Beaumont Street - Houndgate to Beaumont Street West from 6.00am to 1.00pm
Coniscliffe Road - From Blackwellgate to West Street Entirely from 6.00am to 1pm and from West Street to Carmel Road Entirely from 9.00am to 1.00pm
West Street - Entirely from 9.00am to 1.00pm
Stanhope Road - Entirely from 9.00am to 1.00pm
Woodlands Road - Entirely form Stanhope Road North to Staindrop Road 9.00am to 1.00pm
Carmel Road North - Entirely from 9.00am to 1.00pm