The Dun Holm Challenge Day 1

Step into the scenic beauty of Durham for Day 1 of the Dun Holm 5 in 5 Days Challenge, an exhilarating trail run that celebrates the historic city. The route winds along the picturesque River Wear, offering stunning views of Durham Cathedral and its iconic surroundings.
Scheduled for Thursday, May 27th, 2027, this event starts at 9:30 AM from the Durham Amateur Rowing Club on Green Lane in Old Elvet. Participants can choose to enter all five days or sign up individually, making it ideal for runners seeking a new challenge or those looking to test their endurance over multiple days.
Licensed by the Trail Running Association and governed by UK Athletics rules, this event welcomes members of affiliated clubs with a £2 discount on entry fees. The 7-hour time limit allows participants full control over the distance they wish to cover, ranging from a minimum of 3km up to ultra distances exceeding 50km.
The course features well-marked trails that are easy for navigational novices and includes turn points at both 3km and 5km marks. These options cater specifically to younger runners while still accommodating those aiming for longer hauls like half-marathons, marathons, or ultras.
All abilities are welcome; the event is inclusive of walkers as well, ensuring that everyone can enjoy the scenic route at their own pace. Upon completion of a minimum 3km distance, all finishers receive a themed medal featuring Durham’s landmarks and place names around the city. For those who achieve half-marathon distances or beyond, custom pins are available to commemorate these milestones.
A generous goody bag is provided for every participant post-race, with options catering specifically to vegan runners too. An aid table stocked with drinks and snacks—both savory and sweet—is located at both start and finish points throughout the day.
Special recognition awaits those marking significant marathon or half-marathon achievements such as their 50th, 99th, 100th, etc., through personalized number plates.
Facilities include toilets and changing rooms near race HQ. A bag drop area is available but unattended; runners are advised to secure valuable items separately due to the lack of supervision at this point.
Parking is pay-and-display in Durham’s city center or nearby streets. Participants must not use the rowing club's car park for parking purposes.
Race day instructions will be emailed a week before the event, detailing all necessary information and procedures including number pick-up on-site prior to commencement.
Runners are reminded to wear headphones responsibly and respect other path users while enjoying public footpaths during this event. Age-specific distance limits apply as per UK Athletics regulations: 5km for ages 12-13; 6km for ages 14-15; 10km from age 16; 25km at age 17 and above; with no maximum limit set beyond the age of 20.
For more details, visit our FAQs or contact us via email: [email protected]. Join CIRCUIT RUNNING and SATURN RUNNING for this year's series collaboration, bringing together runners from across communities to celebrate endurance and scenic beauty along Durham’s River Wear.