Durham Coastal Half Marathon 2022

Run along the England Coast Path on the Durham Coast

A serious test for even the toughest of athletes, the Durham Coastal Half Marathon has become notorious for a series of ascents and descents featuring steep flights of steps. It’s a regular fixture in many participants’ race calendars.

This year's race takes place on Sunday 24 July, when hardy contenders will follow a scenic and challenging 13.1-mile route along the coast from Seaham to Crimdon Dene.

For some runners, entering their first race here is also their first visit to this stunning part of the coast. Despite the tough terrain, some runners return to the Durham Coast to run the race each year and many bring their families back to visit another time.

‘We’ve seen the race grow a lot since its first year in 2013, people really seem to love it. Even those who swear ‘never again’ at the finish line often come back to take on those steps again.’

– Wayne Appleton, ranger on the Durham Coast

How to enter

While the Durham Coastal Half Marathon takes place on land cared for by the National Trust, the event is now managed by Trail Outlaws on our behalf. To find out more and to enter the event, visit the Durham Coastal Half Marathon website.

Where to support the runners

To lend support on the day by cheering the runners on, you'll find the best viewpoints at:

• The start and finish lines
• Cotsford Fields near Lime Kiln Gill car park in Horden
• Hawthorn Dene
• Castle Eden Dene mouth
• Footpaths near Easington Colliery, Blackhall Colliery and Blackhall Rocks