Skip to content

Couch to 5K

Welcome to Durham City Harriers running club – where every step counts! 

Whether you’re looking to improve your fitness, clear your mind, or simply enjoy the outdoors, our club is here to help you get started. We believe running is for everyone – regardless of age, experience, or current fitness level.

Start your journey with our Couch to 5K (C25K)

We run a 10-week C25K programme designed for adults (18+) who are new to running, returning after a break, or just looking for a fresh start. We’ll guide you from those first steps to confidently running a full 5K – and we’ll do it together, at your pace.  Most participants begin barely, or not, able to run for a minute, and by the end they’re running 5K with confidence. Our success rate is nearly 100% for those who follow the plan – and many go on to run 10Ks, half marathons, or even full marathons!

Supportive, inclusive, and pressure-free

We’re proud to be an inclusive club where no one is left behind. There’s no pressure – just encouragement, community, and a shared love of running. Whether your goal is a 5K or something more, we’ll support you every step of the way.

Real stories, real results

Since 2023, dozens of local runners have completed the course and discovered just how much they’re capable of. You’ll find inspiration in their stories below – and we’d love for you to be the next one to share yours.

Coaches: Niall Salmon, Paul Ginsberg, Dionne Hamill, Ian Farmer

After two failed attempts to ‘go it alone’ using a C25K app, the course run by the Durham City Harriers has helped me achieve a long-held ambition of taking part in a 5K Park Run. The volunteer coaches were excellent, giving plenty of friendly advice and encouragement and the whole experience was made so much easier by being part of a friendly group. If you’re thinking about it – go for it!

Placeholder
I can honestly say that joining the C25K group was the best decision I’ve made in years. Three fab coaches who don’t realise what a difference they are making to people’s lives
Placeholder
This has been an amazing course – I’m not a runner and I would never have kept going on my own but meeting together and encouraging each other has been so rewarding. I’ve gone from someone who started just to get a bit fitter to someone who enjoys running – and have met some wonderful people into the bargain! The C25K group has been absolutely brilliant for me. I had barely ran before doing this, and would never have thought I could run 5k, or even further! The coaches and the group are so encouraging, it doesn’t matter what your pace is. If you follow the programme you will just keep on improving! I would thoroughly recommend it!
Placeholder