Mobilitate Vigemus (“strength through exercise”) is the proud motto of Durham City Harriers & Athletics Club or simply ‘DCH’. We’re a long-established, friendly and welcoming athletics club located in the historic university city of Durham, North East England.
Our members – whose ages can range from 8 to 80 – take part in track & field athletics (including multi-events) as well as road, cross-country, trail, ultra and fell running. Many are also enthusiastic participants and volunteers in the Parkrun community.
Coached Training
Senior members can choose from four training groups – Beginners, Transition, Endurance & Performance. All are led by UK Athletics qualified, volunteer coaches. Members may choose to stay in the same group or move up or down the progression ladder. Groups for junior members (8-17 years) follow a similar pattern though age is more influential in progression.
Internal Competitions
As a change from normal training, and to help with motivation, we organise regular, informal opportunities to compete against your clubmates throughout the year. Some might be one-off events while the following are regular features:
Club Handicap
Typically, on the second Tuesday of the month, we offer an informal 5-kilometre time trial as a low-key competition and to give you an opportunity to assess your running progress. There is a Summer and Winter series with a different course for each though of roughly the same length.
Grand Prix
Mackay Mile
The club runs an annual track event for members, called the Mackay Mile, a one-mile race for Seniors, U17 and U15 Juniors and an 800m race for U13 Juniors. Usually held in May, the event celebrates the contribution to the club of three individuals: Brian Mackay, Andy Billett and John Hampson.
External Competitions
The orange vests of Durham City Harriers have long been a distinctive presence at events across the North of England and beyond. Competitive sport is in our DNA.
Track & Field Athletics
DCH members participate routinely in North East Senior, Masters and Junior athletics leagues (NESDL, NEYDL, NECAA). The club also encourages members (and parents of juniors) to volunteer and train for technical official roles, which not only supports the events themselves but also adds to the club’s points for each meeting.
Cross-Country
Durham City Harriers is a well respected name in the North Eastern Harrier League (NEHL), the local cross-country league for the region. Participation is open to ALL members and is a great way to meet clubmates during the autumn and winter months. It’s CHEAP too, as the club covers ALL entry costs!
Road & Trail Races
The club typically runs a Grand Prix competition in summer and winter to encourage participation in road races. Certain races are selected as championship races for which trophies are awarded in Senior and Veteran categories by gender.