Beginners Group
This group is activated for periods throughout the year and is essentially the Couch to 5K (C25K) group for non-members of Durham City Harriers. Our 10-week program is designed to help those without a background in running to complete, in a single continuous effort, a distance of 5K. To date, the club has successfully taken 7 cohorts of runners through the C25K program – well in excess of 100 people. More than 70 have subsequently joined the club and now run with either the Transition Group or Endurance Group.
Coaches are well versed in providing expert care and tuition to those lacking confidence in their ability to run. The C25K course is designed to progress people in a way that acknowledges this lack of running experience while gently testing and challenging them along the way. Feedback from graduates of the course has been unanimously positive with many stating that they didn’t think it was possible – and to have done it with a smile on their face! New courses are advertised on our social media platforms and the website.
Age Range 18+
Training Frequency 2 sessions per week usually at or from Maiden Castle
Transition Group
This popular group, guided by experienced coaches, offers a wide variety of sessions designed to promote the social and fitness elements of running. It’s a great option for those who are relatively new to running, who prefer to run socially or for leisure OR who are looking for progression on a more gradual basis.
It’s also something of a multi-purpose group for runners returning from injury or absence. There’s a fantastic, friendly vibe and a pro-active Whatsapp group for training support and social interaction.
The Transition Group often trains with the Endurance Group, offering an ideal opportunity for members of the former to stretch themselves in terms of volume and intensity. You’ll manage well in this group if you can run 5k in around 40 minutes or quicker.
Age Range 18+
Training Frequency Two sessions per week (Tuesday & Thursday) usually at or from Maiden Castle
Endurance Group
The mainstay of the club, this group typically comprises long-time runners of varying speeds and interests most of whom compete in events including short and middle distance track & field, 5k, 10k, half marathon, marathon and ultra marathon distances, on and off-road.
Typical training sessions include steady runs of around 10k at 9/10 minutes per mile; shorter 5k time trial efforts; aerobic endurance and interval work, hill sprints and track-based repetitions.
Endurance Group training is designed to help members develop fitness and improve their capacity for competition. You should be able to manage well in this group if you can run 5k around 30 minutes or quicker.
Age Range 18+
Training Frequency Two sessions per week (Tuesday & Thursday) usually at or from Maiden Castle
Performance Group
The primary focus of this group is to support runners who want to improve performance in competition. Typical sessions are track or field-based tempo/speed work to develop top-end speed and endurance. Although the goal is to promote athletic development, this group retains a strong social spirit. Typically, this group comprises students at Durham University – with whom the club has close ties – or recent graduates. However, we encourage other senior members to get involved especially if performance is the key driver. This might be the group for you if you can run 5k at a pace of around 22 minutes or quicker. Speak to any coach if you’d like to give this group a go.
Middle Distance & XC Group
Age Range 13-35 (mainly under 25).
Training Frequency Two sessions per week (Tuesday & Thursday) at Maiden Castle
Multi-Event Group
Age Range 13-80 (mainly 18+)
Training Frequency Four sessions per week (with some gaps) at Maiden Castle
This is the group for older athletes who want to focus on specific events or pursue multi-eventing through to adulthood. It also offers a group for younger athletes who want to try events not covered by any of the other groups (hammer and pole-vault). The Multi-Event Group covers track (up to 1500m), ALL jumps and vaulting, ALL throws and multi-events. The balance of the work of this group across different events will be determined by the level of interest within the club for the specific events involved.
Strength & Conditioning
In association with the university, the club has an established strength & conditioning (S&C) program, supporting athletes’ development at all levels. Progression to these sessions is subject to certain criteria set out by the club. Athletes interested in taking part should speak with their coach in the first instance. Final judgement of athlete suitability lies in all cases with the S&C coach. Please wear appropriate sports clothing for mixed age and gender group work. Clean training shoes are required in the gym.