Durham City Harriers & Athletics Club, or ‘DCH’ as we’re usually known, is a long-established, friendly 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.
Training & Coaching
We offer senior and junior training groups for all abilities, each run by volunteer coaches who are UK Athletics (UKA) qualified. At the introductory level there are the Foundation/Introduction to Running groups for senior runners (typically Couch to 5K) and juniors. For those who enjoy competition or just want to improve their fitness there are the Development/Performance Groups (senior training and junior training). We also offer a Transition Group to help Couch to 5K graduates gain confidence in running with a senior training group.
Internal Competitions
As a change from normal training, and to help with motivation, we offer informal opportunities to compete against your own clubmates throughout the year. Some are one-off races while the following are regular features:
Club Handicap
Typically, on the second Tuesday of the month, we offer an informal 5-kilometre time-trial both as a low-key competition and to help you assess your progress. There is a Summer and Winter series with a different course for each though roughly of the same length. Runners start at different times according to their handicap calculated which is from their previous finishing time (new runners give an estimated time). Points are awarded depending on position. The overall winner – the runner with the most points – receives a prize a the end of the series.
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 tangerine-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.