Saturn Running - Gilesgate

Event Overview

The Scare Bear Run 2026 - North is an annual running event taking place in Durham. Based at the Durham Amateur Rowing Club, the event features a trail course along the River Wear, offering participants views of the Cathedral. The course is fully signed and does not require navigational experience. It is held on public footpaths, and the use of headphones is permitted.

Distance and Format

This event is organized as a 7 hour Time Challenge, allowing participants to determine their own distance by completing multiple laps. A standard lap is 7 km (4.37 miles), though this may change to a 5.28 km (3.28 mile) loop depending on course conditions. Specific turn points at 3 km and 5 km are available for younger runners. Participants can achieve various distances based on the number of laps completed:

• 3 km
• 5 km
• 10 km
• Half Marathon (3 laps)
• Marathon (6 laps)
• 50 km
• Ultra Marathon (7 or more laps)

Facilities and Support

The race headquarters provides access to toilets and changing facilities. An unstaffed bag drop area is available near the start and finish. Participants have access to an aid station at the end of each lap, stocked with water, sweet and savoury snacks, and vegan options. All finishers receive a themed medal and a goody bag, with distance-specific pins awarded for achievements of a half marathon or further.

Logistics

Number pickup takes place on the day of the event at race registration. For those traveling by car, pay and display parking is available in the city centre and nearby streets; parking at the rowing club itself is not permitted. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.