Athletics and Cross Country

Sports University of the Year 2023

Club Captain: Hannah Burnett

Coaches: Max Coleby, Julie Coleby, John Richardson

Durham University Athletics and Cross Country Club (DUAXC) caters for athletes of all abilities, with current membership standing at approximately 150 members. DUAXC helps athletes to improve through regular training, with experienced coaches running sessions for sprinters, distance runners, and hurdlers. We have a number of competitive athletes who regularly compete on the national stage, but many of our members come to training simply to keep fit, have fun, and make new friends.

Team Photo

Athletics

Athletics has a strong tradition at Durham and the club accommodates all distances on the track. Training mainly takes place at The Sport and Wellbeing Park. Athletes who wish to focus exclusively on field events may wish to consider using the Gateshead International Stadium indoor facility, located half an hour north of Durham by car.

Athletes train throughout the year, focussing primarily on fitness and conditioning throughout autumn and winter. The indoor season culminates in February with the BUCS Indoor Championships in Sheffield. The highlight of the season is the BUCS Outdoor Championships in May which take place in Bedford. We also arrange a highly popular warm weather training trip held annually during the Easter holidays, allowing athletes the opportunity to train in good conditions at high quality sports facilities. It makes for a memorable experience for all athletes involved and it's a great chance for all the athletes to bond through training and socialising together.

Cross Country

Cross country is a very popular aspect of DUAXC, with a large, friendly and welcoming training group. Over the Michaelmas term, the club competes across the UK, sending athletes to Manchester's Cross Country Relays for the first meet, followed by Edinburgh Braids Cross Country Race and the Leeds Cross Country Relays. Many athletes also choose to compete for local club Durham City Harriers in the local North of England League, which is a great way to keep competing for a club whilst at Durham. Undoubtedly the highlight of Epiphany term and the whole cross country season is the BUCS Championships. Many distance runners also take part in the Isle of Man Easter Running Festival each year which includes a 10km road race, a fell race, and a 5km race, as well as many popular social events.