Saturn 7 Hour Time Challenge - Gilesgate

MAR
29
2026
Run as far as you can for 7 hours on a signed, flat trail course along the River Wear. Choose your own distance from 3km to ultra marathon to earn a themed Fraggle medal. Enjoy aid station snacks and take in views of Durham Cathedral.
Sun 29 Mar 2026
7 hour 50 kilometers Marathon Half Marathon 7 kilometers

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Event Format

This is a timed event where participants run for 7 hours. Runners have control over their total distance. The minimum distance to be an official finisher is 3 km.

Course

The course is a trail run along a stretch of the River Wear, offering views of Durham Cathedral. It is flat and fully signed, requiring no navigational experience. A full lap is approximately 4.37 miles (7 km). This is subject to change to a 3.28 mile loop depending on course conditions. There are 3 km and 5 km turn points within the lap for younger runners.

Distances and Awards

Participants can run as many laps as they wish, within UK Athletics age restrictions. Completing 3 km qualifies a participant as an official finisher and earns a themed medal.

  • Half marathon: 3 laps.
  • Marathon: 6 laps.
  • Ultra marathon: 7 or more laps.
  • A 50 km distance is also available.

Distance pins for a half-marathon or more are available to attach to the medal ribbon.

Facilities

An aid table with drinks, crisps, cheese, fruit, cookies, and vegan options is located at the start/finish of each lap. Toilets and changing facilities are available at the race HQ. An unsupervised bag drop area is provided at the start/finish.

Logistics

Race number collection is on event day at registration. Final instructions are sent via email 7-10 days prior. Nearby on-street parking and city centre pay-and-display parking are available.

Other Information

The event welcomes walkers. Headphones are allowed. The event takes place on public footpaths, and participants are asked to be considerate of other path users. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.

7 hr
7 Hour Timed Challenge
50 km
50 Km Distance
Marathon
Marathon (6 Laps)
Half Marathon
Half Marathon (3 Laps)
7 km
Full Lap 7 Km (4.37 Miles)
Minimum Distance 3 Km
Ultra (7 or More Laps)