Durham University Athletics and Cross-Country Club (DUAXC) caters for athletes of all abilities. DUAXC helps athletes to improve through regular training, with experienced coaches running sessions for sprinters, distance runners, and field eventers. We have a vast number of athletes who regularly compete on the national stage, as well as many members who come to training simply to keep fit, have fun, and make new friends.
Athletics has a strong tradition at Durham and the club accommodates all distances on the track. Training for sprinters, distance runners, and jumping events takes place at The Sport and Wellbeing Park. Athletes who wish to focus exclusively on pole vault and throws usually train at the Gateshead International Stadium – where there are indoor and outdoor facilities, located half an hour north of Durham by car and also accessible by public transport.
Athletes train throughout the year, focussing primarily on fitness and conditioning throughout autumn and winter. Athletes compete in a wide variety of both BUCS and non-BUCS events such as The Steel Cup during both the indoor and outdoor season.
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 the likes of Manchester, Edinburgh, and Leeds. Many athletes also choose to compete for local club Durham City Harriers in the local North of England League. The highlight of the whole cross-country season is the BUCS Cross Country Championships, which takes place in February.
Please see below the main training groups for athletes at Durham:
Long Sprints Group
Events: 100m / 200m / 400m / 400m Hurdles / 800mTraining times: 18:30 Tuesdays and Thursdays / 09:30 Saturdays / 10:30 Sundays
Venue: Sport and Wellbeing Park
XC/Distance Group
Events: 800m / 1500m / 3000m / 5000m / 10,000m / Cross country / Road RacesTraining times: 19:00 Tuesdays and Thursdays / 09:00 Saturdays / 09:00 Sundays
Field Events (Throws)
Events: All Throws
Training times: TBC Mondays / Saturdays / Sundays
Venue: Gateshead International Stadium
Field Events (Jumps):
Events: Long Jump / Triple Jump / High Jump Training times: 19:00 Thursdays / 18:00 Fridays
Venue: Sport and Wellbeing Park / Gateshead International Stadium
Field Events (Pole Vault):
Events: Pole VaultTraining times: 17:00 Mondays / 17:30 Thursdays