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Three race for life runners crossing the finish line and smiling.

Darlington 5k

Sunday 07 Jun 2026

Aged 16 and over

£15.99

Children

£11.00

Minimum fundraising target

£50.00

Date

Sunday 07 Jun 2026

Time

11:00

Venue

South Park

Spring Sale ends Sunday!

Use code SPRING26 to get 50% off entry on 2026 events

Offer ends 19 April 2026. T&Cs apply*

Sign up now

Life is worth Racing for. Enter Cancer Research UK’s Race for Life and raise money for life-saving cancer research.

About the 5k event

Race for Life 5k is a great first challenge, no matter your age or fitness level. Go solo and join hundreds of people on the day, or sign up as a group with friends and family. There's no pressure to finish in a certain time, so walk, jog or run at your own pace and enjoy the atmosphere! However you take part, you're helping to beat cancer.

Location

Venue

South Park, Parkside, Darlington, DL1 5TG

View map

Course information

The start and finish are on grass. The course is on a mix of terrain including pathways, road and grass. The course starts within South Park before crossing over the road into the meadow, the course then turns back into South Park passing the bowling green and clock tower before returning to the main field.

Click here to see the Course Map. Please note, this is subject to change.

A crowd of people taking part in race for life cheering and clapping.

Event details

Once you sign up for your Race for Life event, you'll receive an email with all the need-to-know details to help you feel fully prepared for the day.

Meeting point

The start and finish lines are situated on the main field within South Park, opposite the lake.

If using what3words, enter ///music.vets.wipe in the free app, to find the exact starting point. 


 

 

Travel information

By car:
General Event Parking:
There is no parking available at South Park, please use the town centre car parks which are only a short walk away.

Drop Offs: Bottom of Bedford Street.

Blue Badge Parking: There is no parking available at South Park, please use the town centre car parks which are only a short walk away.

Volunteer Parking: There is no parking available at South Park, please use the town centre car parks which are only a short walk away.

Electric Charging points: The closest Electric car changing is near Vue Cinemas.

Public transport and pedestrians:
Pedestrians:
Please enter via the gates off Bedford Street. If entering via other gates, you will need to walk through the park towards the field next to the lake.

Bus: There are a number of bus services. The Traveline North East website can help you plan your journey.

Train: Darlington train station is a 15 minute walk from South Park.

Cycling & Bike Racks: There are none available at this event.

Facilities

Available

Refreshments

Toilets

Dogs allowed

Suitable for pushchairs

Wheelchairs accessible

Not available or suitable

Bag drop

Showers

Parking

Accessibility

Accessibility of this course changes depending on recent weather conditions due to a large section of the course being on grass. 

In dry weather this route is accessible to wheelchair users but assistance is recommended. In wet conditions a large section of the course will be inaccessible to wheelchair users however the course can be adapted (although this will significantly reduce the distance). The main event site is on grass so may be muddy underfoot.

We aim for maximum accessibility at our events. Our contact centre and on-site team are ready to assist with any needs or questions you may have.

Sunflower wristbands are available at the enquiries marquee, and our Event Managers are trained Dementia Friends.

A QR code will be available on the main event site to access British Sign Language stage content for those who use BSL.

What you'll receive

When you sign up to Race for Life, we'll support you every step of the way. You'll receive:

  • A fundraising pack with tips to help you reach your target

  • A customisable back sign

  • Training plans and support to help you prepare

  • Access to our Facebook community to help you get motivated

  • A Race for Life medal when you cross the finish line!

A lady writing the name of her loved one on her Race for Life back sign.

Prepare for your event

Get fundraising and training support, tips and resources to help you hit your target and prepare for your event.

How your support saves lives

Over the past 50 years, our work has helped double cancer survival in the UK.

Thanks to support from people like you, we've funded pioneering research to prevent, diagnose, and treat cancer. But our work isn't done yet. We want to bring about a world where everybody lives longer, better lives, free from the fear of cancer.

The money you raise goes towards our research into more than 200 types of cancer. With you at the start line, just imagine how far we can go.

Learn where your money goes

Crystal

Chaia is hugging a friend. They are both wearing pink and purple Race for Life T-shirts, smiling and posing for the camera.

I'm now clear of cancer and can’t wait to be taking part again in Race for Life with my daughter Chaia.

- Crystal, Race for Life Southampton

Sign up now

Your entry fee covers the cost of your event, but your fundraising helps us save and improve lives. Join the celebration, join the family, and join the thousands helping to raise the money we need to power Cancer Research UK’s biggest discoveries.

More ways to get involved

Two women, a man and a young girl in Race for Life branded t-shirts are laughing and running in a park.

Visit the Race for Life shop

Get set for your Race for Life event with t-shirts, hats and accessories for everyone.

A Race For Life volunteer wearing a hi vis jacket and helping someone at the event.

Volunteer with us

Join the incredible team of volunteers who make our Race for Life events possible.

Four adults going down a Pretty Muddy slide, smiling and laughing.

Find another Race for Life event

Explore our other Race for Life events taking place across the country. Choose from a 3k, 5k, 10k, Pretty Muddy® 5k or Pretty Muddy® Kids.

50% off entry

*Enter the code SPRING26 on the registration page to get 50% off your entry fee. Visit our Sales and Discount page for full terms and conditions that apply.