THOUSANDS of runners took on 'Britain's most beautiful marathon' today (Sunday, October 3).

The 11th Active Northumberland event Kielder Marathon saw people from across the country take part in the event - whether it be the full marathon, half or junior events.

The Kielder Marathon is run by Events of the North, a company led by Olympians Steve Cram and Allison Curbishley, supported by event hosts Northumbrian Water, Northumberland County Council, Northumbria Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust and Active Northumberland.

The 10K and Run Bike Run, which breaks the marathon route down into three phases, took place on Saturday, October 2.

A total of around 2,500 competitors took part across the weekend at Northumbrian Water's Landal Kielder Waterside Park against the backdrop of Kielder Reservoir.

The marathon winner was Russell Maddams, of Keswick AC, who crossed the finish line in just 2 hours 54 minutes and 25 seconds for his third win in at the event. Fellow former winners Ian Twaddle and Cees Van Der Land came in second and third. Jo Ballantyne was the first female through, in 3 hours 35 minutes and 21 seconds.

David Holmes was the winner of the half marathon, finishing in 1 hour 16 minutes and 39 seconds, while the first female was Anna McClean. She crossed the line in 1 hour, 38 minutes and 32 seconds.

Marcus Cram, race co-ordinator at Events of the North, said: "When we packed away the bunting and barriers in 2019, we didn’t expect to be waiting two years to be back for the 11th Active Northumberland Kielder Marathon.

“It’s been a tough couple of years, and the importance of exercise to people’s wellbeing has never been more evident. So to be able to bring people together to celebrate the joys of running and cycling has resonated more strongly than ever this weekend.

“It’s been amazing to see people turn out to take part or to cheer others on and we hope it’s a reflection of brighter days to come and we look forward to being back again in 2022.”

Northumberland County Councillor, Jeff Watson, cabinet member for healthy lives, added: “It has been a brilliant weekend.

"Kielder is such a unique location and people have travelled far and wide to come to Northumberland to take part - which is fantastic for the county, the surrounding rural businesses and for the many charities that will benefit through fund raising.

“Well done to everyone who has taken part and to all those involved in the organisation of the weekend.”

To see highlights from the weekend including pictures, videos and interviews visit Northumbrian Water’s Facebook page and Twitter account (@NorthumbrianH2O).

Marathon

1st male – Russell Maddams, Keswick AC - 02:54:25

2nd male – Ian Twaddle – 03:04:18

3rd male – Cees Van Der Land – 03:05:13

1st female – Jo Ballantyne - 03:35:21

2nd female – Kiri Wood 03:39:55

3rd female – Clare Hanson 03:41:38

Half marathon

1st male – David Holmes - 01:16:39

2nd male – John Butters, Morpeth Harriers - 01:18:33

3rd male – Rob Kleiser - 01:25:55

1st female – Anna McClean, Low Fell RC - 01:38:32

2nd female – Tugba Mutlu - 01:41:09

3rd female – Alice Strawbridge - 01:42:54

Junior races

Osprey (under 11)

Male

1st Arthur Byrne, Prudhoe Plodders - 00:04:50

2nd Jay Bagnall - 00:05:01

3rd Max Tawn - 00:05:04

Falcon (under 16)

Male

1st Jonas Tipping, Radley Athletic Club - 00:06:33

2nd Charlie Digby - 00:06:57

3rd Tom Caldwell - 00:07:14

Female

1st Islay Wilson – 00:06:52

2nd Erin Booth – 00:12:01

3rd Jessica Rys – 00:12:30

Kielder 10k:

1st male and overall winner – Mark Snowball, Morpeth Harriers – 00:35:45

2nd male – Chris Snowball, Wakefield District – 00:36:37

3rd male – Matthew Turnbull, Ponteland Runners – 00:37:33

1st female – Claire Duck, Leeds City AC – 00:38:33

2nd female – Lisa Da Silva, Thames Valley Harriers – 00:41:32

3rd female – Sophie Martin, Wharfedale Harriers – 00:41:45

Kielder Run Bike Run (Timings TBC):

1st team – The Supreme Quads

2nd team – Too fast Too Furious

3rd team – The Good The Bad and The Ugly

1st male individual – Edward Etheridge

2nd male individual – Trevor Dixon

3rd male individual – Ian Dunn

1st female individual – Emma Raven

2nd female individual – Caroline Cunningham

3rd female individual – Penny Browell