A record number of participants are set to take part in this year’s Kielder Marathon weekend.
The event, known as 'Britain's most beautiful marathon', will return for its 14th year on Saturday, October 5, and Sunday, October 6, at Kielder Waterside Park, featuring a variety of races including a full marathon, half marathon, 10K, gravel duathlon, and a series of junior runs.
More than 3,500 runners from the North East, across the UK, and internationally have signed up to take part.
The Kielder Marathon is organised by Events of the North, in partnership with Northumbrian Water, Places Leisure, Northumberland County Council, Northumbria Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust, and Bright Northumbria Healthcare Charity.
The marathon has become a staple in the running calendar, attracting participants of all ages, abilities, and backgrounds, each year. Many runners take part to achieve personal goals or raise funds for various causes.
This year’s official charity is 4Louis, which provides memory boxes for bereaved parents.
Among the participants is Judith Sadler, who will celebrate her 70th birthday by running the Kielder 10K with 69 friends she recruited, raising money for Alive and Kicking, a social enterprise that supports sustainable employment in Zambia and Kenya.
Other notable participants include the Mayor of the North East, Kim McGuinness, and 29 runners from the Netherlands. Over 100 volunteers will support the event, with spectators expected to cheer the athletes at key points along the course.
The Kielder Marathon has a loyal following, with 11 runners who have participated in every event expected to tackle the marathon again this year. Ten former winners will also return to plant a tree on 'Winners' Row' at Kielder Waterside, an initiative organised in association with Northumbrian Water.
In line with its commitment to sustainability, the event encourages participants to use coach transfers from central Newcastle, car share, and consider planting a tree instead of taking an event t-shirt.
The trees will contribute to a reforestation project at Kielder Water and Forest Park. Runners will receive reusable water containers at the finish line, and Northumbrian Water has set up several water refill stations around the site.
Event founder Steve Cram said: "The area around Kielder Water and Forest Park is a magnificent setting for these races, which is why so many people return year after year. The location is also one reason why we always see new faces who have heard about the event and want to be part of it.
"We’re really excited about welcoming a record number this year, and we’re working hard with Northumbrian Water and all of our great partners to ensure that they have a brilliant experience at the Kielder Marathon weekend."
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