Kielder Marathon weekend sees record number of runners sign up

More than 3,500 runners have signed up to take part in the upcoming Kielder Marathon weekend - a record number for the annual two days of sport.

The weekender, now in its the 14th year, will be making its return this October 5-6 to Kielder Waterside Park in Northumberland with more people than ever taking part in its runs which include both the marathon and a half-marathon as well as a 10K; gravel duathlon and a series of junior runs. With its action set against the backdrop of the beautiful Kielder Water and Forest Park, the weekend always attracts crowds of runners and spectators and this year's 3,500-plus participants will be coming from not just across the North East but from the wider UK and around the world.

They will include, for instance, 29 runners from the Netherlands who are travelling over especially for the weekend. Also among this year's participants will be Judith Sadler, who is to celebrate her 70th birthday by taking part in the Kielder 10K alongside 69 friends she has recruited to help raise money for a social enterprise called Alive and Kicking which supports sustainable employment in Zambia and Kenya.

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North East Mayor Kim McGuinness, who recently took part in the Great North Run, will be running the 10k too. The Kielder Marathon weekender has become known as one of Britain’s 'most beautiful' events and its founder Steve Cram called the area a "magnificent setting" for the races, saying it is why "so many people return year after year".

He added: "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.”

The water company - which will also install water stations around the course - is one of a number of agencies working in partnership on the weekender which is organised by Events of the North. Since it began in 2010, the Kielder Marathon has grown into one of the best-loved running events on the calendar and people of all ages, abilities and background take part over its two days.

They include leading club representatives; Kielder Marathon regulars - there will be 11 this year - and those setting themselves personal challenges or fund-raising targets. This event's official charity is 4Louis which supports those affected by baby or child loss.

More than 100 volunteers will be on hand to help out over the weekend which also will see 10 previous Kielder Marathon winners return to each plant a tree on 'Winners' Row' at Kielder Waterside as part of an initiative. Tree-planting in lieu of receiving an event T-shirt is also an option for runners, in keeping with the event's sustainability commitment which includes giving out reusable water containers and encouraging participants to make use of coach transfers there from Newcastle or car-sharing to cut down upon travelling.

For more information about the Kielder Marathon races see its website here.