Sunday 27th April 2025 will mark a monumental day in UK running history, when an estimated 90,000 runners will compete in a marathon on the same day.
Between the London Marathon and the Manchester Marathon, a record number of people will join the elete club of less than 1% of people who have completed the iconic 26.2-mile distance.
Whether you’ll be supporting a loved one, watching on TV, or running in either London or Manchester, marathon fever will be sweeping the country, and you could be forgiven for getting the itch to sign up for a marathon challenge yourself.
Like many road marathons across the world, London and Manchester are famous for their crowds of spectators lining the routes, and the busy, energetic atmosphere that wills those tired legs through the last few miles. But imagine a serene, outstandingly beautiful landscape that makes the distance feel like reconnecting with nature and becoming more in tune with your body.
The Altra Kielder Marathon is nicknamed Britain’s most beautiful marathon for good reason – it offers a unique experience that takes you away from the streets and noise of the city, and into the wild, onto undulating trails in the heart of Northumberland.
What makes Kielder so special?
There are several reasons why the Altra Kielder Marathon is the perfect challenge for anyone looking for an autumn marathon challenge:
- An off-road route around Kielder Water, using the lakeside paths and forest trails
- Plenty of great spectator points for family and friends
- Instagram-worthy moments on the route across the lake
- Race options for everyone – including 10K, Gravel Duathlon, Juniors, Half Marathon and Marathon
- A relaxed, intimate race setting, with only 3,500 participants across the weekend
Celebrating it’s 15th anniversary in 2025, the Altra Kielder Marathon weekend is a unique event to include in your race calendar. It attracts athletes from across the North East of England, as well as from all over the world, including Australia, the Netherlands and the USA.
One of the most well-known participants who’ll be toeing on the start line this October is distance running legend Paula Radcliffe, who smashed the world record at the 2003 London Marathon with a time that stood for 16 years.
After completing the Six World Marathon Majors at Boston Marathon this year, Radcliffe is officially retiring from road-racing, but will be running Kielder Marathon to celebrate the 15th anniversary of the event. Sophie Raworth, Nell McAndrew and Eve Muirhead are also set to take on races over the weekend.
So, whether you’re a club runner looking for your next challenge after a road race, a first-timer wanting to join the buzz of the marathon in a relaxed and supportive atmosphere, or a charity fundraiser planning to set a personal goal – the Altra Kielder Marathon awaits!
