Runners and spectators from all over Europe are gathered at Kielder Reservoir as the 14th Kielder Marathon weekend gets underway.
The first day of races started with a bang with over 1,000 athletes taking part in the Gravel Duathlon and 10K events – ahead of the Marathon and Half Marathon, as well as Junior races tomorrow (SUN).
Results of day 1 were as follows:
10K:
- Male winner – Ian Harding, of Morpeth Harriers, with a time of 33:53
- Female winner – Catriona Macdonald, also of Morpeth Harriers, with a time of 38:39
Gravel Duathlon
- Male winner – Paul Tyrrell, with a time of 02:21:20
- Female winner – Lorna Dodd, with a time of 02:36:45
- Winning team – Team Sedgefield, with a time of 02:29:46
The Kielder Marathon weekend is delivered by Events of the North in conjunction with Northumbrian Water, Places Leisure, Northumberland County Council and Northumbria Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust.
Steve Cram, Director of Events of the North, said: “We were blessed with glorious weather today and that was reflected in the miles of smiles around the course and as runners crossed the finish line.
“It was brilliant to see so many spectators too and as ever, our amazing volunteers added to a very special atmosphere at Kielder. It’s been a great start to the weekend and we’re ready for an even busier day tomorrow.”
David Hall, Head of Commercial Strategy and Transformation at Northumbrian Water, added: “It’s been an absolutely incredible start to the weekend – and it’s been great to welcome faces old and new back to the home of Britain’s most beautiful marathon.
“We’re only halfway through so far, and I can’t wait to see what happens in the main event tomorrow.”
Birju Bartoli, Chief Executive of Northumbria Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust, said: “We’re delighted to once again play a part in this special event which allows runners and cyclists to get outside and enjoy Northumberland’s fabulous scenery.
“It’s not just a great weekend for everyone involved but also a useful reminder of the importance of looking after your physical and mental health.
“Events and activities like this are not just great for physical health but also in supporting wellbeing and helping people live happier, healthier and longer lives. We know the links between exercise and good health and this is certainly a great advert for that.
“We’re also hugely grateful to everyone who has used this as a way of supporting our own Bright Northumbria charity which does so much good work both in our hospitals and out in the local community.”
Cllr Jeff Watson, County Councillor, Cabinet Member for Healthy Lives, added: “It’s been a phenomenal first day here at Kielder as we’ve cheered on 10K and gravel duathlon runners. We’re immensely proud to see the 14th Kielder Marathon Weekend bringing our community and visitors together once again.
“This weekend not only celebrates endurance and fitness, but also showcases the natural beauty of our region, supporting local businesses and inspiring visitors to experience all that Kielder has to offer.”
