Kielder Marathon

Britain’s most beautiful marathon returns for fifth year
 

Image attached: World champion Steve Cram launches the 2014 Kielder Marathon weekend, with Northumberland County Council's Head of Leisure, Bruce Ledger, cyclist Kate Charlton and runners Richard Parker (L) and Martyn Barnes (R).

Image attached: World champion Steve Cram launches the 2014 Kielder Marathon weekend. Pictured with Councillor Val Tyler, Northumberland County Council's Head of Leisure, Bruce Ledger, cyclist Kate Charlton and runner Richard Parker.


Former British Olympian and world record holder Steve Cram has unveiled plans today for the fifth Kielder marathon.

This year, Britain’s most beautiful marathon, will take place on Sunday October 5 2014, and will once again follow an off-road route around northern Europe’s largest man-made lake, Kielder Water in Northumberland.

Hugely successful and popular with outdoor adventure enthusiasts around the UK and further afield, Kielder marathon returns with new headline sponsors, Active Northumberland and Northumberland County Council.

Popular athletics commentator and event director, Steve Cram, said: “I’m delighted that we’re back for a fifth time, maintaining our long running title as ‘Britain’s most beautiful marathon’.

“This year I’m pleased to welcome on board our new partners, Active Northumberland and Northumberland County Council. We very much look forward to working with them to continue developing the Kielder Marathon weekend as a real destination event for all active people across the UK.

“The star of the show continues to be Kielder Water, a perfect stage for the most beautiful running and cycling event in the UK.”

Councillor Val Tyler, policy board member for community infrastructure and culture at Northumberland County Council, said: “I can’t think of a more beautiful or inspiring place than Kielder to walk, run or cycle as part of a day out or holiday with the family.

“Kielder Marathon is going from strength to strength each year and I am very proud that Northumberland County Council is supporting Active Northumberland to sponsor this year’s event. We want to encourage more people to get active and experience the brilliant outdoors offer we have on our doorstep.”

The marathon has become a firm favourite in the racing calendar thanks to its spectacular setting and unique course. At approximately 26 miles long it is the ideal venue for the ultimate running challenge. Event organisers are expecting up to 3,000 runners to take part in the gruelling event.

The event will start and finish at Northumbrian Water’s Leaplish Waterside Park and be part of a whole weekend of activities for all ages and abilities, including the Kielder 10K which takes place on Saturday October 4. The other events are Kielder Run Bike Run relay and the Kielder Junior Races for children.

Last year a record breaking number of entrants took part in the Run Bike Run, which saw more than 200 bikes in use at the transition stations!

Maxine Mayhew, Commercial Director at Northumbrian Water, said: “We’re thrilled to be able to host this hugely successful event year on year, and in such a spectacular rural environment.
“Held over two days, the events of the whole weekend can give a boost to the local economy and showcase all that the region has to offer.”

Marathon places will be allocated on a first come first served basis – there is no ballot this year. Cost of entry is £37. Runners who deferred their place last year will be contacted separately. To book a place log on to the event website atwww.kieldermarathon.com. For enquiries telephone 0845 155 0236 (Monday to Friday, 9am – 5pm).

Last year’s winner was champion Ceri Rees, who retained his title from 2012 with a winning time of 2hr 43min 55sec. The first female to cross the finish line was Victoria Nealon from Warwickshire with a winning time of 3hr 22min 41 sec.

The Kielder Marathon team is delighted to be working with Active Northumberland and Northumberland County Council.

Bruce Ledger, Head of Leisure Services, from Active Northumberland, said: “Active Northumberland is proud and delighted to sponsor the 5^th Kielder Marathon.  

“We are keen to support and encourage the success of this great event as we are passionate about inspiring local people to live healthier and physically active lives.”

Northumbrian Water is once again hosting the event in Kielder Water & Forest Park which will be jointly organised by DS Media & Events.

THE EVENTS

Kielder 10K on Saturday 4 October 2014
Early Eagle price – book before midnight 18 April: £20 for affiliated/ £22 unaffiliated runners
General Grouse Price – from 19 April onwards: £23 for affiliated/ £25 unaffiliated runners

Kielder Run-Bike-Run on Saturday 4 October 2014
For individuals or teams of three – the marathon route in three stages. First, an 11k run, second a 26km cycle ride and finally 5km sprint.
Early Eagle price – book before midnight 18 April: £50 for individuals/ £70 for teams
General Grouse Price – from 19 April onwards: £60 for individuals/ £80 for teams

Active Northumberland Kielder Marathon on Sunday 5 October 2014
Early Eagle price – book before midnight 18 April: £30 for affiliated/ £32 unaffiliated runners
General Grouse Price – from 19 April onwards: £35 for affiliated/ £37 unaffiliated runners

Kielder Junior Runs on Sunday 5 October 2014
£8 for all age groups
The Osprey (880m race for children aged seven to nine)
The Roman Mile (1.48km race for children aged ten to twelve)
The Centurion (2.5km race for children ages thirteen to fifteen)

Notes to editors

Kielder Water and Forest Park, which spans 250 square miles, is home to the largest forest in England and the largest man-made lake in northern Europe. It was awarded the number one tourism experience in England by Visit England 2013, and the most tranquil place in England by the Campaign to Protect Rural England. For more information see www.visitkielder.com.