A NEW international sports event is to be staged against the backdrop of one of the North East's most beautiful locations.
Former Olympic athlete and world record holder, Tynesider Steve Cram, yesterday unveiled plans for the Kielder marathon.
The event on October 17 will follow the recently-completed 26-mile Lakeside Way, a £3m multi-user track around the shores of Kielder Water in Northumberland. Steve, who had the idea for the event, has dubbed it Britain’s most beautiful marathon.
For the inaugural event, the organisers are limiting the number of entrants to around 1,000, and expect to attract entrants from around the world.
It is hoped that, using electronic chip technology which allows runners to start in separate waves, the number of participants can be increased to 5,000 in three years.
The event will be yet another major boost towards the target of making Kielder Water and Forest Park a top European outdoor recreation draw.
It follows major investment to create quality mountain biking trails and the award-winning Kielder Observatory which takes advantage of some of the darkest and least light-polluted skies in England.
The marathon will also complement the Footfest walking festival in August and September which is being shared between Kielder and Northumberland National Park, and the relaunched 26-mile Kielder Challenge Walk, also in September.
Steve Cram, who now lives in Northumberland, said: “Kielder Water and Forest Park is my favourite place to run in the world and with the water’s shoreline being 26 miles long it’s an ideal venue for the ultimate running challenge, the marathon.
“It offers a wonderful test for trail runners, adventure racers and marathon enthusiasts. Add to that the stunning setting, with a wonderful view at every twist and turn, and I think that this is quickly going to establish a reputation as the most beautiful marathon in Britain.”
The Kielder marathon will be the official marathon distance of 26 miles and 385 yards.
The event will start and finish at Northumbrian Water’s Leaplish Waterside Park and will be part of a weekend of activities for all ages and abilities, with a focus on attracting families.
John Cuthbert, Kielder Partnership chairman and Northumbrian Water managing director, said: “The breathtaking scenery of the tranquil area sets it apart from other national marathons. We’re delighted to host such a special event and really put the region on the map.”
One North East and Northumbrian Water have provided funding for the marathon, which will be jointly organised by Extra Mile Events and Hexham-based sports marketing company Roberts and Partners. Places will be allocated by ballot and runners should register interest at www.kieldermarathon.com
Dave Roberts, head of Roberts and Partners, was one of the five-strong group which set up the Great North Run.
He said: “The Kielder marathon will be a unique event which will showcase Northumberland and its beauty.
“We think it will become a collectors’ item for runners.”
Elisabeth Rowark, director of the Kielder Partnership, said: “It will be in addition to our Winter Wonderland event around Christmas and we think the marathon will result in a £182,000 spend by runners alone, not counting friends and family.
“We hope it will inspire lots of people to visit Kielder. It is very much about establishing Kielder as an outdoor activity destination.”
:: Places will be allocated by ballot and runners should register interest at www.kieldermarathon.com
