FORMER Olympic medalist Steve Cram sported a matador’s hat yesterday as he launched a new fun run in the region.
The athlete came face-to-face with a bull as he launched the first ever 10km race around the Bull Crag Peninsula at Kielder Water & Forest Park, in Northumberland.
The race is a new part of the sporting events that make up the Kielder Marathon weekend of activities in October.
Almost 2,000 eager athletes have already signed up for the main event – the Salomon Kielder Marathon – and for those looking for a different challenge, the Kielder 10km and a Run-Bike-Run relay event are now open for entries.
He said: “Britain’s most beautiful marathon is proving to be more popular that it was last year. Not everyone wants to run the full marathon distance but we know they are still looking for a challenge and a chance to be part of the weekend. As a result, we’re adding a 10km race to the programme of events and bringing back the team relay event.
“Bull Crag is a stunning part of the Lakeside Way at Kielder but it will be a challenging run. I braved the bull today – dare you sign up for the Kielder 10km and beat Bull Crag?”
The race and Run-Bike-Run, both sponsored by RedSpottedHanky.com, will take place at 1pm on October 8, the day before the Kielder Marathon.
Children aged between seven and 13 can also take part in the weekend’s activities as the Junior Runs will also return. The three races for children take place on the Sunday while the main marathon is under way.
The Run-Bike-Run event gives teams of three and individuals the chance to tackle the Lakeside Way, the marathon course route that encircles the shoreline of Kielder Water, in three stages. First, an 11km run, second a 26km cycle ride and finally 5km sprint.
Andrea Morgan, director of Redspottedhanky.com, said: “We are naturally thrilled to be helping people travel from across the country to the North East to take part in these events. We would like to wish everyone luck with their training and preparation for the race.”
Northumbrian Water is hosting the events, which will be jointly organised by Extra Mile Events and Roberts and Partners. For information go to www.kieldermarathon.com or call 0845 155 0236.
