TWO legendary British Olympians were on the banks of the Tyne yesterday to launch the fourth Kielder Marathon.

Steve Cram and Daley Thompson were at the Baltic in Gateshead to announce details of this year’s event, part of a weekend of activities which will take place around northern Europe’s largest man-made lake, Kielder Water, in October.

World champion and 1,500m Olympic silver medalist Steve, who founded the marathon, persuaded his old pal Daley, who won Olympic gold in the decathlon twice, to get involved in the fourth marathon, dubbed Britain’s most beautiful.

Daley yesterday revealed he would be doing the cycling leg of 26-mile Kielder Run-Bike-Run, not taking on the marathon, and that he would bringing his two young sons with him. The four-time world record-holder said: “He (Steve) has been telling me for the last three of four years how beautiful it is and now he is going to prove it to me so I am coming up for the weekend of the marathon and I am going to see if it is really a nice as it says it is.”

The Salomon mountain company sponsored marathon, hosted by Northumbrian Water and organised by DS Media & Events, takes place on Sunday, October 6, with Daley’s event – for individuals as well as teams of three, the day before.

The Kielder 10k will also take place on the Saturday with junior runs on the Sunday.

At yesterday’s launch, BBC athletics commentator Steve said the event had grown year on year with 2012’s the “best ever”.

“We want to grow the event again.

“We are delighted that the event has received the best plaudits from those who take part.

“We have people coming from all over the country to take part.

“We are really proud of the fact we run the event within the rural environment.

“Kielder is a special part of the rural landscape. Kielder is the star of the show and always will be.

“We are very keen that people come and enjoy Kielder and make the most of what Northumberland has to offer.”

Of Daley, he added: “It is great that he is going to come and be part of the event and I am sure it will add a lot of spice to the weekend.”

Sarah Stewart, chief executive of NewcastleGateshead Initiative, said: “The Kielder Marathon and activities across this weekend are a great example of the brilliant events we have going on this year in the North East.

“We have a fantastic reputation for hosting sporting events and we know that they give a real boost to visitor numbers and to the local economy.

“I am sure the Kielder Marathon will attract people from all over the UK and beyond and will bring benefits to businesses across the whole region.”