COMPETITORS and spectators have been urged to ensure an early arrival for weekend running and cycling events at a landmark North-East location.

All those taking part in, or watching activities at the Kielder Marathon Weekend are advised to set off in good time, to avoid delays and road closures at the remote Northumberland water and forestry park.

It features the Active Northumberland Kielder Marathon, half-marathon, 10k, Run Bike Run and junior races, over Saturday and Sunday

Run by Events of the North, the company is led by Olympians Steve Cram and Allison Curbishley, in conjunction with Northumbrian Water, Active Northumberland, and Northumberland County Council.

The 10k and Run Bike Run events begin at 1pm on Saturday and competitors are asked to be in position 20 minutes earlier.

Junior races begin at 10.45am, on Sunday, with competitors required at the start line at least ten minutes earlier.

Both the Kielder Marathon and half-marathon, round the huge man-made lake, start at 10.15am.

Competitors must be in place at the start line, Kielder Waterside for the marathon, and Kielder Dam, for the half-marathon, half-an-hour earlier.

Shuttle buses will be running on both days, from Kielder Village and from Hawkhirst, starting at 10.30am on Saturday, and from 7.30am on Sunday. Parking and shuttle buses are free for competitors presenting a race number, but cost £3 for a day pass for spectators, who can use the service to travel to vantage points throughout the day in question.

The bus runs to Kielder Waterside on both days, and to Kielder Dam, for the half-marathon start, on the Sunday.

Those driving to the event should use the postcode and address for Kielder Waterside, NE48 1BT, with clear signage in place for the three event car parks, where marshals will directing people to the site.

On-site parking is only available for disabled drivers over the weekend.

Run Bike Run competitors will be directed to Kielder Village, where they must register and deposit their bike and relevant kit at the transition area, before first-leg runners and solo competitors are shuttled to the start point.

For those competing as a team, bike riders and third-leg runners will remain at the village.

All competitors are urged to remember their race number, safety pins, a bin bag, change of clothes and money on the day.