Kielder Water provides scenic setting for weekend running events

The Kielder Marathon lived up to its billing as, “Britain’s Most Beautiful”, particularly with the sunny weather for the second day of the weekend schedule.

Set against a backdrop of northern Europe’s largest man-made lake, in north Northumberland, several thousand competitors took part in challenging events over the two days of the running festival.

They were among more than 8,500 visitors, including participants, and spectators, to descend on Northumbrian Water’s Kielder Waterside site for the marathon, half-marathon, 10k, Run-Bike-Run and junior races, staged by former world 1,500m champion Steve Cram,’s Events of the North company and Active Northumberland.

Cram, the race director, said: “We’ve seen some amazing running and performances against what is surely Britain’s most beautiful backdrop for any running event. It’s been such a huge success.

“Bring on next year!”

In Sunday’s marathon, Russell Maddams, of Keswick Athletic Club, came in first ahead of 670 other runners, in two hours, 46 minutes and 18 seconds.

Second and third places went to police officers who were taking part as part of the Police Sport UK (PSUK) Marathon Championship, West Yorkshire’s Simon Newton, 28 seconds behind the winner, and Devon and Cornwall’s Alex Daniels.

The winning woman was Morpeth Harrier Lorna MacDonald, in 3.15.20, while the half-marathon saw 894 runners take part, with Gosforth Harrier Benedict Moore winning in 1.20.29.

Olympian Aly Dixon, of Sunderland Strollers, was the fastest female, in 1.24.36.

Tyne Bridge Harrier Marc Fenwick won the 10k in 33.56, while the winning woman was Morpeth Harrier Gemma Floyd, in 39.47.

Meanwhile, the Kielder Run-Bike-Run saw more than 240 individuals and 35 teams tackle the 43k course, with Chris Smith winning for the second year running, in a record one hour and 58 minutes. Sam Crooks was the fastest woman, in 2.27, while the first team was, Once We Were Rugby Players, in 2.50.