Cram unveils a "most beautiful marathon" (From The Northern Echo)

Cram unveils a "most beautiful marathon"

11:19am Tuesday 9th February 2010 in

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FORMER Olympic athlete and world record holder Steve Cram has unveiled plans for a major new international sports event in the North-East.

The Kielder Marathon will follow an almost entirely off-road course around northern Europe's largest man-made lake, Kielder Water, in Northumberland.

It was Mr Cram who came up with the idea for the event because it is his favourite place to go running and he has called it 'Britain's most beautiful marathon'.

The marathon will follow the newly completed Lakeside Way and organisers expect to attract runners and outdoor adventure enthusiasts from around the world to the dramatic setting and unique course.

Mr Cram, who is about to head to Canada to commentate on the Winter Olympic Games, said: "The water's shoreline is 26 miles long so it's an ideal venue for the ultimate running challenge, the marathon.

"Most of the course is off-road and it offers a wonderful test for trail runners, adventure racers and marathon enthusiasts alike.

"Add to that the stunning setting, with a wonderful new 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 3m project which forms the marathon course, is a trail suitable for walkers, runners, cyclists, horse riders and wheelchair and pushchair users.

Organisers are limiting the number of entrants to around 1,000 for the inaugural event on October 17.

The event will start and finish at Northumbrian Water's Leaplish Waterside Park and be part of a whole weekend of activities for all ages and abilities, with a big focus on attracting families to the site.

John Cuthbert, Kielder Partnership chairman and Northumbrian Water managing director said: "We're delighted to host such a special event and really put the region on the map."