Runners and crowds of enthusiastic supporters descended upon the shores of Northumberland’s Kielder Reservoir as the Active Northumberland Kielder Marathon weekend got under way.
More than 1,300 runners and cyclists took part in the first day of races on this 11th year of Britain’s most beautiful marathon.
The Run Bike Run duathlon, which breaks the marathon route down into three phases, and the Kielder 10k, were the highlights of the day, while crowds and runners will return on Sunday for the Marathon and Half Marathon, as well as Junior races.
Edward Etheridge was the first individual through the Run Bike Run and he did it in 2 hours, 9 minutes and 16 seconds.
The first female individual in the Run Bike Run was Emma Raven in 2 hours, 35 minutes and 48 seconds.
The team event was won by The Supreme Quads.
In the 10K event, Mark Snowball from Morpeth Harriers, was the first male finisher, crossing the finish line in 34 minutes and 45 seconds, having been runner up in 2019.
The winning female was Claire Duck from Leeds City Athletic Club with a time of 38 minutes and 33 seconds in the 10k.
The Active Northumberland Kielder Marathon weekend is delivered by Events of the North in conjunction with Northumbrian Water, Active Northumberland, Northumberland County Council and Northumbria Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust.
Marcus Cram of Events of the North said: "After a year without events like this, it’s fantastic to be back at Kielder for the 11th Active Northumberland Kielder Marathon weekend and day one has been amazing. What a joy it’s been to see the runners and riders and the crowds cheering them on, despite the rain, which didn’t dampen the enthusiasm. It feels like it’s been such a long time in coming.
“Getting the event organised and bringing everyone together has been an amazing feat, as it always is, with so much hard work behind the scenes, so I’d like to thank everyone involved – from volunteers to organisers to those taking part – for making this such an amazing day for Northumberland and for all who love days like this. Bring on tomorrow and the Marathon and Half Marathon.”
David Hall, Head of Commercial Strategy and Transformation at Northumbrian Water, said: “What a way to welcome the Active Northumberland Kielder Marathon back to Kielder. Kielder Waterside has been buzzing with excitement all week, despite the weather, and day one has not let us down.
“But as the sun sets on Saturday, we know that we have another thrilling day lined up tomorrow and can’t wait for the main event, the Marathon itself, to get under way.”
Race information
Kielder 10k:
1st male and overall winner – Mark Snowball, Morpeth Harriers – 00:35:45
2nd male – Chris Snowball, Wakefield District – 00:36:37
3rd male – Matthew Turnbull, Ponteland Runners – 00:37:33
1st female – Claire Duck, Leeds City AC – 00:38:33
2nd female – Lisa Da Silva, Thames Valley Harriers – 00:41:32
3rd female – Sophie Martin, Wharfedale Harriers – 00:41:45
Kielder Run Bike Run (Timings TBC):
1st team – The Supreme Quads
2nd team – Too fast Too Furious
3rd team – The Good The Bad and The Ugly
1st male individual – Edward Etheridge
2nd male individual – Trevor Dixon
3rd male individual – Ian Dunn
1st female individual – Emma Raven
2nd female individual – Caroline Cunningham
3rd female individual – Penny Browell