First Kielder Marathan a Success

The first ever Kielder Marathon saw top runners from across the globe descend on rural Northumberland yesterday, taking on the path around the UK's largest man-made lake.

About 1,500 runners took part, some for charity, some for the challenge and some for the success.

At least half the runners were from outside the North East. The event is designed to raise the profile of what Northumberland has to offer, as well as helping small businesses in the county.

John Mowbray, corporate affairs manager at Northumbrian Water, said: "It's been in the planning since January. When you're sitting around a table planning it it's totally different to when you get out here.

"There are people from all over the world and it lifts the profile. We want to make it an attractive race and the top runners to see it as a great and beautiful run, so next time we can get more people thinking it's a great place to come. You need that mix of international, national and local athletes and that spreads the word.

"The scenery is stunning - coming round corners and suddenly having a vista or artwork. Imagine if you're feeling knackered - it gives you inspiration."

Former Olympic runner and Northumberland Sport Chairman, Steve Cram was involved in the creation of the race when he heard they were building a path around the lake. With it being roughly 26 miles, it seemed a perfect fit.

He said: "It was very hard. I wasn't intending to run it so I haven't been training at all, but I'm a great believer in seeing what it's like from the inside. It was exactly what I thought and the first 10-15 miles had such a good atmosphere. The idea was to come somewhere a bit different, a big test. No-one's going to run personal bests around here."

For more information on the marathon visit Kielder Marathon website.