The Altra Kielder Half Marathon returns on Sunday 4 October, offering runners the chance to experience the spectacular surroundings of Kielder Water without taking on the full 26.2 mile challenge.

Part of the wider Kielder Marathon Weekend organised by Events of the North, the Half Marathon has developed its own strong identity. The course uses the Lakeside Way around Kielder Water, combining forest surroundings and expansive waterside views with the undulating terrain for which Kielder is known.

That makes this a very different proposition from a conventional town or city Half Marathon. The landscape is central to the experience, with runners heading into the heart of Kielder Water & Forest Park for 13.1 miles in one of Northumberland's most distinctive outdoor settings.

The Half Marathon forms part of a packed weekend of running and multisport. Saturday 3 October features the Altra Kielder 10K and Gravel Duathlon, before attention turns to the Half Marathon and headline Kielder Marathon on Sunday. Junior races also give younger runners an opportunity to become part of the weekend.

For Half Marathon runners, sharing race day with the Marathon brings the atmosphere of a much larger event while still offering a challenge that can appeal to runners stepping beyond 10K as well as experienced athletes looking for something different from a road race.

Entries close at midnight on 30 September unless places sell out earlier. With Kielder Water providing the backdrop from start to finish, the Altra Kielder Half Marathon offers an autumn 13.1 miles where the setting is every bit as important as the finishing time.

You can enter via the runABC race hub here.

Image courtesy Kielder Marathon on Facebook.