Organisers of one of the North East’s best loved running events have issued a challenge to people around the region to follow the example of a veteran runner. The Kielder Marathon weekend will return in October, with a marathon, half marathon, 10K, run-bike-run, and a series of junior runs. Northumberland runner Judith Sadler has decided to celebrate her 70th birthday by recruiting 69 companions to join her in one of the races and recently met up with Kielder Marathon founder Steve Cram to encourage more aspiring athletes to get involved.

Founded in 2010 and dubbed ‘Britain’s most beautiful’, the Kielder Marathon weekend now attracts over 3,500 participants for a series of races. The event will take place on 5 and 6 October at Kielder Waterside Park, with the backdrop of Kielder Reservoir.

Along with leading club athletes from around the region and further afield, many who take part over the Kielder Marathon weekend will be there to achieve a personal goal, or to raise money for good causes. Judith, from Great Whittington, will tackle the Kielder 10K to celebrate her 70th birthday and as part of a fundraising drive for Alive and Kicking, a social enterprise that supports sustainable employment in Zambia and Kenya. In turn, this enables people to build homes, educate their children and get medical help when needed.

Judith said: “I only started running in my 50s and I’ve since experienced the positive impact that getting so active has had on my physical and mental health. I want to do what I can to encourage more people to try running for themselves and that’s what inspired the idea of bringing together 70 runners for events over the Kielder Marathon weekend.

"I’ve already recruited about 30 friends and family members, which is great, and we hope to raise loads of money for Alive and Kicking. There are races for everyone and it’s such a beautiful place to run, so please join us, or just sign up separately and we’ll see you there!”

Steve added: “Judith is a brilliant example of someone who has found running relatively late, but is making the absolute most of what the sport offers. Her enthusiasm is boundless and I have no doubt that she will complete her team of 70, and more.

"I echo her call to runners of all ages and abilities to join us at the Kielder Marathon weekend in October. We’ve got an option for all of you!”

If you'd like to know more, visit the Kielder Marathon website.

Image: Events of the North