'Britain's Most Beautiful Marathon' may be just six weeks away, but there is still time for you to be part of race day - whether you decide to run a 10K, half marathon or the full 26.2 miler at the Kielder Marathon Weekend.

Taking place on 1/2 October, this event is the perfect alternative to a big city marathon and could be one of Britain's best kept secrets! The weekend has something for everyone thanks to the varying distances on offer, but if you are looking for something different then you could always try the off-road duathlon that is also on the itinerary.

If you've already got some training in the bank and fancy it, the marathon's route follows an almost entirely off-road course around northern Europe’s largest man-made lake, Kielder Water which is a stunning backdrop for both competitors and spectators.

After a hugely successful inaugural event in 2015, the Half Marathon is now a permanent fixture and the perfect challenge for those looking to step up from a 10K. But if a 10K is all the challenge you need, or want then the Kielder 10K which runs round the stunning Bull Crag Peninsula of Kielder Water is ideal and you can still enjoy the stunning scenery and be absorbed by the beautiful surroundings as you make your way round the course.  

Last year thousands of runners and cyclists took part in the weekend's races, with Mark Snowball from Morpeth Harriers the first male finisher in the 10K managing a time of 34:45, he was delighted with this after being runner up in 2019. The winning female in the 10K was Claire Duck from Leeds City Athletic Club with a time of 38:33.

In the half marathon event the winning time was claimed by David Holmes 1:16:39 and first female home was Anna Mcclean of Low Fell RC in 1:38:31. Marathon winners were Russell Maddams of Keswick AC in 2:54:25 and Jo Ballantyne in 3:35:08.

Marcus Cram of Events of the North commented after last year's event: “After a year without events like this, it’s fantastic to be back at Kielder for the 11th Active Northumberland Kielder Marathon weekend. 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."

If you'd like to know more about this year's races then visit the event website here.

Image: Events Of The North