This weekend will see the staging of a brand new half marathon for the region - the Hadrian's Wall Hexham Half. Brought to you by Wild Deer Events, this inaugural event is billed by organisers as 'a testing trail event with some outstanding scenery'.

A relatively new events company, Wild Deer has plans for a number of multi-sport and trail running races at beautiful and challenging locations across the North-East, the Lake District, Yorkshire and Scotland.

Founder Daniel Flint has ran competitively since he was 13 years old and is a former junior international athlete finishing seventh in the World over 3000 metres as well as being three times North-East cross country champion.

Dan is coach to Blaydon Harriers seniors team and takes great pleasure in helping people on their fitness journey. He said: "With over 30 years of running experience and already over 20+ Wild Deer Events planned for 2021 I hope to create events that can be enjoyed by everyone in our beautiful countryside."

The half marathon starts at Housesteads Roman Fort on the Military Road and follows the Hadrian’s Wall trail path back towards Hexham, runners will then head down to Newbrough and through woodland to the Tyne Riverside trail path which heads back to Hexham. The finish will be at Tyne Green Country Park.

Dan says: "It is a challenging course, but worth it. And don't worry, the last six miles are flat!"

Finishers will be rewarded with a wooden medal, a technical T-shirt, food and a beer or soft drink.

Image: Wikipedia