Altra Kielder Marathon Weekend 2026

There are dedicated car parks located near the Start at Kielder Waterside (10K, Duathlon, Marathon and Juniors), and the Dam for the Half Marathon.
Please follow the signs and marshal instructions to the correct car park where you will then be able to get a shuttle bus to the start.

To help keep Kielder as beautiful as it is we encourage to car share where possible.

PLEASE ALLOW AT LEAST 90 MINUTES FROM ARRIVING AT THE CAR PARK TO GET TO THE START AREA.

There is a FREE shuttle bus service for runners to and from the car parks, your race number acts as your ticket. If you are collecting your race number on the day please bring proof of your registration confirmation. Spectators are charged at £3 per person for the day if purchased in advance, or £5 on the day. Spectator shuttles run throughout the day to various vantage points on the route.

Well-behaved dogs are allowed on the buses, provided they are on a lead

There is very limited public transport in the area. We run a dedicated return bus service from Newcastle Central station available at a charge of £12 per person. Both runners and spectators can use this service. You can book a ticket for the bus during registration. These tickets can either be booked for a Saturday return (for 10K and Duathlon participants) or Sunday return (for Marathon and HM participants).

Once you have entered we will send you by post your race number, timing chip & race information pack. Digital race guides will be available for download on the website prior to the event.

What do I do if I lose my runner number?
If you realise prior to the event, let us know via email and we can arrange for another number to be sent to you in advance for a small admin fee.

If you can’t find your number on the day, the event information cabin at the venue will check your entry and issue you an alternative number.

Why haven’t I received my entry pack?
Race information packs are being sent in batches via the first class post from 4 weeks before the event.

Please pay attention to emails detailing the postal deadline for entries, all entries after this date will need to collect their race number on the event weekend.

If you entered before the postal deadline and you have not received your information pack by Thursday 1st October please email [email protected]

I need to collect my race number on the day where do I collect it from?
You must collect your race number from the Race Information Cabin at least 45 minutes before the start of the race. This is Kielder Waterside for the 10K, Duathlon, Marathon and Juniors, and The Dam for Half Marathon participants.

If I have been sent my race number, do I need to register on the day?
No. Assemble at the start 20 minutes before your race start time, wearing your race number (incorporates your timing chip) and join the crowds by the start line.

What if I forget my race number?
Please go to the RACE INFORMATION CABIN at the Start of your event. One of the team will check your entry and issue you with an alternative race number.
Race Information at Kielder Waterside (10K, Duathlon, Marathon Juniors)
Opening times:
Saturday: 10:45am
Sunday: 7:45am
Location: In the tipis

Race Information at The Dam (HM start)
Sunday: 7:45am
Location: Marquee next to HM start

What time does the race start?
Subject to change - please keep an eye on the website and event emails in the run up to event day.
Race Start time
Gravel Duathlon 13:00
10K 13:05
Race Start time
Marathon 10:15
Half Marathon 10:15
Junior 10:45
Roughly how long will it take to complete the course?
We would expect the majority of runners to complete the:
10k: 30 minutes – 1 hour 40 minutes
Duathlon: 2 hours – 4 hours
Marathon: 2 hours 30 minutes – 6 ½ hours
Half Marathon: 70 minutes – 3½ hours Remember – it’s not a race…. you can take your time.

Does the course go on any public roads with traffic?
No the course is almost entirely off-road on the Lakeside Way around Kielder Reservoir. There are no public roads on the course.

How will I know which way to go?
There will be course signage and marshals at all key junctions to ensure you don’t get lost.

Will there be any other activities available?
Yes there will be a range of activities available including sports massage, refreshments and music at the start and finish!

Will there be any refreshments?
Water stations will be available throughout the route for all runners and each runner will be provided with water on completion of the course.
Isotonic energy drinks will be available at regular intervals from 10km in the Marathon, Half Marathon and Duathlon.

I’m injured and can’t run what should I do?
Oh no and after all that hard work too! We are sorry you are missing out on the event.
Please contact [email protected] to inform the event team of your withdrawal.

DO NOT PASS YOUR RACE NUMBER on to anyone else, it potentially puts them at a medical risk, as we have no medical information or emergency contact details for them.
We do accept medical deferrals if provided with evidence of your injury from a GP or Physio. The deadline for medical deferrals is 4 weeks prior to the event.

What happens if it rains?
Some of the most successful events have happened in the rain. Our events will only be cancelled if there are severe weather conditions. Make sure you are suitably dressed for the event. If it is drizzling or cold in the morning bring a bin bag to put over your head it will keep you warmer and dry before you set off.

How difficult will the course be?
Take a look at the event information on the website which has a map of the route and a course description including elevation profile. As the course is off-road it is challenging so expect some steep inclines and undulation. The trial is very well maintained so either trail shoes or normal trainers are suitable.

Do I have to run the course?
We advise participants to run/jog or combine that with fast walking because of the length of time it would take to walk the course. There is a 7 hour time limit for the Marathon, and 5 hours for the Gravel Duathlon. If you do not make the cut-offs on the course, the event team may ask you to withdraw.

What facilities will be available?
Toilets will be provided at the start/finish and at each water station on the route. Refreshments will also be available in the start/finish area for runners and spectators at a cost. Secure bag drop marquee will also be available for all runners. First aid and sports massage will be available at the start/finish. Unfortunately we are unable to provide showers or changing facilities.

When will I get my running time?
Your race will be chip timed. The timing chip will give you an accurate start and finish time, so there’s no rush to be first over the start line when the gun goes!

• Unfortunately we do not accept any entries on the day.

Can I make changes to my entry?
Yes, up to six weeks before the event, you can change any incorrect addresses and add any merchandise, like event t-shirts, to your entry so they will be sent to you via post before the event.
PLEASE CHECK YOUR CORRECT ADDRESS is linked to your entry, this is where we will be sending your race pack and if this is incorrect, we may not be able to post your number.

Can I change races at the same event?
If your training takes an unexpected turn - for better or worse - you might want to switch to another race at the same event. You can do this up to six weeks before race day by emailing us at [email protected].
- Upgrades (e.g. HM to Marathon): You'll need to pay a transfer fee plus the difference in entry fees.
- Downgrades (e.g. Marathon to HM): We'll change your entry, but we cannot offer a refund for the difference in price.