Kielder Marathon Weekend 2023

Your race pack, including chip timing tag and race number will be mailed to UK residents no later than 10 days before the event. International runners will need to collect their pack from Race Information on Race Day.

Any registrations made after Wednesday 14th September will not be mailed out and will be available for collection on Race Day from the Race Information Cabin.

T-shirts will be available for collection after the race, together with your medal and goody bag for finishers only.

Important information for wheelchair entrants.

Please note: for safety reasons assisted wheelchair participants will be allocated a race number at the rear of the field

The Active Northumberland Kielder Run Bike Run follows an almost entirely off-road course around northern Europe’s largest man-made lake, Kielder Water, in Northumberland.

The first run stage takes you on the first 11km* of the Kielder Marathon Course to Transition 1 in Kielder Village.

The next stage sees you take in the North Shore on two wheels, covering 25km* you will return over the impressive Kielder Dam to the South Shore and Transition 2 on the approach to Bull Crag Peninsula. We would recommend mountain bikes, hybrid bikes or cyclocross for the bike section. Traditional road bikes are not suitable.

The final stage is a 6km* run taking in the final stages of the 10k route and the stunning Bull Crag Peninsula and back along the Lakeside Way to the finish at Leaplish Waterside Park.

*Distances are approximate

TEAMS:

Enter as a team of three.

Give yourselves an inventive team name.

All competitors will receive free transport to and from transition areas.

INDIVIDUALS:

Your bike and running kit will be transported between transition areas

These events have SOLD OUT every year so make sure you enter now to secure your part in Britain’s Most Beautiful Marathon Weekend!

START 1PM
Medal, tech t-shirt and goody bag for all finishers
FREE Park & Ride system for all runners. Spectator passes at £3 for the day with shuttle buses to numerous vantage points on the route.
Secure baggage drop
Post race massage
Local produce and refreshments
Prizes for top 3 male and female and overall team

Come and Beat the Bull! Run the Kielder 10K around the stunning Bull Crag Peninsula of Kielder Water. If the full marathon is 20 miles too far for you, panic not you can still enjoy the stunning scenery and join us on Saturday 1st October for possibly the most beautiful 10K in the UK!

You will be absorbed by your beautiful surroundings as you churn out the miles. Why not make a short break of it and bring your friends and family along? There is plenty to do in and around Kielder Water and the wider Northumberland countryside!

The 10K has sold out for the last 5 years, so make sure you enter now to secure your part in Britain’s Most Beautiful Marathon Weekend!

START 1PM
Medal, tech t-shirt and goody bag for all finishers
FREE Park & Ride system for all runners. Spectator passes at £3 for the day with shuttle buses to numerous vantage points on the route.
Secure baggage drop
Post race massage
Local produce and refreshments
Prizes for top 3 male and female and first V40, V50, V60

10k route

After a hugely successful inaugural event in 2015, the Half Marathon is now a permanent fixture in the Kielder Marathon Weekend. If the marathon is a stretch too far and the 10K is over all too quickly, then here is your perfect challenge.

The Kielder Half Marathon will have some dedicated parking near the start line on the Dam for competitors. All kit and spectators are then taken to the finish via the usual bus service which will operate a return arrangement from the finish area. Why not make a short break of it and bring your friends and family along? There is plenty to do in and around Kielder Water and the wider Northumberland countryside! Use the accommodation link to look for places to stay.

This event was a SELL OUT for the last 2 years so make sure you enter now to secure your part in Britain’s Most Beautiful Marathon Weekend!

START 10.15AM
Medal, tech t-shirt and goody bag for all finishers
FREE Park & Ride system for all runners. Spectator passes at £3 for the day with shuttle buses to numerous vantage points on the route.
Secure baggage drop
Post race massage
Local produce and refreshments
Prizes for top 3 male and female and first V40, V50, V60

half marathon route

The Active Northumberland Kielder Marathon route follows an almost entirely off-road course around northern Europe’s largest man-made lake, Kielder Water, in Northumberland.

Britain’s Most Beautiful Marathon is the finale to a weekend of events, starting with the Kielder 10K & Kielder Run Bike Run on Saturday 1st October and followed by the Kielder Half Marathon and Junior races on Sunday 2nd October. It all adds up to an electric atmosphere and a fabulous weekend in this beautiful part of the country.

Why not make a short break of it and bring your friends and family along? There is plenty to do in and around Kielder Water and the wider Northumberland countryside! Use the accommodation link to look for places to stay.

START 10.15AM
Medal, tech t-shirt and goody bag for all finishers
FREE Park & Ride system for all runners. Spectator passes at £3 for the day with shuttle buses to numerous vantage points on the route.
Secure baggage drop
Post race massage
Local produce and refreshments
Prizes for top 3 male and female and first V40, V50, V60

marathon route

While the adults are out tackling Britain’s Most Beautiful Marathon back at Kielder Waterside Park our next generation of runners show us what they’re made of!

The Kielder Junior Races, 2 age group categories, take place on site at the Kielder Waterside Park in front of the throngs of spectators. For children aged 6-15 years.

The Osprey run, a 1.5km race for children aged six to ten

The Falcon’s cover 2.5km and is for children ages eleven to fifteen

Both routes take place within the Kielder Waterside Park boundary and juniors get to cross over the iconic Marathon finish line alongside the stunning Kielder Water.

START 10.45AM

Medal, tech t-shirt and goody bag for all finishers

FREE Park & Ride system for all runners. Spectator passes at £3 for the day

Post race massage

Local produce and refreshments

Prizes for top 3 male and female

Junior routes

Is there a closing date for entry
Midnight 28th September 2023, or when sold out

Can I enter on the day?
Unfortunately we do not accept any entries on the day.

Which event should I do?
It depends on your experience and current levels of fitness. Choose an event that will challenge you but is ultimately achievable. You can choose from Marathon, Half Marathon, 10K or Run Bike Run

Can my kids enter?
Children over 15 on the day of the event can enter the 10K, or over 17 can enter the half marathon.
There are junior events available on Sunday 2nd October for children aged 6-15.

Is there an upper age limit?
No. All that we ask is that any participant unsure of their physical ability to take part should seek medical advice from a general practitioner prior to the event.

I haven’t run in a proper race before? Can I still enter?
Absolutely! You should ensure you are are physically able to complete the event, it is advisable to try a few runs close to the distance you are looking to complete before the event, it’s not a race against the clock but a fun and safe way for you to find out how enjoyable running is and to hopefully start you running regularly.

I don’t drive – can I get to the venue by public transport?
There is very limited public transport in the area. If you are competing in the Marathon or Half Marathon there is a dedicated return bus service from Newcastle Central station available at a charge of £10 per person. Both runners and spectators can use this service. You can register your interest for this during registration.

How do I get to the start area from the car park?
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 a print out of your registration confirmation. Spectators are charged at £3 per person for the day. Spectator shuttles run throughout the day to various vantage points on the route.

Can my dog run alongside me?
For health and safety reasons we cannot allow any pets to participate in any of the events.

Will you send me information in advance?
Once you have entered we will send you by post your race number, timing chip & race information pack. Race information packs 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 or telephone 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 will an alternative number.

Do I have to collect sponsorship? Is there a minimum I must collect?
If you would like to run for event charity partner our official partner charity will be announced soon. Please email us at [email protected] and we will send your details to them and you’ll be contacted with fundraising advice, but no minimum raise will be requested.

Where does my sponsorship and entry fee money go?
All monies raised for your chosen charity should be sent direct to that charity.
Your entry fee contributes to the running of the event and pays for all the site infrastructure, equipment, T-shirts, medals, goody bag.

Can I take part in the event but donate my sponsorship to an alternative charity?
Yes. Every runner is free to make their own choice if they would like to run for a personal charity close to them. Where you decide to donate is up to you.

Is there somewhere that I can park my car?
Yes, there is a dedicated car park located near the Start site. Run Bike Run competitors only will be directed to parking at Kielder Village. Please follow the signs and marshals instructions to enter the 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 45 MINUTES FROM ARRIVING AT THE CAR PARK TO GET TO THE START AREA.

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.

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
Run Bike Run 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 RBR: 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 RBR.

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, 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. However, there is no restriction at all if you would like to enter and walk. There is a 3 ½ hour limit for the Half Marathon and 7 hours for the Marathon, and 4 hours for the Run Bike Run after which time the event team will ask you to stop.

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!

What is included in my race pack?
You will receive the following items:
Event Information booklet
Timing chip (attached to number)
Race number

Why haven’t I received my entry pack?
Race information packs are being sent in batches via the first class post. The last batch will be sent on Monday 19th September. If you entered after September 14th you will need to collect your pack on race day from the Race Information Cabin.
If you entered before 14th September and you have not received your information pack by Wednesday 28th September please call us on 01434689040 or 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.

Can someone take my place?
No. For health and safety reasons we need to ensure that the event organiser has all the details of the runners on the day in case of a medical incident. This is also against UK Athletics rules.

I can’t run the race now can I have a refund?
Your entry fee is invested in the cost of staging the event with the fees covering contractors, suppliers and administration costs. The entry fee is non-transferable and non-refundable, however there could be the possibility of deferring your entry to the following year on production of an official letter from your doctor or physio. The deadline for medical deferrals is 4 weeks prior to the race date.