Brilliant start to Britain’s most beautiful marathon weekend

A record-breaking number of people took part in the first day of a famous north east sporting event today (5 October).

The Kielder Run-Bike-Run relay event, part of the Salomon Kielder Marathon weekend which takes place 5 and 6 October 2013 in Northumberland, saw nearly 300 participants tackle the marathon distance split into three parts.

Individuals or teams of three competed in an 11km run, a 26km bike ride and a 5km run while spectators saw more than 200 bikes in use at the transition stations!

‘Powered by Gas’ from Doncaster were the first team to finish the Run-Bike-Run in 1hr 58 min 35sec. This is the third year running they have won the team category.

Andy Robinson who completed the bike leg of the Run-Bike-Run, said: “It’s a great event and well organised. We’re happy to win it again and we will be back next year.”

Martin Hallissey, 34, part of the GB Triathlete team was the first individual through the finish line having completed all three stages in the Run-Bike-Run. He said: “It was really good – the off-road course was great for the bike but the second run was a killer. It was very hilly; I wasn’t prepared for any hills!”

Over 650 runners took part in the Kielder 10K – more than double the number in 2011.

Winner of the 10K, sixteen-year-old George Rudman from Rowlands Gill completed the race in 37 minutes and 54 seconds.

The Blaydon club runner said: “It was my first running event at Kielder; I’ve just turned old enough to take part. I’m really pleased with my time. I enjoyed the race and I really liked the scenery. There was a few times when I heard footsteps behind me and I had to speed up!”

The main marathon itself, which takes place tomorrow, Sunday, October 6, is set to see more than 1160 people follow the off-road course around northern Europe’s largest man-made lake, Kielder water.

Billed as ‘Britain’s most beautiful marathon’, the full weekend of events attracts runners and outdoor adventure enthusiasts from around the world to the dramatic setting and unique course.

Former Olympic athlete and founder of the event, Steve Cram MBE, said: “Today has been a fantastic record-breaking start to the weekend of events. The Run-Bike-Run was sold out for the first time this year and the 10K also saw record numbers of people. The atmosphere has been brilliant and I can’t wait for the marathon tomorrow.”

Kielder 10K race results

  •  First place male: George Rudman aged 16 (Blaydon club) 37 mins 54 secs
  •  Second place male: David Fuller (Crystal Peaks) 39 mins 07 secs
  •  Third place male: Jon Strong aged 48 (North East Veterans Athletics club) 39 mins 23 secs
  •  First place female: Christine Burns aged 31 (North Shields Polytechnic club) 41 mins 28 secs
  •  Second place female: Emma Tomlinson-McCrae (Gateshead club) 43 mins 01 secs
  •  Third place female: Michelle Thompson (North Shields Polytechnic club) 43 mins 21 secs

 

Kielder Run-Bike-Run race results

  • First place team: Powered by Gas: Sean Poulter, Andy Robinson and Dean Watson 01:58:35
  • Second place team: Sedgefield Specials: Chris Lines, Ian Dunn, Roger Whitehill 02:07:10
  • Third place team: A Walk in the Park: Neil Lambert, Darren McBain, Paul Newton 02:09:49
  • First place male individual (second place overall): Martin Hallissey from Ponteland 02:04:53
  • Second place male individual: Paul Cooper from Scotland 02:07:35
  • Third place male individual: Jared Bethell 02:10:08
  • First place female individual: Catherine Young from Sunderland 02:35:46
  • Second place female individual: Lorna Blyth 02:43:37
  •  Third place female individual: Philippa Graham 02:47:02

ENDS

Film footage available please email janine.scott@nwl.co.uk

For more information contact Janine Scott, communications advisor (Kielder Water & Forest Park) on 0191 301 5538 or Janine.scott@nwl.co.uk.
 

Notes to editor:

Kielder Water & Forest Park, which spans 250 square miles, is home to the largest forest in England and the largest man-made lake in northern Europe. It was awarded the number one tourism experience in England by Visit England 2013, and the most tranquil place in England by the Campaign to Protect Rural England. For more information see www.visitkielder.com.

Brilliant start to Britain’s most beautiful marathon weekend

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Kielder Marathon 1
10k 4
Run Bike Run 10