Rain didn't dampen the spirits of nearly 1,000 exhausted but exhilarated runners who helped celebrate the tenth anniversary of Britain's most beautiful marathon today (Sunday 13 October).
They kicked off day two of the Active Northumberland Kielder Marathon weekend, which saw more than 1,200 athletes participating in the Kielder Half Marathon and over 100 children in the Junior Races.
In total, more than 3,500 runners and cyclists took part in the weekend, which included a 10K race and a Run Bike Run duathlon at Northumbrian Water's Kielder Waterside site the day before.
The Marathon winner was Iain Twaddle from Durham, who crossed the finish line in just 2hours 45mins and 56secs. Lucie Custance was the first female through, in 2hours 59mins and 46secs.
Craig Gunn was the winner of the Half Marathon, finishing in 1hour 16mins and 20secs, while the first female was Gemma Hillier-Moses. She crossed the line in 1hour, 25mins and 06secs.
Steve Cram, Race Director at Events of the North, said: "Well that's our tenth Active Northumberland Kielder Marathon under our belt and what a weekend it has been.
"The atmosphere has been incredible, even a bit of rain couldn't dampen the spirits of our runners today or their loved ones who came to see them cross that finish line.
"We were delighted to have a number of our ‘ever-presents' joining us for our special birthday today too. These people have been with us since day one, just confirming what we know - that this really is Britain's most beautiful marathon and once you've done it once, it gets under your skin.
"This year will be hard to beat, but we can't wait to do it all again in 2020."
The Active Northumberland Kielder Marathon weekend, is delivered by Events of the North in conjunction with Northumbrian Water, Active Northumberland, Northumberland County Council and Northumbria Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust.
Peter Jackson, Leader of Northumberland County Council said: "We're delighted to be supporting the Kielder Marathon again this year for the tenth anniversary celebrations.
"With 7,000 competitors and supporters attending over the weekend, representing over 33 countries, it's a fantastic opportunity to showcase Kielder and Northumberland to a global audience.
"The event is now a firm fixture in the sporting calendar, and we congratulate everyone who contributed to making it such a success."
David Hall, Head of Leisure, Strategy and Transformation at Northumbrian Water, said: "This has been an incredible weekend of celebrations for the tenth anniversary of Britain's most beautiful marathon, centred around our stunning Kielder Water reservoir.
"We'd like to say a huge well done to everyone that has taken part, supported, volunteered or helped make it happen. Everyone has played their part in making it yet another amazing year."
Race information
Marathon
1st male - Iain Twaddle - 02:45:56
2nd male - Russell Maddams, Keswick AC - 02:47:06
3rd male - James Anderson, North Shields Poly - 02:50:54
1st female - Lucie Custance, Clapham Chasers - 02:59:46
2nd female - Catriona Probert, Edinburgh Athletics Club - 03:16:36
3rd female - Elaine Bisson, Elvet Striders - 03:30:44
Half Marathon
1st male - Craig Gunn - 01:16:20
2nd male - Benedict Moore - 01:17:31
3rd male - Craig Bradshaw - 01:18:27
1st female - Gemma Hillier-Moses - 01:25:06
2nd female - Emma Ford - 01:27:07
3rd female - Wendy Chapman - 01:31:59
Junior Races
Osprey (under 11)
1st Jonas Tipping, Radley Athletics AC - 00:04:20
2nd Magnus Riddell, Tynedale Harriers - 00:04:30
3rd Jay Horner, Durham City Harriers - 00:04:45
Falcon (under 16)
1st Edward Brown, City of York Athletics Club - 00:07:32
2nd Lewis Miller, Gosforth Harriers - 00:07:42
3rd Oscar Littlewood, Durham City Harriers - 00:07:55
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