Ceri's King of Kielder for second year running

Race report: Kielder Run-Bike-Run, Kielder 10k, Kielder Marathon & Kielder Junior Runs - October 6, 2013

Kielder Run-Bike-Run & Kielder 10km

A record-breaking number of people took part in the first day of a famous north east sporting event. The Kielder Run-Bike-Run relay event, part of the Salomon Kielder Marathon weekend, 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!”

Kielder Marathon & Junior Runs

Champion Ceri Rees defied the wet weather to defend his title in Britain’s most beautiful marathon. The winner of the 2013 Salomon Kielder Marathon, held in Northumberland and hosted by Northumbrian Water, is the first person in the four year history of the event to win for the second consecutive year.

Ceri, aged 40, who came up from Devon especially for the race, completed it in 2hr 43min 55sec. He said: “I feel tired! It’s different off-road running to road running – it’s tougher on muscles but easier on joints. Kielder is beautiful, it hasn’t been perfect weather for sightseeing but for running it was. I wasn’t expecting to beat my time from last year because I had a few injury problems, I was just pleased to get round.”

Photos: Ceri Rees wins for the second time!

Victoria Nealon, aged 30, from Rugby, Warwickshire was the first female to cross the finishing line. Victoria, who completed it in 3hr 22min and 41 sec, said: “It was hard, I kept thinking ‘please, no more hills’ but they kept coming! But it was good, it was a nice run. This is my second marathon but it’s the first time I’ve competed in Kielder Marathon and I’ve got London next!”

Billed as the most beautiful marathon in Britain, more than 1000 runners entered to make their way around northern Europe’s largest man-made lake, Kielder Water.

Kielder also saw a number of children getting involved in the day with the under 16s races. The Kielder Junior Runs include the Osprey (880m race for children aged seven to nine), the Roman Mile (1.48km race for children aged ten to twelve) and the Centurion (2.5km race for children ages thirteen to fifteen).

Tynedale Harrier, 13-year-old Max Pearson from Hexham was thrilled to have won the Centurion. He said: “I’m really pleased, it was a nice run. The weather is not so nice though!”

The full weekend of events, including Kielder Junior Runs, Kielder 10K, Kielder Run Bike Run and the main marathon itself, attracts runners and outdoor adventure enthusiasts from around the world to the dramatic setting and unique course.

Former Olympic athlete and world record holder, Steve Cram MBE, is the event organiser of the popular weekend. He said: “Kielder Water & Forest Park was always my favourite place to run in the world and I had always dreamt of holding a marathon there.

“It’s been a wet day today but it’s been a good one! Everyone has been keen to get involved - the Run-Bike-Run was completely sold out this year and the atmosphere over the whole weekend was fantastic. Congratulations to everyone who completed the marathon.”

Photos: Victoria Nealon wins in 3:22:41

For more information check out www.kieldermarathon.com

2013 Men's results

2013 Women's results

Click here for full results

Men's 10km results

Women's 10km results

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Run-Bike-Run Team results

Men's Run-Bike-Run results

Women's Run-Bike-Run results

Click here for full results