Thousands of runners are set to head to a North East forest as the Altra Kielder Marathon weekend takes place during the woodland's 100th anniversary year.
This year’s event coincides with Kielder Forest’s centenary.
Runners at the 2024 Altra Kielder Marathon weekend (Image: Andy Smith)
A spokesperson for Events of the North said: "Kielder Forest is 100 years old and the event will celebrate that milestone."
More than 3,700 people have signed up, many to raise money for charity.
Some runners will raise money for the Northumberland and Newcastle Society, which helps maintain Kielder Viaduct on the marathon route. Others will support official charity partner 4 Louis.
Ten “ever-present” runners will return for their 16th Kielder Marathon.
Terri and Stephen Docza are among this year’s runners after completing four laps of Kielder Water in 2026 to raise money for mental health charity CALM.
Marc Kelly will mark his 10th wedding anniversary by running the race again after proposing to his fiancée there in 2013.
Read more
Family to complete challenge started by PC Matthew Blades with half marathon
North East walkers challenged to cover 70 miles in October to train hearing dogs
Reservoirs still well below average as North East households urged to save water
Altra co-founder Brian Beckstead has travelled from the US to run the half marathon.
Reuben Dowding will run the half marathon in memory of his nephew, PC Matthew Blades, completing a year-long fundraising challenge in his honour.
Events of the North is organising the event with Northumbrian Water, Forestry England, Northumberland County Council, Northumbria Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust, SG Petch, Team Cycles and High 5.