THOUSANDS of runners descended on Kielder over two action-packed days at the weekend. 

Participants from across the North-East and beyond lined-up in the Kielder Marathon.

More than 1,000 people crossed the finish line of the 26-mile full marathon on Sunday, which was won for the second year running by Russell Maddams, of Keswick AC.

His time of 2hrs, 46m, 24s ensured Maddams successfully defended his title. 

The weekend also included a half marathon, a 10k, junior runs, and a run bike run event. 

It was hailed a success by founder and race director Steve Cram, who introduced his friend and fellow former Olympion Daley Thompson, as guest of honour. 

Read the full report in this week's Hexham Courant. 

RESULTS  

Marathon

1st male - Russell Maddams, Keswick AC - 02:46:24

2nd male - Ali Bailey - 02:55:45

3rd male - Andrew Hebden, Morpeth Harriers - 02:59:37

1st female - Wendy Chapman, Sunderland Strollers - 03:14:19

2nd female - Melanie Staley, Royston Runners - 03:31:59

3rd female - Debbie Crozier - 03:37:18

Half Marathon

1st male - Luke Adams, South Shields Harriers - 01:15:57

2nd male - Will Hogg - 01:20:38

3rd male - Robert Holt, Ponteland Runners - 01:20:38

1st female - Elaine McKechnie, Gosforth Harriers - 01:37:56

2nd female - Kirsteen Haughan, Giffnock North Athletics Club - 01:38:29

3rd female - Fiona Jones, Elvet Striders - 01:39:11

Junior Races

Osprey (under 11)

1st Freya Lillie, Middlesbrough Mandale - 00:07:25

2nd  Callum Chambers, Birtley AC - 00:07:30

3rd Luke Page, Blaydon Harriers - 00:07:36

Falcon (under 16)

1st Tom Balsdon, Morpeth Harriers - 00:08:57

2nd Ciaran Lines, Sedgefield Harriers - 00:09:40

3rd Liam Brittle, Darlington Harriers - 00:09:50