THE Active Northumberland Kielder Marathon will mark a special milestone when it takes place on October 12 and 13.

Billed as “Britain’s most beautiful” running event of it’s kind, the marathon will take place for the 10th consecutive year.

When Olympic champion Steve Cram launched the run back in 2010, he knew it would introduce people from far and wide to one of the country’s most picturesque settings.

From just 975 competitors in its first year, the event quickly grew in popularity, and now attracts over 3,000 people who compete in various categories over two action-packed days.

This year’s event will get under way on Saturday with the Kielder 10k, and the Kielder Run Bike Run.

The 10k will take participants around the stunning Bull Crag Peninsula of Kielder Water, and is a great option for runners who don’t want to take on the full marathon.

The Kielder Run Bike Run offers an almost an entirely off-road course around the lake.

Day two will include the full marathon, half marathon, and junior runs.

The scenery and atmosphere around Kielder Water, Europe’s largest man-made lake, has been described as breathtaking by many runners.

Last year’s 26-mile full marathon was won for the second consecutive year by Russell Maddams, of Keswick AC, with a time of 2hrs, 46m, 24s. The event was also remembered for the appearance of another former Olympian, Daley Thompson, who was guest of honour.

For more information about the Kielder Marathon visit http://kieldermarathon.com/marathon/