A MIDWINTER adventure in the stunning Kielder Forest and its scenic surroundings is fast establishing itself on the North-East’s running calendar.

A series of three trail runs, organised by High Terrain Events, took place at Kielder for the third consecutive year last weekend, and attracted hundreds of competitors from near and far.

The Kielder 10-mile Winter Trail started and finished at Kielder Castle, and took runners through the picturesque forest route and over the viaduct.

But it was no simple weekend stroll for the participants, with 320m of ascent, testing climbs, exhilarating descents, and varied terrain.

It was won by Andrew Dancer with a time of 1hr, 2m, 12s, who finished ahead of Blyth Running Club’s Jon French (1hr 5m 34s), and third placed Steven Beattie (1hr 6m 29s).

First female home was Lisa MacDonald, who recorded a time of 1hr 8m 30s. Lou Roberts, of Ambleside AC, was second female home and first female veteran (40+), with a time of 1hr 11m 59s.

Kathleen Aubrey, of Helm Hill Runners, was the first over-50 female home, with a time of 1hr, 18m, 18s.

First male veteran (40+) was Colin Williams, of Moorfoot Runners, in 1hr 7m 49s, while the highest over-50 man was Allan Renwick, of Elvet Striders, in 1hr, 11m, 4s.

The evening time Kielder Dark Sky 10k Trial also proved popular. It was won by Johnny Evans, of Jarrow & Hebburn AC, with a time of 40m 17s.

His teammate, Jack Brown, was third with a time of 43m 57s. Sandwiched in between was second placed Jonny Malley, of Ambleside AC, in 40m 27s.

It was also a good run for Julian Harrison, who was first over-50 man home in 45m 32s, which also earned him eighth place overall.

Michelle Douglas, of Tweed Striders, was the first over-50 female home in 55m 33s.

The event also included the Kielder Off Road Duathlon, which combined an 8k trail run with a 20k mountain bike ride.

David Mirfield, of Hope Factory Racing, was the winner of the solo duathlon, with a time of 2hrs, 3m, 51s. Second was David Poole, of Barlick Clarion, in 2hrs 10m, 23s, while Sam Lashley, representing Wheelbase, was third in 2hrs, 13m, 8s.

Fifth placed Oliver Hart, of Totley AC, was the first over-40 male home, with a time of 2hrs 21m, 14s.

The first over-50 man was Des Thorpe, of Saddleworth Runners, in 2hrs, 34m, 5s.

First woman home was Emma Holt, of Morpeth Harriers and AC, with a time of 2hrs, 36m, 32s.

Despite the challenging difficulty levels, the event enjoyed good weather conditions, and was hailed a success by participants and organisers.

The trails were billed as ideal for people new to duathlons and off-road running, as well as seasoned competitors.

For full results visit: https://resultsbase.net/event/4621/results