RUNNERS from home and abroad descended on Kielder for a magical running experience beneath the stars.

And it worked a treat, for the idyllic countryside around Kielder Water and Forest Park, renowned for its dark skies, enjoyed weather conditions befitting of the occasion.

Hundreds of participants took part in the annual Scott Dark Skies Run, which took place for the fifth year during an action-packed three-day weekend, from Friday to Sunday.

The latest offering included a new 10-mile run to complement the already existing 26.5-mile, and 14-mile challenges.

Tim Bateson, of organisers Trail Outlaws, said: “The10-mile run was for first time trail runners to give it a go, and from the feedback I have received, they absolutely loved it.

"People tend to have the assumption that you have to be a really good runner to take on this type of event, but what they found was a realistic course, and a very friendly, supportive atmosphere.

“Overall we were absolutely delighted. We had runners from all over the UK and abroad. There was a lot of interest and it was a tremendous success.

“The best night for the weather was the last one. It was a fitting finale, but throughout it was very good and nobody got wet or cold.”

Some runners took on all three runs, and the winner of the Kielder Triple was Edward Davies.

In second was Stephen Gibson of Derwent Runners, with Jonathan Boxshall, of North East Marathon Club, third. Fiona Kirkaldy was first woman home.

The 26.5-mile run was won by Norweigan Stian Dahl Sommerseth (02:52:00), representing the Tromso Lopeklubb / Hoka One One.

His clubmate Sander Pedersen Markussen was third (03:09:22), with Sunderland Stroller Callum Thom (03:01:04) getting in between to clinch second place.

The 14-mile race was won by Paul O’Mara (01:35:02), of Tyne Bridge Harriers, with Mark Snowball (01:36:26), of Morpeth Harriers in second place, and Blaydon Harrier Alex Muir (01:36:29) third.

Morpeth’s Lewis Timmins (01:09:10) won the 10-mile race, with Stephen Gibson (01:12:01) second, and Ian Young (01:13:51), of Blackhill Bounders, in third.

For full results visit https://www.darkskiesrun.com/results