KIELDER WEEKEND

kielderThis weekend saw the annual Kielder Marathon weekend take place.

Like always a group of us determined (or slightly mad… haven’t decided yet!) Wallsenders headed over the way for a weekend of running, biking, hot tubs and erm… water.

For anyone who hasn’t been to the Kielder weekend it’s a fantastic multi event weekend, consisting of the Run Bike Run and the 10k on the Saturday and then the marathon and half marathon on the Sunday. All of which either fully lap the circumference of the reservoir or partially do so. It’s incredibly scenic and beautiful, however also very hilly! 

Every year the who’s doing what events usually vary but this year the large majority of the Wallsend gang were signed up for the Saturday’s Run Bike Run (absolutely nothing at all to do with the fact we were all staying in the beautiful lodges on site and had a table booked in the pub the Saturday night!). After an early night on the Friday (clears throat), sorting out the bikes and preparing with a hearty breakfast the initial event began at 1pm. Despite training, standing on that line for the Run Bike Run never gets any easier, it’s not quite as simple as just a run and it is very much the unknown, particularly because of the tough terrain, uneven ground and the added factor of a bike! But none the less, spirits were high, banter higher (thanks Malcolm!) and the weather was literally perfect. It was also nice to be with old friends from other local running clubs on the line.
The course itself is a 26 mile lap of the reservoir. Kicking off with an 11k run followed by an approx. 14 mile off-road bike ride and then tipped off with a four mile run (feels like 40!) it’s not for the faint hearted. It’s very hilly and however many times people say it’s “scenic” we all agreed it isn’t as you spend your entire race looking at the floor to male sure you don’t trip or slip!
The Wallsend starters consisted of Ruthless Ruth Marshall, our very own Iron Woman Julie Collinson, Sarah ‘Lynchy’ Graham, Laura ‘no messing’ Murphy, Caroline ‘the machine’ Cunningham, Steve ‘I won’t let the wife beat me’ Cunningham and myself Sarah “why do I do this?’ Cawthorn. Joined closely by fellow running friends from other clubs Chrystal and Mick Skeldon, Amy Bannister/Smith, Andy Graham and Cheryl Stanley.
Thankfully the race went well, with little complications (apart from Julie’s chain breaking on
the first hill and then me and her having a little domestic when she finally caught me up and shouted (as I was negotiating my way up a small mountain) “come on beautiful get moving”, and all finished safe and sound. Cheered on at various points by our very own Dangerous Dave Collinson, Tilly the dog and some Irish man I fetched for the weekend.
Some amazing times from the group, particular mention to Caroline Cunningham, taking part in her first RBR and absolutely smashing it. Also to Chris Smith who won the event and broke the course record, apparently he was flying and it was a much deserved win so well done from the Wallsend gang!
40th Steve Cunningham  2.38.39
43rd Caroline Cunningham 2.39.14
63rd Sarah Graham 2.50.33
64th Ruth Marshall 2.50.34
73rd Laura Murphy 2.53.29
87th Julie Collinson 3.04.09
104th Sarah Cawthorn 3.10.24
Sunday’s race saw Keith O’Donnell run the half marathon as a training run preparation for his upcoming marathon. Again, another day of perfect conditions and some pretty consistent training saw Keith negotiate the undulating course in 1:33. Well done Keith!
Overall a great weekend had by all and a highly recommended series of races for anyone thinking of it next year. It Was absolutely fantastic to spend a weekend with great people, supporting each other regardless of running clubs and doing what we enjoy the most, running! In the words of our legendary late chairman Terry O’Gara, “people need people” and here at Wallsend that is exactly what we have.
#proud #greenandgold
Over and ooot,
Sarah C

2 comments

  • Great report, sounds fun (I think!) Well done to all the Green and Gold!!

  • A great weekend and great to see some old faces. Brilliant to see so many green and golds at Kielder. So no matter what event or race you do wear that Wallsend vest with pride!! Congratulations everyone.