Kielder Marathon
Several members of the Society braved the continuous soft rain to go along to the Kielder marathon and encourage the runners as they passed over the Viaduct. Some rather atmospheric photos were taken and the Viaduct was a great place to see the brave runners and cheer them on. A banner was erected to publicise our involvement on a day when more people were on the Viaduct than during the whole year!
Steve Cram delighted spectators and runners alike by his support of this second year of Kielder marathon. Last year the marathon received so much interest from runners that it was expanded this year to cope with increased demand and allow more competitors.
The route had also changed to include the Viaduct. The runners were relieved at the excellent work by the Forestry Commission, which meant the new pathways up to this structure followed a gentle slope rather than the dreaded ‘steep inclines’ that the runners had feared.
Despite the unceasing gentle waves of rain that swept across the course the runners were in good heart and appreciated the support shown by many spectators. The race was filmed by the camera which is normally trained on the osprey’s nests in Kielder Forest.
The Viaduct looks set to become an important landmark as part of the newly formed Lakeside Way and an integral part of the marathon, where hopefully on a drier day its beautiful views will have a better chance to be admired by those brave runners who at its 10km point still have a long way to go.
City and County
November 2011
