Organisers cancel Kielder Marathon due to Covid-19

Runners during the 2019 Active Northumberland Kielder Marathon weekend.

The Active Northumberland Kielder Marathon has become the latest event to be cancelled due to the coronavirus pandemic.

Due to ongoing uncertainty about the hosting of mass participation races, partners have decided to call off the 2020 Kielder Marathon, Half Marathon, 10K, Run-Bike-Run, and the junior runs scheduled for October 3 and 4.

The 2020 event would have marked the 11th annual running of ‘Britain’s most beautiful marathon’.

Steve Cram, event founder and race director, said: “It’s absolutely heart-breaking to have to make this decision.

"All of the partners have been in regular discussions about the feasibility of an event this year, but we have come to the inevitable conclusion that it simply won’t be possible to go ahead in the current climate.

“We appreciate how much hard work people have already put into their training, and know that some have already made travel plans.

"We can only apologise and hope that everyone understands why we have had to take this decision.

"Everyone at Events of the North is ready and eager to deliver safe events for all, but sadly we must now wait until 2021 to meet up at beautiful Kielder again.”

All those who have booked places for a race at this year’s weekend have been contacted with the news and their entries will automatically be deferred to 2021 unless they indicate otherwise.

For the latest news about the Kielder Marathon events, visit www.kieldermarathon.com, find the event on Facebook, or follow @kieldermarathon on Twitter and Instagram.

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