Kielder Half...........

Kay Schiller and Paul Fisher (LMAC Senior Road Runners) made their way to the outstanding scenery of Northumberland to take part in the Kielder Half Marathon on Sunday 5th October, known as ‘Britain’s Most Beautiful’. Winding lanes took us to the start at the Kielder Water dam at the Eastern end of the lake. Storm Amy had taken its toll on Saturday’s events meaning the 10k was postponed to the Sunday. This caused the start of the Half Marathon to be delayed but allowed time for Kay and Paul to have a photo (below) with the great Paula Radcliffe who was also taking part as was BBC journalist Sophie Raworth. Excellent work by the Forestry Commission and Northumberland Water clearing debris from the course meant we were lucky to start the run at all and around 30 minutes later than scheduled, race director Steve Cram (yes that one) got us under way. Running across the dam with wonderful views down Kielder Water we continued into an undulating course through the forest and back over the dam with Kay making sure we kept up a good pace then back into the trail course through the trees. Around half way through we were shocked to see the infamous ‘Switchbacks’ ahead of us; a sinuous climb driven by bass heavy music and spectators dotted beside the course like mountain goats. The course continued along the lakeside trail finishing at the visitors’ centre. Kay and Paul were more than happy with their time of 2h 7m 32s on quite a hilly course. The race was very well organised with regular buses for spectators and runners alike and a great medal and goody bag for all finishers. Highly recommended.