Stormy start for 'most beautiful' marathon event

OLYMPIC stars Paula Radcliffe and Laura Muir joined close to 2,500 others at the 15th Kielder Marathon weekend - despite the wild weather brought by Storm Amy.

- SAM VOLPE

Newsreader and keen runner Sophie Raworth also took part, while one female runner was delighted when her partner proposed to her at the finish line.

Saturday's events were rained off but the 10k race was rearranged for Sunday, and took place along with the marathon, half marathon and junior races. The gravel duathlon event had to be cancelled due to the storm.

The event is now in its 15th year and, despite the weather, organisers welcomed a “blustery” but “brilliant” day. The event takes place on the shores of Northumbrian Water's Kielder Reservoir, and is organised by Events of the North with the support of the water firm and Forestry England.

Tokyo Olympics silver medallist Laura Muir was among the star attractions early in the day. She won the women's 10k race with a time of 37 minutes and 16 seconds.