Students play vital role in Kielder Marathon success

Northumberland College staff and students volunteered at this year’s Kielder Marathon and helped ensure the event was a huge success. 

The 14-strong team worked alongside Events of the North staff, and were tasked with vital roles such as organising equipment, clothing and bicycles for transport, stewarding, water distribution and athlete welfare. 

Despite the poor weather conditions during their 12-hour stints at Kielder village and the approach to Bull Crag Peninsula, the students’ positive attitude and work rate was praised by the organisers who presented the volunteers with £150 to use on an activity or event of their choice. 

Richard Brady, from Events of the North, said: “Once again, Northumberland College staff and students have played a vital role, without them the event simply couldn’t run.” 

The Kielder Marathon – dubbed ‘Britain’s most beautiful’ – sees around 3,000 people take part in a weekend of off-road activities including the main 26.2-mile marathon, half marathon, junior races, 10k, and Run Bike Run at Northumbrian Water’s stunning Landal Kielder Waterside Park. 

The 2022 event was the ninth consecutive year students and staff from Northumberland College’s range of courses have volunteered their time to assist in running the event. 

Isabel Appleby, from Blyth, who is studying Uniformed Public Services, said: “I really enjoyed the event and working with the others, and improving my communication and teamwork skills.” 

George Bramley, Programme Leader for Public Services and Sport, said: “Our students’ commitment and attitude while supporting this event was faultless. 

“We are extremely proud of their dedication and ability to work together, with members of the community and event staff, to ensure the event was a success. It was brilliant to observe the students developing key skills which employers desire, such as communication, problem solving and leadership.”