Northumbria University research study at Kielder Marathon

Events of the North have partnered with Northumbria University for Kielder Marathon, conducting a research study investigating the effect of tart cherry supplementation following a marathon. Northumbria University are looking for 60 healthy runners aged 18-65 to take part in the study looking at training and recovery.

Participants are required to:

• Complete the Kielder Marathon
• Attend 5 testing visits, including 4 at the laboratories in Northumbria University
• Take a tart cherry supplement for 7 days (in the form of capsules)
• Have a small venous blood sample taken 4 times

To compensate participants, Northumbria University are offering over £100 worth of benefits, including a £50 Lets Run voucher, £30 Events of the North entry voucher, and an athlete toolbox worth £30, designed by World Champion Jake Wightman, upon completion of the study.

Emily Burrow, a 37-year-old from Ponteland, and Sean Bloomfield, 55, from Cramlington, both signed up out of interest in the subject matter and curiosity about the results. “Kielder marathon is, in my opinion, the best marathon in the UK,” said Sean. “This will be my 10th time running it. I agreed to take part in the study as I found it a very interesting subject.”

“I’m happy to help out, plus the voucher will come in handy for some running gear of course,” added Emily.

Angelina, 39, is interested in the study as she had a marathon on her bucket list for before she turns 40. “The study made me push myself to sign up, otherwise I might not have chosen to do the marathon at all,” she explained. “I’m interested in health and how our bodies are so resilient regardless (mostly) of what we put them through.”

Friday is the last day to sign up, as PhD candidate, Emma Squires, will begin the study next week.

For more information on the study and to discuss eligibility, contact e.squires@northumbria.ac.uk