100-year-old Forester starts the Kielder Marathon

Our official Marathon starter for Kielder was Arthur Scott, a 100-year-old former Forester working for Forestry England. Arthur turned 100 on the day of the marathon (8th October) and celebrated his special birthday by ringing the start bell for Kielder’s 13th Marathon.

Arthur is a retired Forester, working predominantly in Swarland Wood, as well as all over Northumberland. Having worked for Forestry England since October 1947, he retired in October 1988 after 47 years of service. Since then, he has moved into a forestry cottage in Swarland where he still lives independently, looking after his hens, feeding the red squirrels and enjoying his garden.

He was joined at Kielder Waterside by several family members including his daughter, Jan, who were all there to cheer on Arthur’s granddaughter Andrea, running in the half marathon, and Arthur’s nephew, Arthur, running the marathon. Young Arthur had flown in from New Zealand to compete in the marathon, and family members also flew in to support Andrea and Arthur in their runs.

The Vice Lord Lieutenant of Northumberland, Caroline Pryer, was there to represent the Duchess of Northumberland and to recognise Arthur’s special birthday. All the marathon runners on the start line sang ‘Happy Birthday’ to Arthur just before ringing the starting bell.

“Amazing day yesterday doing my first half marathon and Granda starting the Kielder Marathon on his 100th birthday,” posted Andrea on social media. The family all thoroughly enjoyed the day, and Arthur smiled as all the runners and everyone in the event village wished him a happy birthday.

It was a true honour to have Arthur join us on Sunday. We wish him and his family all the best and we extend a huge thank you to them and all our runners and spectators who joined us to celebrate such a special birthday.