Family and friends run Kielder Marathon in memory of 23-year-old

Fifteen friends and family of Alexandria Lea are running in various events at Kielder Marathon Weekend in memory of the 23-year-old.

A group of fifteen friends and family are running in various events in Kielder this weekend in memory of Alex Lea, a 23-year-old keen runner who died earlier this year. Alex was out training for a 100k ultra challenge in the Lake District on 29th February when she tragically fell on Jack’s Rake. Alex completed Kielder Marathon last year as her first marathon, so the group have decided to take on the challenge of either Kielder 10K, Half Marathon or Marathon to honour her memory.

“Alex was our best friend, inspiration, star athlete, source of boundless joy and positivity,” reads the fundraising page for the race. “Alex’s happy place was the mountains and she always inspired us with her spirit and the way she challenged herself in trail running and multiple other sports. To honour her memory and the joy she found in running, we are following her footsteps this year.”

The group are raising money to support Langdale Ambleside Mountain Rescue Team (LAMRT) who brought Alex home. Run entirely by volunteers, the efforts of the LAMRT help to make the Lake District safer for everyone. Alex’s family have previously raised over £10,000 for the LAMRT, and have raised a further £2,700 through the Kielder fundraiser.

The coroner’s inquest into Alex’s death in August this year highlighted the recent high profile cases, and although the outcome for Alex would not have changed, he urged people to be seen on the hills by wearing bright and florescent clothing. This can make a huge difference to the rescue teams in cases of emergency. Alex’s friends and family will be seen on the course in Kielder in bright pink tops with Alex’s logo on, to emphasise the importance of this advice.

Alex’s family urge others to support LAMRT by donating to the fundraising page. Every contribution, no matter how small, can help make a difference and support the tireless work of the mountain rescue team. Please donate here: https://alex-lea.muchloved.com/?_gl=1*11jb85d*_up*MQ..*_ga*NjA1MzIyNjM4LjE3Mjc3MTcxMDQ.*_ga_R0559FN1H6*MTcyNzcxNzEwMy4xLjEuMTcyNzcxNzExMy4wLjAuMA.