Over £6,000 raised for mountain rescue team at Kielder Marathon Weekend

At Kielder Marathon Weekend, countless t-shirts, flags and banners signify the hundreds of charities and fundraising efforts undertaken by runners as they take on a personal challenge in the 10k, gravel duathlon, half marathon or marathon.

This year, one group of fundraisers in particular stood out in the line up for the marathon. In matching fluorescent pink t-shirts, the family and friends of Alex Lea were participating in various events over the weekend in memory of the 23-year-old. Alex tragically lost her life in February this year, and in her memory, her loved ones chose to run Kielder, after Alex completed the marathon as her first in 2023. As a keen runner, they wanted to honour her passion and joy for the sport, all while raising money for an important cause.

The reason for the bright pink t-shirts was to raise awareness of the importance of wearing bright and fluorescent clothing when running. This can be the difference between life and death if you are easily identifiable and visible while out running, particularly during the winter months and in adverse weather conditions.

The group set up a fundraising page for the Langdale Ambleside Mountain Rescue Team, an entirely self-funded team of volunteers who provide vital support and rescue services in the area. Over the weekend, Alex’s loved ones raised an incredible £6,000 for the mountain rescue team, helping the team to make the mountains safe for everyone.

“It was a very special day for all of us. The team were overwhelmed by the incredible support on and off the course – an amazing event made so special. Thanks to everyone who offered support, wished us well and donated to the mountain rescue in Alex’s memory raising over £6,000 for the day.”

To read more about the tribute to Alex Lea, visit the fundraising page here: https://alex-lea.muchloved.com/?_gl=1*1q6wdp7*_gcl_aw*R0NMLjE3MzA5OTAyMzEuQ2owS0NRaUE1N0c1QmhEVUFSSXNBQ2dDWW56LXVtSldEbnQ3c3BrOGNNVWtDNXZJYVNZd0NVbU9odVB0LTVVMS1qSzJPdnBXdEpnY0d6WWFBcFo5RUFMd193Y0I.*_gcl_au*MTE2ODQxODQwOC4xNzMwOTkwMjEy*_ga*MTA5NzI2NTczMi4xNzMwOTkwMjEy*_ga_R0559FN1H6*MTczMDk5MDIxMS4xLjEuMTczMDk5MDI3OS42MC4wLjA.

Entries for the 15th Kielder Marathon Weekend are now open. Join us on the 4th – 5th October 2025, and you can also raise money for a charity or cause close to your heart. Enter now via our website: https://kieldermarathon.com/