Altra Kielder Marathon Unveils Inspirational Female Lineup for International Women’s Day

Paula Radcliffe, Sophie Raworth, Nell McAndrew and Eve Muirhead Set to Take on ‘Britain’s Most Beautiful’ Marathon Weekend.

The Altra Kielder Marathon is celebrating International Women’s Day with an exciting announcement: an all-star lineup of female role models, set to take part in the renowned event this October. Former marathon world record holder Paula Radcliffe, BBC journalist and endurance runner Sophie Raworth, TV Personality and passionate health and fitness guru Nell McAndrew and Olympic curling gold medallist Eve Muirhead will each take on different challenges during the action-packed weekend.

This year marks the 15th anniversary of the Altra Kielder Marathon, a race known for its stunning scenery and challenging terrain. Over 3,500 runners will descend on Northumberland for a weekend celebrating all that’s special about Britain’s Most Beautiful Marathon.

The Powerhouse Lineup

Paula Radcliffe – Continuing her legendary Marathon career

After a triumphant return to marathon running at the Tokyo Marathon as she aims to complete her World Marathon Majors Six Star, Paula Radcliffe is set to take on the Altra Kielder Marathon this October. The legendary long-distance runner and former world record holder will join thousands of athletes in tackling the breathtaking course that winds through Kielder Water & Forest Park. Her participation adds extra excitement to what promises to be a thrilling race.

Sophie Raworth – A Decade in the Making

Renowned BBC journalist Sophie Raworth is no stranger to endurance running, having completed all six World Marathon Majors and run the London Marathon ten times. This year, she returns to Kielder a decade after completing the inaugural half marathon in 2015, now running the Altra Kielder Marathon with her daughter – a testament to the event’s lasting appeal and family-friendly spirit.

Eve Muirhead – Swapping the Ice for the Trail

Olympic curling champion Eve Muirhead will push her endurance limits in the Altra Kielder Gravel Duathlon, a thrilling multi-discipline event combining trail running and cycling. With a 10km run, 34km off-road bike ride, and a final 6.4km run, this challenge embodies the spirit of adventure that defines the Kielder weekend.

Nell McAndrew – A Passion for Running

Model, television personality, and accomplished marathon runner Nell McAndrew will also be part of the weekend, running the Altra Kielder 10K. A dedicated advocate for fitness, McAndrew has completed multiple marathons, including the London Marathon in an impressive sub-3-hour time. Her passion for running and inspiring others makes her a fantastic addition to the event, reinforcing the message of empowering women in sport.

A Weekend of Unforgettable Races

The Altra Kielder Marathon Weekend has something for everyone, offering a range or races for runners of all levels, including:

• Altra Kielder 10K and Gravel Duathlon (Saturday)
• Altra Kielder Osprey and Falcons Junior Runs (for U11 and U15 categories)
• Altra Kielder Marathon, Half Marathon

Championing Women in Sport

This exciting announcement on International Women’s Day aligns so well with the 2025 theme, ‘Accelerate Action’, calling for urgent efforts to break barriers and biases that hinder women’s participation in sports and beyond. By featuring our FAB FOUR inspiring female athletes, the Altra Kielder Marathon aims to encourage more women to lace up their running shoes and take on new challenges.

Entries are now open! Don’t miss your chance to be part of this extraordinary event. Visit www.kieldermarathon.com for details and registration.