Sun shines on Kielder as over 400 athletes take on The Northumbrian
Over 400 athletes took part in the 2025 edition of The Northumbrian last weekend. Based at Kielder Waterside in Northumberland National Park, the event including full Iron and half Iron triathlons, an ‘aquabike’ (swim-cycle) race, and two new trail runs, which significantly boosted the number of entries this year. People travelled not only from around the UK but also from overseas to take part in an event that straddled the border of England and Scotland. The Northumbrian was organised by Events of the North, in partnership with Northumbrian Water, and supported by Forestry England and Team Cycles.
Founded in 2022, The Northumbrian is now well established on the summer calendar. This year, organisers added two trail runs to the schedule, one at 28k and the other a 48k ultra, which took participants along trails that have recently been created by Forestry England at Kielder. Meanwhile, triathletes started their races in Kielder Water, a unique opportunity each year to swim in the reservoir, which is otherwise prohibited. Following that leg, participants tackled cycle and run routes through the spectacular landscape of Northumberland National Park. Race day was sunny and warm, and officials ensured that there was plenty of water available around the course.
The full Iron distance triathlon (140.6 miles) at the Northumbrian was won by Kevin Watson in 12 hours, 2 minutes and 13 seconds, with Miles Wilks second in 12:37:10. First woman and third overall was Francesca Vidler in 12:42:17. Angus Robb was third man in 12:48:55. Alice Evans was second in the women’s race in 14:32:59, with Rebecca Wood just behind her in third (14:33:23). Adam Templeton retained his title in the half Iron distance race (70.3 miles) in 4:41:26, 20 minutes faster than his time in 2024. James Anderson was second (4:57:03), followed by Kris Whitelaw (5:09:23). The women’s race was son by Rhiannon Wooldridge (5:57:11), with Rachel Fagan second in 6:00:55 and Abigale Brierley third in 6:02:13.
Jonathan McDonough won the 48k ultra trail run in 4:03:34. First woman and second overall was Irene Molina Gonzalez in 4:16:14. Second in the men’s race and third overall was Michael Clewlow in 4:18:27. Second in the women’s race and fourth overall was Ali Pennefather in 4:20:46. Trevor Dixon was third man (4:24:09) and Helen Davies was third woman (4:35:31). Maciej Kowalski won the 28k trail run in 2:00:04, followed by Mario Rodriguez Rodriguez (2:04:10) and Aodan Mcintyre (2:10:00). The women’s race was won by Emma Holt in 2:18:41, followed by Lorraine Kyle (2:57:26) and Claire Le Tissier (3:02:03). The aquabike was won by Colin Nadin in 3:19:01 and the women’s race was won by Elaine Mcconachie in 4:15:21. Both of the Northumbrian’s new trail runs were Ultra-Trail du Mont-Blanc (UTMB) Index races, and contributed towards every finisher’s Index in the corresponding race category (20K or 50K), giving privileged access to the prestigious UTMB World Series events.
Race founder Steve Cram comments: “We were blessed with stunning weather on race day, and Kielder Water and Forest definitely put on a show for everyone. It’s a privilege to be able to put these races in Northumberland National Park and I know that our participants really appreciate the landscape that they travel through. Like our triathlons, the new trail runs provided really tough challenges, but these proved to be very rewarding, and we witnessed some great performances in every event. Our thanks go to Northumbrian Water for hosting The Northumbrian, and to the local Forestry England team and North East business Team Cycles, who provided valuable bike maintenance on route for our competitors. As ever, we’re also very grateful to all of our brilliant and essential volunteers. We’re delighted with how this event is growing and look forward to welcoming even more participants in 2026 for our fifth year.”
Entries are now open for the 2026 edition of The Northumbrian, which will take place on Sunday 28 June.
For more information, visit thenorthumbrian.com
