26.6

Distance Miles


2113

Ascent Feet


2216

Descent Feet


500

Number of Runners




DARK SKIES RUN @ KIELDER 26.6

Starting and finishing at Kielder Waterside, you will tackle the ultimate Dark Skies challenge. A full 26.6 mile anti clockwise loop of the entire Kielder Water. Race will take place on Saturday 16th March 2024.

Kielder was awarded gold tier Dark Sky Park status by the International Dark Skies association in December 2013, making it the perfect venue for the ultimate starlit running challenge.

Entry includes:-

  • Bespoke Medal
  • Chip Timing by TOTS
  • Instant Online results by TOTS
  • Feed stations – water and sweets, more substantial snacks and drinks on longer events
  • Fully marked and marshalled route
  • Medical Cover
  • Free event parking
  • First male and female, first in age category. Level up for free!
  • Bespoke memento for all runners
  • Digital photography of event and entrants
  • Chance to purchase bespoke event t-shirt

Entries

Book your place now. ENTER NOW

Cut Offs

The race must be completed within 7 hours.

Route and Course Markings

The course will be marked and flagged and marshals will be on hand at key points in the race. Please remember that navigating the course is your responsibility.

First Aid

The race checkpoint has first aid equipment for minor injuries. The start/finish area will also have first aid provision including a paramedic and an ambulance. Nearest local hospital:- Hexham General Hospital, Corbridge Road, Hexham NE46 1QJ. 0344 811 8111

Awards

All finishers get a bespoke medal and a race memento. Free parking for the event and free digital photography. A race t-shirt is also available as an addditional purchase.

There are also male and female prizes for the categories shown below.

Senior 40-49 50-59 60-69 70 plus
First Three First finisher First finisher First finisher First finisher

Race Registration

Kielder Waterside,

Kielder Water,

Hexham,

Northumberland,

NE48 1BT

Map for Kielder Waterside

Race Parking

Greenside Car Park,

Kielder Water,

Hexham,

Northumberland,

NE48 1AX

Map for Greenside Car Park

Dark Skies Run @ Kielder 26.6 - 16th March 2024

  • 15:30 - 17:00Kielder Waterside

    Opens for race registration, pick up race numbers and race merchandise.
  • 17:20Start/Finish Area

    Race safety briefing
  • 17:30Start/Finish Area

    Race start!
  • 22:30Kielder Waterside Tipis

    Awards Presentation
  • 00:30Finish Area

    Race cut off

Dark Skies Run @ Kielder 26.6 - Mandatory Kit

  1. Whistle
  2. Head/chest/waist torch
  3. Survival bag for 26.6/Foil Blanket for other races
  4. Hat and gloves
  5. Quality Waterproof jacket
  6. Minimum of 500ml water
  7. Personal cup
  8. Emergency food/sport bar
  9. Fully charged phone

Dark Skies Run @ Kielder 26.6 - Rules

  1. All competitors must be running under their own names and numbers. No swapping of numbers or running in another’s place will be accepted. If you are found to be running in another’s place you will be disqualified.
  2. You must log your number with race marshals at each check point. It is your responsibility to make sure the marshal takes your number.
  3. Any competitor who is deemed unfit to continue by the race directors, marshals or medics will be withdrawn from race. The decision will be FINAL.
  4. Runners must carry all mandatory equipment at all times during the race unless stated otherwise at Race Briefing by the Race Director. If found to be not carrying the required kit at any time, you will be disqualified.
  5. If you decide to retire from the race you must notify a marshal. You must surrender your race number and you will not be allowed to continue.
  6. Unsporting behaviour (cheating) will not be tolerated and result in immediate disqualification. This includes but not limited to, not carrying mandatory kit at all times, taking short cuts, use of PEDs.
  7. We strongly advise against the using of NSAIDs (Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs i.e Ibuprofen) during the events, as they are proven to cause harm during endurance events. Doing so against this advice is strictly at the competitor’s risk.
  8. All runners take full responsibility for their own navigation during the event.
  9. You must have your bib number visible at all times or easily accessible to show the Check Point team.
  10. If you do not leave an aid station before the cut off time you will not be allowed to continue for safety, cut-off times will be strictly enforced. If you get to the finish line after the final cut off you will unfortunately not be listed as an official finisher and will not be eligible for awards.
  11. Littering will result in immediate disqualification. We must respect the trails at all times. Some of our events take place in SSSI (Sites of Special Scientific Interest), and securing permission to host events in these areas is very difficult. If you litter you not only jeopardise the events future, but more importantly you jeopardise the area.
  12. Dogs are NOT allowed to take part in the event. They present a trip hazard to other runners and a risk of upsetting livestock of local land owners.
  13. Dogs are not allowed beyond the safety barrier and main entrance to the camp at Hawkhirst.
  14. You do not have a right of way priority over any other users of the course, you must respect other users of the course throughout the duration of the event.
  15. Earphones/headphones may be used, but MUST be taken off head or out of ears completely at certain points.
    1. When you’re approaching a road crossing
    2. When you’re approaching a checkpoint
    3. If you see a marshal in hi-viz anywhere along the race route
    4. On any section of trail narrow enough that you’re running single file
    5. Speakers are not allowed
    6. If you forget about your earphones, and a marshal signals you to remove them, you must do so immediately. If you try to argue the point about your music being turned off, your earphones may be confiscated from you until the race finish, and you also risk being removed from the race for your own safety, i.e. disqualified.
  16. The race has an ARC permit number and will be held under ARC rules. We recommend that you make yourself familiar with ARC rules specific to Trail running: http://www.runningclubs.org.uk/rules

Dark Skies Run @ Kielder 26.6 - Travel

Accommodation Options at Kielder

Kielder Waterside Lodges

Kielder Waterside Lodges

There are lodges available at Kielder Waterside. The lodges are in an ideal location for these events and have great facilties including hot tubs and dog friendly cabins. The lodges always sell out quickly, the direct link to check availability is below. Book Kielder Waterside Lodges.

Campervans, Motorhomes and Caravans

There are also great facilties for campervans, motorhomes and caravans to stay at Kielder Waterside.

A 15% discount code will be sent to entrants via an email confirmation, on entering the race. Kielder Water camper and caravan bookings.

Camping options

Kielder campsite is located nearby and also has a range of accommodation options. Camping options.

Race Lifts

This year we are using a car sharing website developed by a runner that aims to save you money, and reduce the carbon footprint of the event:

http://RaceLifts.org car sharing

We would be most grateful if EVERYONE coming to the Dark Skies Run race could try out the site (even if you don't expect to car share). It only takes a minute and is completely free to use. As well as saving you petrol money, it will ease the parking headaches for us at the race.

Male Category Year Time
M TBA 2024 TBA
M40 TBA 2024 TBA
M50 TBA 2024 TBA
M60 TBA 2024 TBA
M70 TBA 2024 TBA
Female Category Year Time
F TBA 2024 TBA
F40 TBA 2024 TBA
F50 TBA 2024 TBA
F60 TBA 2024 TBA
CP Name Mile Toilet Cut off Grid reference
0 Start: Kielder Waterside 0.0 17:30 NY660877
1 Whickhope 7.5 19:30 NY677859
2 Dam Car Park 11.0 20:24 NY706882
3 North Hall Road 17.5 22:08 NY665908
4 Viaduct 21.3 23:09 NY631926
5 Mathew's Linn 24.5 23:55 NY698869
6 Finish: Kielder Waterside 26.6 00:30 NY660877
Download GPX File Download KML File Detailed Route & Elevation