(or: One dream. Four lads from Hexham. Hoping for nice weather)
Four school pals from Tynedale are gearing up to run this year’s Salomon Kielder Marathon… dressed as the Jamaican bobsleigh team.
Inspired by the comedy film about the first Jamaican bobsleigh team trying to make it to the winter Olympics, Cool Runnings, Jamie Williams, Chris Hay and Thomas North (all 24) and Joe Speed (25) plan to don lycra outfits and even carry a bobsleigh the final few miles of the course around Kielder Water.
With little or no running experience between them the team has entered ‘Britain’s most beautiful marathon’ in very much the same way as the Jamaican team in the film enters the 1988 Winter Olympics - as outsiders, with little to no preparation.
Jamie said: “We’re hoping the brakes aren’t on for us and that we don’t match the bobsled team from the movie and come in last place!
“Since I heard about the Kielder Marathon last year I really wanted to do it but decided only if I could think of a fun way. I got the idea, telephoned some pals and somehow persuaded them to join me!
“So far, the most challenging part has been sourcing the outfits. Although I doubt we will say that when we are several miles into the race! I’m raising money for the Great North Air Ambulance – the un-sung heroes of our local community. Also, I have in mind that I may possibly need their help myself; keeled over on the Kielder Marathon course!”
Photo: Jamie Williams and pals gearing up for the Kielder Marathon on Sunday 9 October
The group, all from Hexham, will be wearing lycra bobsleigh suits, ski goggles, helmets and even dreadlocks as they each emulate a character from the cult film.
Jamie added: “We plan to stay together the whole way round – we won’t leave one runner behind. In the last couple of miles we’re hoping to run in a line carrying a bobsleigh.”
The Salomon Kielder Marathon is just one of a series of events taking place in Kielder Water & Forest Park over Saturday 8 and Sunday 9 October. Runners wanting to take part without tackling the entire marathon course can still enter the redspottedhanky.com Kielder 10K or the Kielder Run Bike Run relay event as an individual or a team of three.
Olympic athlete and event organiser, Steve Cram OBE, said: “It’s fantastic that this event has become so popular already in only its second year. This year we have added the Kielder 10K and are repeating the Run Bike Run relay event as well as the Junior Runs so there is something for the whole family. We wish the lads the best of luck – can’t wait to see them on the day.”
Jamie and his friends are hoping their efforts will raise funds for their chosen charities. Jamie is running for the Great North Air Ambulance. Joe and Chris have both chosen to run for the Emma Newton Fund, a grant-making fund to support young people in arts. The charity was set-up by parents of Emma who was tragically killed by a falling tree during storms in May 2011. Joe and Chris both know relatives of Emma and are keen to offer their support to the fund.
Thomas North’s efforts will go to Chrysalis at Tynedale, a club where active people with memory problems or dementia get one-to-one support and tuition to learn and do creative things, such as art, gardening and singing.
New for 2011 – The marathon route will incorporate the stunning Kielder Viaduct this year. Spectators can watch the runners crossing the Viaduct from a live feed at Kielder Castle Visitor Centre.
To find out more about the event visit www.kieldermarathon.com
For more information on Kielder Water & Forest Park go to www.visitkielder.com
