Earlier this year, Forestry Commission England launched the Forestry 100 Running series. This brand new series of 10k running events has been created as part of their 2019 centenary celebrations, helping to inspire a deeper appreciation of our forests.
The Hamsterley Forest 10k, in County Durham, is the first in the series to come to the north and gets the backing of former Olympian and World Champion, Steve Cram.
Steve will open the race on Sunday 7 April 2019 and give participants the unique opportunity to run alongside him as his joins in a 10k route that offers stunning views across the North Pennines.
There are sixteen 10k events across the Forestry 100 Running series, encouraging people to experience the freedom, fresh air and scenery of running on forest trails.
Steve Cram is no stranger to the benefits of running in the forest and said:
“I’m delighted to be supporting the Forestry 100 series celebrating 100 years of the Forestry Commission. I’m a huge fan of exploring the outdoors on foot, and trail running through the forests on our doorsteps is a great way to combine both.
“It was this passion that helped me set up the Kielder Marathon in the heart of Northumberland, taking in some of the most stunning routes through the forest trails. The Forestry 100 series will be perfect training if you’re interested in joining us for our own birthday celebration in Kielder later this year. Hope to see you all in Hamsterley Forest in April.”
Alex MacLennan, Forestry Commission, Recreation and Public Affairs Manager, North East said:
“It’s fantastic Steve has signed up for the Hamsterley 10k. We know how much he enjoys running in the forest and we hope his participation will encourage others to join him on the start line. If you haven’t tried running or walking in the forest yet, now’s an excellent time to start!”
Steve Cram is Founder and Race Director of Britain’s Most Beautiful Marathon weekend, the Active Northumberland Kielder Marathon. The weekend caters for runners of all abilities and offers a 10K, Half Marathon, Marathon, Duathlon and Junior Races.
2019 sees the event celebrate its 10th anniversary and Forestry Commission England are proud to be partners of this fantastic event.
With 100 years of forestry and 10 years of Britain’s Most Beautiful Marathon to celebrate, we hope you’ll join Steve Cram on 7 April 2019 for the Forestry 100 Hamsterley Forest 10k, and kick start your training for the Kielder Marathon on Oct 12th/13th 2019.
ENDS
Notes to Editor
1. The Forestry Commission is the government department responsible in England for protecting, expanding and promoting the sustainable management of woods and forests and increasing their value to society and the environment. Further information can be found at www.gov.uk/government/organisations/forestry-commission
England's Woods and Forests are cared for by Forest Enterprise England, an agency of the Forestry Commission www.forestryengland.uk
This year, the Forestry Commission is celebrating its centenary with an ambitious programme of public engagement across England’s forests. It includes the largest survey of forest wildlife, existing forests planted and new artistic works. While celebrating its first 100 years, the Forestry Commission is also looking ahead to the biggest challenges facing the nation’s forests, to ensure our landscapes are healthy and resilient for generations to come.
2. Steve Cram is Founder and Race Director of Britain’s Most Beautiful Marathon weekend, the Active Northumberland Kielder Marathon. The weekend caters for runners of all abilities and offers a 10K, Half Marathon, Marathon, Duathlon and Junior Races.
2019 sees the event celebrate its 10th anniversary with runners coming from all corners of the UK and also around the world to enjoy the stunning trails of Kielder Forest, Northumberland. Forestry Commission are proud to be partners of the Kielder Marathon. All information can be found at www.kieldermarathon.com.
3. Nice Work
Forestry 100 Running series events are managed in partnership with Nice Work.
Nice Work is a long established family business, which started in 1989 and has grown to become one of the country’s leading race management companies. Our race portfolio now features in excess of 240 races nationwide.
Our philosophy is quite simple – to put on friendly races that are fully inclusive, aimed at runners of all abilities, from beginners to experienced athletes and aimed at all ages and backgrounds. For more information see www.nice-work.org.uk.
Forestry 100 Running series sites and dates
Site | Date |
Bedgebury, the National Pinetum
| 31 March 2019 |
Hamsterley Forest
| 7 April 2019 |
Whinlatter Forest
| 12 May 2019 |
Dalby Forest
| 19 May 2019 |
Cannock Chase
| 25 May 2019 |
Wyre Forest
| 8 June 2019 |
Alice Holt
| 16 June 2019 |
Haldon Forest Park
| 23 June 2019 |
Wendover Woods
| 30 June 2019 |
Forest of Dean
| 8 September 2019 |
Westonbirt, the National Arboretum
| 14 September 2019 |
High Lodge, Thetford Forest
| 6 October 2019 |
Salcey Forest
| 12 October 2019 |
Sherwood Pines
| 20 October 2019 |
Thames Chase
| 10 November 2019 |
Jeskyns Woods
| 7 December 2019 |
Media Contact:
Rebecca Tempest, Marketing Officer, Forest Enterprise (Forestry Commission England)
Email:rebecca.tempest@forestryengland.uk
Images: Steve Cram, credit Events of the North.
Website links:
forestryengland.uk/run100
forestryengland.uk/100
#forests100
kieldermarathon.com