The Forestry Commission is hosting the first legs of 2009 Kielder Marathon Season at the Kielder Water and Forest Park on Saturday 24 January, the perfect event to kick start the new year.

Dubbed the “Winter Warmer”, the race is organised by the Kielder Trail Reavers and sponsored by the Bike Place in Kielder, and will take place over 33 miles of spectacular Border terrain. This event will be the first chance to ride a brand new section of the work-in-progress Blue trail, which is not yet officially open.

“The event is aimed squarely at bikers of intermediate ability and upwards,” says Ian Bell from the Kielder Trail Reavers, “offering them the chance to complete three laps of the route in the quickest time. It’s a great way to start the year and experience Northumberland’s fabulous winter landscape.”

As an added incentive, there’ll be prizes for the top three finishers in each of the five categories, with points being handed out and rounded up three races later at the series finale in October. All proceeds from the £22 entry fee are split between the Trail Reavers and Great North Air Ambulance.

Enter now at www.thebikeplace.co.uk or contact the Bike Place on 0845 6341895.