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.
