Race organisers at Kielder have drafted in the armed forces to help runners soldier on.
Twenty-five members of the 3rd Regiment Royal Horse Artillery have volunteered to help with a different kind of military exercise at the Active Northumberland Kielder Marathon weekend, taking place on Saturday 6 and Sunday 7 October 2018.
The soldiers, who are based at Albermarle Barracks, near Harlow Hill, will be getting involved in a range of event activities, from marshalling the course and cheering on runners, to helping build the Run-Bike-Run transition points and packing goody-bags.
And this year′s runners in the Half Marathon and Marathon, will have the added unique experience of the races being started simultaneously by a light Artillery gun, to send them on their way.
Lieutenant Colonel Chris Gent, said: "The 3rd Regiment Royal Horse Artillery are at the heart of the Northumberland community and as a Regiment with strong sporting physical training and sporting prowess, we are delighted to be helping out with this year′s event.
"Not only will our soldiers be getting proceedings off to a flying start by firing a Light Gun off the dam, they will also be marshalling the course to cheer on the remarkable efforts from the runners. We wish them all good luck!"
The soldiers make up a team of more than 100 volunteers, part of the Events of the North crew, at the Active Northumberland Kielder Marathon weekend.
Organisers have put out a final call to members of the public to help out at the weekend′s events, which are all based around Northumbrian Water′s Kielder Reservoir and include the Marathon, Half Marathon, 10k and the Run Bike Run.
Race Director, Steve Cram, said: "As with all mass participation events, we rely heavily on the manpower of volunteers for their dedication, hard work and passion to make the runners experience the best it can be.
"We′re delighted to welcome the 3rd Regiment Royal Horse Artillery from the nearby Albemarle Barracks to assist us with a range of roles across the weekend.
"Kielder′s unique location means all of our volunteers get to enjoy a weekend with a difference in the most stunning part of the world. If you′re not lacing up the running shoes to take part, come and join the team in another guise!"
The Active Northumberland Kielder Marathon Weekend 2018 is delivered by Events of the North in conjunction with Northumbrian Water, Active Northumberland, Northumberland County Council and Northumbria Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust.
For more information on the events taking place at Active Northumberland Kielder Marathon Weekend 2018 and how to volunteer, visit www.kieldermarathon.com.