Team Kielder Observatory takes on the Great North Run

Team Kielder Observatory took on the Great North Run and raised an incredible £3,132 for Kielder Observatory. Find out how the funds will support our work in schools and communities across the North East, and how you can join the team for 2027.

On Sunday 13 September, Team Kielder Observatory took on one of the North East’s biggest challenges: the Great North Run.

Our team of runners came together to raise money for Kielder Observatory and support our work inspiring people through astronomy, science and the wonders of the night sky.

From first-time runners to those who had taken on the 13.1-mile course before, everyone had their own reason for taking part, but they were all running for the same cause. And their efforts paid off, with Team Kielder Observatory raising an incredible £3,132.

A huge shout-out to our team of runners:

Dan Pye
Adam Shore
Ellie Macdonald
Callum Carr
Nicole Green
Laurence Donkers
Billy Carlyle
Duncan Nicholls

It was a fantastic day, and we were so proud to be cheering our runners on from the sidelines!

Making a difference beyond the observatory

As a charity, fundraising is an important part of helping us deliver our work both at Kielder Observatory and in communities across the North East and beyond.

While our observatory experiences give people the opportunity to explore the night sky for themselves, our charitable work reaches much further. We work with schools and communities to make astronomy and science accessible to more people, delivering workshops, talks, planetarium shows and night sky sessions to young people across the region.

Our education and outreach programmes help children and young people discover more about the Universe while developing curiosity, confidence and an interest in science. Fundraising also helps us continue creating opportunities for people who might not otherwise have the chance to engage with astronomy.

Every pound raised by Team Kielder Observatory will contribute towards this wider work, helping us continue to bring astronomy beyond the observatory and into schools and communities.

More than a race

The Great North Run is also a chance for our supporters to become part of the Kielder Observatory community in a completely different way. Our runners put in the training, took on the 13.1-mile challenge and proudly represented Kielder Observatory along the way, helping to highlight the importance of our beautiful protected night skies with every step.

Their fundraising will have an impact long after they crossed the finish line.

A huge thank you to everyone who ran, donated and supported Team Kielder. Together, they raised £3,132 to help us continue inspiring people into science through astronomy, reaching new audiences and sharing the wonders of the Universe from our home here in Kielder.

Fancy joining Team Kielder in 2027?

We’re already looking ahead to the Great North Run 2027 and are now taking expressions of interest from anyone who would like to run for Kielder Observatory.

Places will be limited, but if you fancy taking on the 13.1-mile challenge while raising money for a North East charity, we’d love to hear from you.