Almost 150 runners, walkers and buggy pushers tested a potential five kilometre park run route in Cockermouth on Sunday (February 4).
Sam Ayers, of BodyFit Cumbria, said: “A regular park run would be fantastic for the town, so we set up two events to test a possible route on The Greenway (old railway footpath).
“Both events were really popular; and showed that the community feels really strongly about having a park run in town.”
Each event was supported by a team of volunteers who assisted with event set up, marshalling, time-keeping, litter picking and packing up. Supporters encouraged and cheered on those taking part, creating a Parkrun-like atmosphere.
Sam said: “It has been amazing to have such support, from volunteers turning up early to set up, marshalling and creating a party atmosphere at the turning points at the end of the route, and supporters providing encouragement along the route.
“Eagerness to support a weekly park run event in Cockermouth is clear.”
The events were not part of Parkrun and were delivered by BodyFit Cumbria Running Club which provided registration and insurance and ensured the events met UK athletics standards.
Participants all received a personal time for completing the event.
The first man to finish was Keswick V40 Rob Brown in 17-04 followed by Derwent AC’s Tom Dunlop and Keswick’s Jacob Tonkin (18-00). Derwent AC’s Ruth Walker was first female to finish in 21-12 ahead of Ellenborough’s Alexandra Hutton (21-25) and Amy Joy (22-06).
To celebrate the importance of wider participation those who finished in places which were multiples of 12 also received a prize.
