The first ever Festival of Running event from St Herbert’s CE Primary and Nursery School in Keswick was an undoubted success and will be returning again next year.
There was a 3km family fun run followed by a 10km road race starting in Fitz Park and then joining the Keswick to Threlkeld Railway Trail where runners turned around and finished in front of the Keswick Country House Hotel.
The fun run attracted a field of 154 runners while 129 athletes completed the 10km road race. There was a real family atmosphere evident at the start and finish lines and the weather was good.
George Williams was the winner of the family fun run and Edith Buttinger was the first girl back. Former pupil Mark Lamb, who runs for Keswick AC and is a strong fell runner, won the 10km road race in an impressive time of 33 minutes and 39 seconds. He led the race from start to finish. Lucy Stobbart, of Cumberland AC, was the winning female with a creditable time of 40 minutes and two seconds.
St Herbert’s head teacher Michael Craig said: “This amazing event wouldn’t have been possible without the vision of Lee Hawker, my Key Stage 2 leader who came up with the idea and Catherine Brennan, from Keswick AC, for her knowledge, drive and commitment to pull the whole event together.
“I would like to say a huge thanks to everyone that contributed to making this possible. It has been an almighty team effort. Special thanks to Burns Farm Caravan, Camping and Glamping for sponsoring the event and Kong, Royal Dockray Hotel, Tesco in Workington, Cotswolds, Alpkit, Rathbones and Lake District Wine for their donations.”
The event is the start of St Herbert’s C of E Primary and Nursery School’s efforts to raise money to install an all weather playing area for children to enjoy sports on the school grounds.
The school is currently exploring all options and ideally would like to create a facility which could be used by the Keswick community during the winter months.
“This will be a long term project so starting the fundraising is an exciting milestone for us all,” said Mr Craig. “If any local members of the community or businesses would be interested in supporting our efforts, please get in touch.”
Next year’s event will be held on March 7.
