PARKRUN has returned after months of lockdown as Covid restrictions begin to ease around the country.
Hundreds of fun runners came down to their local parks around the county to join in the weekly run.
RACE: Racers return to Parkrun weekend races as restrictions ease
This was UK’s biggest free running movement which had been laid dormant throughout the coronavirus pandemic.
Parkrun covers 5km and sees thousands of people take part across Cumbria.
The races took place this weekend at Rothay, Fell Foot parkrun (Newby Bridge) and Ford parkrun (Ulverston).
RACE: Ford Parkrun returns and welcomes dozens of runners back after lockdown
Eileen Jones commented for Fell Foot parkrun.
She said: “There were 244 runners at Fell Foot parkrun (always lower case, all one word), and the first finisher was Reuben Copley of Dallam Running Club in 16.42.
“The runners were welcomed by run director Karen White who paid tribute to the late John Nettleton MBE who died, age 92, at Christmas. John had run 83 times and volunteered 133 times at Fell Foot.
“Among the runners was Kathryn Dally from London running her 300th parkrun.
“She had been stranded on 299 since lockdown.”
PARKRUN: The races took place at Rothay, Fell Foot parkrun (Newby Bridge) and Ford parkrun (Ulverston)
Suzanne Pender Co Director Rothay Parkrun said: “We had 96 runners today which was perfect for a restart.
“Everything went really well, there was a great atmosphere and it felt COVID safe.
“It was wonderful to welcome the community and visitors back to Rothay Park parkrun.
RACE: Racers return to Parkrun weekend races as restrictions ease
“The restart went perfectly and there was a wonderful atmosphere. I want to thank our large and amazing volunteer team for making it happen.”
Helen Rann, co-events director for Ford Parkrun stated: "We are so pleased with this morning's Parkrun. It was so good to see so many familiar faces. There were plenty of smiles, but sensibly no hugging! On this note, the socially distanced (not staggered) start seemed to work well.
"After chatting to a few of the 62 participants, it appears that our brand-new summer course is "tough, but OK."
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