Cockermouth Greenway parkrun starts to delight of whole community

After several months of planning, Cockermouth Greenway parkrun has now been established.

Parkrun, a global initiative which holds events in 23 countries, now provides a free, fun, and friendly weekly 5k community event in the town every Saturday morning at 9am.

The parkrun takes place at Cockermouth Greenway, Bellbrigg Lonning Playground, Cockermouth.

All that's needed to take part as a walker, runner or volunteer is a bar code. Participants only need register once and spectators are actively encouraged to get down and support the runners.

The idea is that each week a team of volunteers sign up to support the event the following week.

Volunteers at the Cockermouth Greenway parkrun. (Image: Jaye Adams) Sam Ayers, local fitness professional and director of BodyFit Cumbria, said: "Having parkrun in Cockermouth is fantastic for those who already run or walk, those who are looking to start their fitness journey and for volunteers and spectators.

"Setting it up has only been possible due to the support we have had to raise funds and the volunteers who have been working to get the event off the ground.

"It is also exciting that Cumberland Lakes to Sea Community Panel have matched this funding we have raised so we can establish a junior parkrun event in 2025. This week we were able to celebrate these achievements at Cockermouth Greenway’s third event."

Cockermouth Women's Institute are hosting a community café at Cockermouth Rugby Club to provide a venue for gathering post event. 

Councillor Jill Perry with ladies from the Cockermouth WI group.and volunteers (Image: Supplied) The group say establishing parkrun in Cockermouth has been made possible by the support of the following local companies, groups and clubs:  Createc, Holmen, Cockermouth Round Table, Cockermouth Rotary Club, BodyFit Cumbria Running Club, BodyFit Cumbria class members, Derwent AC, Tri-Lakeland, Lake District Barbell, Cockermouth Rugby Club, Chance Camp, Cockermouth WI, Community Fund Cockermouth (Metalcraft), Cumberland County Council, plus individuals who made it all happen by helping with races in some way or raising funds. 

If you are thinking of joining the parkruns, the town bus number C3 runs to the start at a convenient time on a Saturday morning, and if travelling by foot, bike or public transport is not an option, space for parking is available at the rugby club CA13 9XQ, https://what3words.com/stowing.stocky.protests

You can see the Course page for more details.