HUNDREDS of runners and walkers of all abilities took part in Christmas and New Year parkrun events across Cumbria.
Cumbrians took part in special Christmas Day editions of parkrun in Carlisle, Ambleside, Keswick and Whitehaven.
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They joined more than a quarter of a million people nationwide who started their Christmas Day at parkrun, be it to run, walk or volunteer.
Families flocked to Chances Park in their hundreds for parkrun. (Image: Supplied)
A spokesperson for parkrun UK said: “Around 236,000 people crossed a parkrun finish line and nearly 17,000 of you volunteered. Thanks for joining us this Christmas.”
Parkrun events on New Years Day and Christmas Day were a festive treat for runners as the weekly 5k otherwise takes place every Saturday morning at 9am.
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A special Christmas Day edition of Carlisle parkrun saw 372 people flock to Chances Park, 14 of them completing the 5km course for the first time.
Carlisle played host to a special New Years Day edition of parkrun on Thursday, with 206 participants starting 2026 with a 5km run or walk.
It was a strong turnout for Carlisle parkrun on Christmas Day. (Image: Supplied)
Personal best times were recorded by Finlay Simmons; Sophie Venables, Greg Wilson and Ian Newell.
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Whinlatter parkrun, widely believed to be one of the toughest courses in the country, held its 321st event on New Years Day, drawing a crowd of 243 runners and walkers.
Keswick parkrun volunteers at the finish. (Image: Supplied)
Keswick parkrun welcomed 537 runners and walkers on New Years Day and 509 on Christmas Day.
Millom parkrun took place on New Years Day, with 48 people taking part at the community track on Salthouse Road.
Moments before the start of Keswick parkrun on New Years Day. (Image: Supplied)
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Whitehaven parkrun held special editions of the 5km run/walk on both New Years Day and Christmas Day, with 155 people taking part on January 1st and 76 on December 25.
Rothay Park parkrun, in Ambleside was attended by 242 people, with 14 runners coming in under the 20 minute mark.
Personal best times were recorded by Milo Williams, Victor Barton, Jonathan Atkinson and Joud Riaz to name just a few.
Today ( Saturday January 3) brings the first parkrun of 2026 for volunteers and participants at locations such as Workington, Maryport and Aspatria (Bower Park).
To find out more about parkrun, including where to find your nearest event, visit: www.parkrun.org.uk
