Runners and walkers are joining millions of people all over the globe who are fans of one of the friendliest fitness events around. parkrun is a free five kilometre run which takes place every Saturday morning at 9am in parks, as the name suggests, but also on the coast, in forests and nature reserves, on lakeshores and even in prisons. Promenades are a popular choice so Maryport is in very good company.

parkrun is so popular it now takes place in more than 2,000 locations in 23 countries across six continents, with many of the participants travelling to tick a new route off their list, or seeking out run routes while they are on holiday.

The event has been set up by Allerdale Borough Council with funding from the Social Impact Investment Fund money provided by Sellafield Ltd.

The first runs, which were ‘soft launched’ to ensure all the preparations worked well, attracted over a hundred runners who braved the rain for the new experience.

Some visitors to the first Maryport event travelled from as far away as Wales, while others came to complete their first ever parkrun. The promenade route is out and back, along the prom, starting at the car park closest to town.

Rebecca Stamper, Allerdale Borough Council’s specialist sport, arts and leisure officer, said: “We’ve got a fabulous team of volunteers involved from the start but we’d love people to get involved as the event evolves. We need marshalls and timekeepers and if anyone wants to be part of the core team please email us at maryportprom@parkrun.com. You don’t have to be a runner yourself – this is just a great community experience.”

Councillor Mike Johnson, Leader of Allerdale Borough Council, said: “The new parkrun is one of several in Allerdale – they already take place in Workington, Keswick and Aspatria, to name just a few – but we hope Maryport’s promenade will be a real draw for those who fancy stretching their legs every Saturday morning at 9am.

“Not only is it part of the Council’s priorities to help people keep fit and active, but it’s also an event which will boost visitor numbers in Maryport, showing off this historic town to a whole new audience.”

For more information about Maryport parkrun visit www.parkrun.org.uk/maryportprom