Thousands of Cumbrians Join Christmas Parkrun Celebrations
Christmas and New Year parkrun events in Cumbria attracted hundreds of participants from all walks of life. Special editions were held in Carlisle, Ambleside, Keswick, and Whitehaven. These events saw Cumbrians join others nationwide, beginning their festivities with a community run or walk.
Nationwide Participation
Across the UK, parkrun reported over 236,000 individuals completing the course on Christmas Day alone. Approximately 17,000 volunteers contributed to the success of these events. A spokesperson emphasized the importance of community spirit during this festive season.
Cumbria’s Highlights
- Carlisle: Hosted a Christmas Day parkrun with 372 participants, including 14 first-time runners. On New Year’s Day, 206 people joined the event.
- Kesswick: Welcomed 537 runners and walkers on New Year’s Day and 509 on Christmas Day.
- Whinlatter: Known for its challenging course, held its 321st event on New Year’s Day, attracting 243 participants.
- Millom: Saw 48 participants on New Year’s Day at Salthouse Road.
- Whitehaven: Featured 155 runners on January 1 and 76 on December 25.
- Ambleside: Rothay Park parkrun recorded 242 attendees, with notable performances under 20 minutes by several runners.
Personal Bests
Participants at various events celebrated personal bests. Notable achievements included performances by Finlay Simmons, Sophie Venables, Greg Wilson, and Ian Newell, among others.
Looking Forward
The first parkruns of the new year will occur on January 3, 2026. Locations include Workington, Maryport, and Aspatria. These events continue to foster community engagement while promoting health and fitness.
For more information on parkruns and to find a nearby event, visit El-Balad.
