[W]hitehaven has joined the parkrun family to become the 10th event in the county following in the footsteps of towns such as Carlisle, Workington, Barrow, Penrith and Millom.
More than 100 people came to walk run and volunteer at the inaugural parkrun in spectacular style on Saturday morning with glorious weather and perfect running conditions. The event takes place at Whitehaven Cycle Track, just off Whinlatter Road, Whitehaven.
Richard Metcalf from Active Cumbria said: “We are all very excited about the new parkrun and for Whitehaven becoming part of the global parkrun family. After eight months in the planning I’d like to thank those who enabled this launch to take place. We are hoping to see it providing lots of benefits to the local community and for it to grow like many of the other events. Parkrun isn’t just for runners, it’s for all, we hope to see a diverse range of people with all abilities benefitting from this parkrun whether running, walking, pram pushing or volunteering.”
Emma Graham, Event Director at Whitehaven parkrun said: “It was great for our new volunteers to have the support of all the sponsors and Active Cumbria for our first ever event. We felt really honoured that they came to join us. The sun shone and it was a great first time, we look forward to many more”
Councillors Mark Holliday for Copeland Borough Council and Councillor Mike Hawkins for Cumbria County Council both represent the Mirehouse ward and donned their trainers to take part in the event.
Mike Hawkins, County Councillor for Mirehouse said: “It’s fantastic to see a parkrun in Mirehouse, the turnout for the first event was overwhelming, I look forward to seeing it grow from strength to strength and for the new Buzz stop community café in the library to become its social hub for a post event brew.”
Whitehaven parkrun has been funded by Copeland Community Fund, Cumbria County Council, Prospect Union and coordinated by Active Cumbria. http://www.parkrun.org.uk/whitehaven
