Carlisle parkrun is set to be taken over this weekend by Eden Valley Hospice and Jigsaw, Cumbria’s children’s hospice.
On Saturday, July 22 the charity will celebrate the contribution local runners and walkers make to the hospice each year by completing fundraising challenges.
Currently the hospice has a group of runners preparing to take on the Great North Run in Newcastle in September as well as several others readying themselves for the Carlisle Half, London Landmarks Half Marathon, The Great Cumbrian Run and more.
Sponsorship from these events raise thousands of pounds annually for the charity, allowing it to continue caring for local families.
Vicki Lesley, from the hospice’s fundraising team, said: “We know that many of the parkrun regulars are also huge supporters of the hospice and the care provided to local families, so we wanted to take this opportunity to pull everyone together in one place to celebrate their achievements and most importantly say thank you to them for their incredible support.
“We know the difference that running as a community can make to people’s health and the comfort people can receive by taking part in something together. parkrun is a fantastic initiative which is also supported heavily by the kindness of the local community, so we thought it would be wonderful to join forces.”
The parkrun is a free, community event where you can walk, jog, run, volunteer or spectate. It is a 5k and takes place every Saturday morning in Chances Park, Carlisle.
Everyone is invited to join in this weekend’s parkrun. People are asked to arrive at 8.45am for a 9am start and sign up online at www.parkrun.com.
Lindsay Graham, co-event director, said: “Eden Valley Hospice has touched the lives of many of our regular parkrunners and volunteers so we jumped at the opportunity to celebrate their runners’ achievements as well as raise awareness of the vital services they provide.
“Everyone is welcome at parkrun and we are really looking forward to the hospice’s takeover.”
People can keep up to date with the latest events Eden Valley Hospice and Jigsaw is organising or participating in at www.edenvalleyhospice.org/support-us/events/.
