Whinlatter Forest Parkrun Launched
January 23, 2018
Saturday 13th January saw the launch of Whinlatter Forest parkrun. Following a successful test event, the previous week 139 people came along to run, jog or walk the course for the first official time. The event saw 27 people who have never joined a parkrun before have a go. Congratulations to Brain Taylor & Phillipa Wakefield for being the male and female first finishers.
This new parkrun course is the 9th parkrun venue in Cumbria and provides the local community as well as tourists the opportunity to take on one of the hilliest parkrun courses in England. With 210 metres of ascent, the route will challenge everyone who has a go but also rewards them with stunning views of Derwentwater, Keswick and the surrounding Lake District landscape.
Whinlatter Forest parkrun was made possible with funding for set up costs and equipment from Cumbria Community Foundation– Quarry Hill Grassroots Grants, Cumberland Building Society, Allerdale Borough Council and the Forestry Commission.
Sonia Dryden Event Director for Whinlatter Forest parkrun said:
It was fantastic to see so many people come along to support our launch event and hope that you all had a brilliant time. The volunteer team who have stepped forward to help have been incredible and quite simply the event could not run without them – they are brilliant! I must also thank Adam Campion and the team at Keswick parkrun for all the support they have provided over the last few months in making this happen as well as Sarah Hamilton our parkrun Ambassador for all her wonderful guidance. We are very much looking forward to the event settling into the parkrun family and welcome anyone to come along and join us to run, jog or walk our 5k route. Given the hills we have here, personal best times for the distance are unlikely, so come along enjoy the views.