Runners pounded along the roads of Cockermouth as they aimed to raise thousands of pounds in memory of an inspiring mum-of-five.

More than 350 people tied up their laces today for the first North Lakes New Year Half Marathon.

Derwent Athletics Club members launched the event when Annalee Paterson, 32, was diagnosed with inoperable cancer on June 24.

The popular Cockermouth runner, of Melbreak Avenue, sadly passed away on August 7, just three days after she and her husband Robert renewed their vows to mark their 10th wedding anniversary.

Places quickly filled up and event numbers reached capacity months ago.

Mark Likeman, one of the organisers, said: "It was absolutely amazing. It couldn't have gone better.

"The feedback since, as far as we could tell, it was an absolute success.

"Everybody on the site has been really happy and I think everybody is really pleased.

"People were donating online, even when people were running.

"I'm hoping the family could see just how much support there was. You could definitely feel the local support.

"We are very happy and very fortunate with the weather. It was beautiful."

The event aimed to raise thousands for Marie Curie, which supported Mrs Paterson and her family.

A crowdfunding appeal set up before Mrs Paterson died raised more than £10,000 to enable her husband and their children, Holly, Troy, Jodie, Leona and Tristan, to visit Disneyworld Florida.

Mr Paterson, who is also a Derwent AC member, took part in the event along with other family members and friends.

He hopes the half marathon would raise a similar amount for Marie Curie.

A Just Giving page has already totted up £1,300 and individual donations and sponsorship are yet to be counted.

The runners set off from Graysonside Guest House, off Lorton Road, before heading up Strawberry How Road, where they turned right onto Hundith Hill Road and left towards High Armaside.

The route took them through High Lorton before looping back near Brackenthwaite and back to Cockermouth.

Along the way 35 marshalls kept spirits high, ringing out cow bells and cheering on competitors.

"People said the support round the valley way was amazing," added Mark.

"We had one guy who said it was one of the best runs he had done."

The town's King's Church hosted children's activities and races to keep youngsters entertained while they waited for their parents taking part in the run.

The event was also supported by businesses including The Moon and Sixpence in Cockermouth, with owner Stephen Kidd donating more than 300 cups of coffee; Lorton Village Shop and Booker, as well as All Saints' School.

Meanwhile Graysonside Guest House cooked up about 300 bacon rolls.

The first man placed man was Chris Holdsworth, who bagged himself a time of 1:12:45, while the first woman home was Cumberland AC runner Nadia Shaw, who completed the 13.1 miles in 1:30:17.

To donate towards the event's fundraising total visit: www.justgiving.com/fundraising/thenorthlakeshalfmarathon. For results visit resultsbase.net/event/4086/results.