Marc Brown is hoping to build on his hat-trick of Great Cumbrian Run titles when he pounds the pavements at this year’s event.

The popular half-marathon will return to Cumbria later this year, and the Whitehaven man is raring to go as he bids to make it four in a row.

The 28-year-old who won the last three Cumbrian Runs first took part in 2014.

The first win was a special moment for Mr Brown.

“Obviously it meant a lot because it is an event everybody knows around here and, obviously, your family are aware of it.

“My dad did it a few years ago. It is one I have always wanted to win and in 2016 I managed that for the first time.”

And he is hoping he can be fit and raring to go come October.

“Hopefully,” he said of his prospects.

“I’ve had a few injury problems this year unfortunately. In the last six/seven weeks I’ve barely ran. I’ve had a bit of a knee problem after coming back from warm weather training in Portugal.

“I’m trying to build back up now and hopefully when the event comes round in October I’ll be raring to go again.”

This year’s run, at Carlisle, is going to be bigger than ever.

This time there will be an event village, which will see local businesses join together to offer runners and spectators something different.

Entries, for the October 5 event, are now open.

CFM Cash For Kids, Kendal Mint Company, Story and Bruce & Luke are joining together to support the event, of which Newsquest Cumbria – owner of The Whitehaven News – is media partner.