A park run event had its first ever run of the year.

The Whitehaven Parkrun, a weekly run where anyone is welcome to join, had it's first run of the year on Saturday, January 1.

A weekly 5K, the event takes place in at Whitehaven Cycle Track, on Whinlatter Road, in Whitehaven.

Parkrun is an international organisation which consists of a collection of 5 kilometre events for walkers, runners and volunteers that take place every Saturday morning at more than 2,000 locations in 23 countries across five continents.

The course is run entirely on tarmac paths. Some sections of the course may accumulate mud, leaves and puddles after rain.

On the first Whitehaven Parkrun of 2022, there were 15 first timers and 6 people gained a personal best.

The organisers of the event gave their congratulations to Joseph Ritson, who has now moved his way into the next age category, and to Karen Smith for completing her 100th parkrun in total.

Joseph said of the event: " It was a brilliant start to the New Year by taking part in Whitehaven Parkrun shortly after dawn on New Year's Day.

"I was also able to celebrate moving up to a new Parkrun age category as my birthday anniversary is New Year's Eve.

"One of the best things about the Parkrun initiative is its inclusivity, almost anyone can take part from under 11 to over 80 and run, jog or walk whatever feels comfortable for them.

"In today's Parkrun I ran the first mile at a comfortable pace for the first mile and then tried to gradually run a little faster to the finish.

"On other occasions at Whitehaven Parkrun I've walked it the whole way at the back as a tailwalker, it doesn't really matter how fast or slow anyone takes.

"I've done some of the other local Parkruns in Cumbria: Workington; Keswick; Whinlatter Forest and; Millom.

"These Parkrun initiatives are really good not just as a focus for some regular exercise with physical and mental health benefits but an opportunity for anyone to volunteer and do something positive in their local community."