RUNNING enthusiasts turned out in their droves to compete in a West Cumbrian race after a two-year hiatus.

102 runners competed in Cumberland AC’s Lowca 10K event on Tuesday, May 3 with organisers hailing its return a great success.

The race route starts near the site of Lowca ARLFC, and the course goes along the West Coast cycle track, via Distington to a turning point near Harrington.

Race Director Tracey Kennett said: “This week’s race was a great success, a huge well done to all those who competed! As always, Cumberland AC is incredibly grateful for the integral support provided by our raft of volunteers who once again made sure the event operated safely and efficiently.

“It was lovely to see our charity of the year, Blood Bikes join us throughout the evening and many local villagers who joined in and helped cheer on the runners.

“We look forward to seeing everyone in a couple of months at our Whitehaven Harbour 5k on Thursday, July 19.”

Blain Rooney was the first to finish and took home first place with a time of 33 minutes and 9 seconds followed by Tom Dunlop and James Desmond.

The top three females were Amy Kelland, Susan Holliday and Beverley Smith.

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The event was made possible thanks to volunteers of Cumberland AC and the event’s principal sponsor local chartered accountants and financial advisers robinson+co.

Philip Alison, practice manager at robinson+co said: “It’s important for us to be visible and involved with local community events, particularly after the last two years.

"We’ve supported the Lowca 10k since its inception and look forward to it every year. It’s a great way to promote health and wellbeing.

“We have a sport friendly team here at robinson+co who enjoy competing and volunteering at events in West Cumbria, so it makes perfect sense for us to help contribute towards the significant costs involved with putting on such a high-quality event such as those organised by Cumberland AC.”