A WEEKEND running event has gone from strength to strength since its launch five years ago and organisers now have one of the most popular fitness events in the area.

The Barrow parkrun reached its fifth birthday on Saturday and 159 people came out to take part.

Stuart Wallace, 45, from Askam, has been taking part in the Barrow parkrun since its birth and is now a parkrun ambassador. He said: "The reason the parkrun works so well is because it is all about community.

"We have people who have made so many friends through the parkrun and they have their get-togethers here every Saturday.

"We even have two couples who met here and are now married! I am such a firm believer in the brilliance of the runs, I have now set them up in Fell Foot and Lancaster too."

The parkrun originated in Teddington, just outside London, in 2004 and is now an international family of over half a million runners.

READ MORE:

Brown takes the win in Ulverston 10k 30th anniversary race

The record turnout for the Barrow meeting, over its five-year history, is 208 runners, which is incredible given that they started out with just 25. Parkrun members turn up every Saturday and run 5km or, for juniors, 2km, every Sunday. It doesn’t matter how fast you go; it doesn’t matter what you’re wearing - all that matters is the taking part.

Mr Wallace said: "What matters to us is including everybody; it is not a competitive run, you can run, walk or walk-run.

"If anybody is remotely interested, I would just say come along and either give it a go or even just watch or volunteer. It's a great social thing to do. We have one member who volunteered for two whole years before he started running."

What Mr Wallace and his comrades are saying is backed up by scientific studies. Running with friends and going in a group can be an effective mood elevator and motivator. Studies show that simply being outdoors and getting some fresh air is good for the spirit and battles conditions such as anxiety and stress.

The health benefits of running are endless. Not only is the cardio unequaled by any other form of exercise in the gym for staying trim, but running is even used by mental health experts to help treat clinical depression and other psychological disorders such as drug and alcohol addiction.

For more information on how you can get fit in Cumbria and plenty of top tips on eating cleaning and staying in shape, visit: www.goactiveincumbria.com.

READ MORE:

Hundreds of free sports sessions being given away this weekend

Barrow athlete Sonja steps up to repeat Brathay 10in10 marathon feat

Thousands descend on Barrow to support fundraising champions

Millom Bike Group's annual vehicle show enjoys best year yet