A new route starting and finishing at Lowther Castle provided a stunning
backdrop to Sunday’s 10K Penrith Rotary Club Trail Run and 4K Family Fun Run which
together attracted a record entry of 300 runners.
The event got off to a great start when 134 young people with just as
many adult supporters running alongside, tackled the new 2-lap course created
on parkland in front of the castle.A further feature of this year’s Fun Run was
the participation of local schools, with Morland, Langwathby, Hunter Hall,
Beaconside and Appleby entering teams. A great course and sunny autumn weather
led to Charlie Harding (under 14) from Eden Runners romping home in a time of
15:55, Harry Ewbank (under 11), Hunter Hall was second in 17:52 and third was
Charlie Dinsdale (under 11) from Warcop in 18:07. He was chased to the line by
the first girl in 4th place overall, Martha Richards (under14), Eden
Runners in 18:10.
Courtesy of Lowther Estates Trust the main adult course took the
runners from the castle towards Lowther new Town, then through the Deer Park towards
Whale, before turning alongside the river, then up through the woods before a
final lap in front of the castle to the finishing line.
First man home was John Campbell in a time of 36:17; James Buis from
Border Harriers was second, 36:25, third was Charlie Lowther, Eden Runners,
36:45.
The first women home were first, Holly Harper (Under 18) Keswick AC,
45:04, second Suzanne Toppin (V 40)Team
Mountain 45:37 and third was Lauren Gora, Lancaster and Morecambe AC 46:26.
During the presentation ceremony the race organiser Rotarian Tim
Southorn, thanked all participants, organisations and individuals who helped to
make the event possible including Penrith Soroptomists and Penrith Inner Wheel.
Alan and Kathleen Conway provided first aid cover.
Prince’s Water from Armathwaite provided complimentary water, Heaton’s
Stationery did the printing.
A special thank-you goes to Jenkinson’s Forest
Products who provided extensive support including the event tee shirts.
Well over £2500 was raised for the wide ranging charities and the good
causes that Penrith Rotary Club supports. Typical club donations include Eden
Hospice, Eden Mencap, Mountain Rescue, Air Ambulance and the Calvert Trust. Further afield Rotary helps to provide
bespoke survival tents at the scene of natural disasters across the world. For
many years the club has also helped the global effort to rid the world of
polio.