I started running after we were flooded out of our home by Storm Desmond in 2015, says Karen Morley-Chesworth.
It was something I could do which I had control over. I’d never run before (always avoiding cross country running where possible at school) yet as an adult it appealed to me. I am not alone, as the Parkrun phenomina shows. Every Saturday at 9am millions of people, now across the globe run 5km.
New running route – Whinlatter
I am a member of the Penrith Parkrun, which I like because it’s a flat course, and I was interested to see a new runner’s course has been opened in Cumbria this week at Whinlatter Forest. Knowing the walks around this beautiful woodland, I think this may be a challenge for myself, and it starts up hill, however it’s always good to step outside your comfort zone.
Official lunch of 5k and 10k routes
Saturday saw the official launch of 5k and 10k running routes at Whinlatter Forest. Local businesses BodyFit and Buggyfit led groups around the routes with around 30 people joining them on the trails.
Jen Wilson from Buggyfit said: “Buggyfit is an outdoor, all weather, post-natal fitness programme and I’ve been running classes at Whinlatter since July 2017. It’s my favourite class location with fabulous surroundings and views to enjoy whilst we exercise – the new 5k route is an excellent addition. Mums attend from the West, Keswick, Penrith and I’ve had some from as far as Shap! It’s a great social class too as there’s always time for a cuppa and a crack afterwards.”
The guys at Whinlatter First admit, the routes are challenging but reap great rewards of spectacular views to Derwentwater, Keswick, Skiddaw and the surrounding mountain ranges.
New Cumbrian Parkrun
The new 5k route has been home to the Whinlatter Forest parkrun and this well-tested route is known as one of the most challenging – and scenic – in the country. The 10k route pushes you a bit further venturing into the less explored, quieter, south side of the forest, where you’ll be met with a second big climb after recovering from the first one on the north side.
I am sure this will become a very popular Parkrun for visitors, and become part of the destination Parkruns – a weekend in the Lakes and a new Parkrun to get under your belt. Going to Parkrun each week, it is lovely to see how welcome the visitors from other Parkruns are made, and equally so of new runners.
Health benefits of running
The health benefits of running are well documented, however the friendship and welcome of a Parkrun really does boost your morale and make a great start to the weekend.
As Sonia Dryden from Forestry England about the launch of the two new routes at Whinlatter, said: “It’s fantastic to engage more people in the outdoors and support running with our amazing trails at Whinlatter Forest. These new waymarked routes provide great opportunities for people to explore scenic and quiet areas of the forest.”
Whinlatter Forest is hosting a 10K running event Sunday 12 May as part of the Forestry 100 Running Series, which celebrates 100 years of forestry. All runners participating in the 10k will receive a celebratory Centenary medal at the end of the race, and enthusiastic runners can enter up to 10 different races across Forestry England sites.
The routes that have just opened will give you a flavour of what’s to come. Entries are now open online: forestryengland.uk/forest-event/events-whinlatter/
Happy running!
