A West Cumbrian running club’s ingenious relay has raised morale for members and also more than £1,000 for two very good reasons.

The wet weather on Sunday did not dampen the spirits of the Cumberland AC Running Club, as they took on a 24-leg relay.

Members suggested the race as a fundraiser for coach Keith McVeigh’s grandson Leon, who has acute myeloid leukaemia, and to start the collecting pot off for Hospice at Home West Cumbria, who is the club’s chosen charity for 2021.

As members had to change their usual running schedules due to lockdown restrictions, a Saturday morning ‘non-parkrun’ materialised, where groups of up to six could meet and exercise. There were 24 non-park runs in operation of around 5K.

Members Dan and Vic Wilson planned out a relay route, which linked these 24 non-park run legs up. Around 75 members took part, in legs closest to their home location. Groups were kept small to enable social distancing to be maintained.

Runners started at Crosscanonby with the first leg at 8am and finished at Frizington, just before 5pm, after running a route of 24 legs.

Dan Wilson said: “We figured out the most reasonable way to join those 24 different legs of relay, which covered 51.7 miles. They took 8 hours 35 minutes, with the last leg in pitch black using torches.”

Due to social distancing they didn’t want to hand over a physical baton, so each leg was marked with a selfie when one group reached the next.

Dan said: “I am absolutely delighted that we have taken more than £1,000. As pictures were coming in on social media we were receiving random donations from other members after having a laugh at the fancy dress.”

Committee member Tracey Kennett, said: “Even though we were all soaked it was such a great day. There was support from all who saw us, cars were pipping and people were cheering.”

The run has generated more than £1,000, which will be divided between Leon and Hospice at Home West Cumbria.

Dan said that there has already been interest from members in doing another relay in the future.