Ahead of the 40th staging of Cumbria's biggest half marathon event, organisers have confirmed that there will be a brand new 10k race for this year's event. 

The Great Cumbrian Run, scheduled for Sunday October 6, is organised by Sport in Action and has been an extremely popular event in the county in recent years. 

The route takes you through Bitts ParkThe route takes you through Bitts Park (Image: Carlos Reina Photography)

Fun runs, of 3.1 miles and one mile, were already available, but now the event will allow runners to tackle a 10k, if they perhaps don't feel quite ready for the full half-marathon.

Organiser Claire Allen suggested to the News & Star that the new race will make the day more accessible to all types of runners. 

The race even attracts some unusual costumesThe race even attracts some unusual costumes (Image: Carlos Reina Photography)

She said: "We decided that it would make the day more accessible to more people. We've got the family run, which is for people of any age, from toddlers to pensioners, and the kids run which is for the younger ones who are starting to get more serious about running.

"We have the half marathon, so the only distance that was missing in between was the 10k really, as not everyone can do the full half. We wanted to provide the opportunity to open the event up to as many people as we can."

Youngsters can still take on the fun runYoungsters can still take on the fun run (Image: Carlos Reina Photography)

To introduce the run as part of the 40th event, following years of disruption during the pandemic, also makes it 'a bit more special' for the organisers. 

The scenic route will take runners through Carlisle's iconic landmarks, including the majestic Carlisle Cathedral, city centre, historic Carlisle Castle, and the beautiful parks, all culminating with a grand finish at the Sheepmount Stadium.

Kids can also tackle a longer run if they feel readyKids can also tackle a longer run if they feel ready (Image: Carlos Reina Photography)

Claire concluded: "Everyone finishes at the Sheepmount track which is a great place to finish. It gives the runners a nice feel because you can get lots of supporters in there and we also have the finishers village for everybody, where there will be a great atmosphere and a chance for runners to chat with family, friends and other athletes."

Applications for both runs are now open online, either through the 'Sport in Action' website, the 'Better' website or through 'Let's Do This.'