THE 'life-changing' community running event Parkrun has had its 20th birthday celebrated in Carlisle. 

Parkrun UK was started on Saturday, October 2, 2004, when 13 runners joined a free-timed 5k run at Bushy Park in southwest London, which was organised by runner Paul Sinton-Hewitt.

Now, the community event which takes place every weekend is a staple across the UK and beyond, with the event coming to Carlisle in 2014.

(Image: Carlisle Parkrun) Andy and Lindsay Graham were among the founding members of Carlisle Parkrun which joined in on the 20th birthday celebration at its event on Saturday, October 5.

Hundreds of runners and volunteers took part in the celebrations in Morton's Chances Park, with Lindsay on hand to explain more about Carlisle Parkrun. 

(Image: Carlisle Parkrun) She said: "Parkrun is an inclusive and friendly event where people can come along, they can run, jog, or walk a 5k or they can come and volunteer.

"I've been involved in Parkrun in Carlisle for nearly 11 years, we celebrate our 11th birthday in January.

(Image: Carlisle Parkrun) "Parkrun is a staple of my weekend and my weekend is not the same without Parkrun. Parkrun is life-changing."

"It is completely volunteer-led but for me personally, it is more than just a run in the park. It is an opportunity to connect with friends that have become family.

(Image: Carlisle Parkrun) Despite nationally celebrating its 20th birthday and closing in on its 11th anniversary in Carlisle, Lindsay admitted that there are still people who have never heard of Parkrun and encouraged them to get involved.

She said: "It is those friendships that you see developing week in and week out. You will see people who come for the first time and it is amazing that there are still people who have not heard of Parkrun.

(Image: Carlisle Parkrun) "To those people, I would say there is no better way to start your weekend, it is not just about physical health, it is about mental health and wellbeing as well.

"It is such a welcoming environment, you can come and run or walk or jog and it is what you make it."