Carlisle half marathon and 10k event creates lasting memory

More than 1,500 athletes lined up at 9am sharp at Brunton Park to take on the run, which takes place throughout the border city. 

Runners at the start line at Brunton Park (Image: Jimmy Moorhouse)

Announcer Brian Porter kept the lively crowd at Carlisle United's home stadium happy with music and charity stalls also present on the side of the hallowed turf. 

Around 30 minutes later, the top runners from the 10k race began to close back in on Brunton Park, and Dan Caven stormed across the finish line to take the trophy home. 

He said: "It feels amazing. I run for Knaresborough Striders but I've never won a race before. I've only been running for a couple of years. I'm from Carlisle originally so it feels really nice to complete this one. I did it with my wife and dad as well. I was in fourth for much of the race but then right at the end I snuck ahead and it feels really good to have won."

A couple cross the finish line together (Image: Jimmy Moorhouse)

The sun was shining and the crowd was in jubilant mood as more and more runners crossed the line, with many raising vital funds for charities such as Hospice at Home Carlisle and North Lakeland, and Eden Valley Hospice. 

Not long after, with just one hour and 10 minutes on the clock, Carlisle United fan Mark Emmerson crossed the line to claim victory in the half marathon. 

Batman and Robin, aka Peter Fell and Kev Iveson, completed the half marathon in aid of Eden Valley Hospice (Image: Jimmy Moorhouse)

He said: "I'm delighted. I'm from Carlisle and I'm a big Carlisle United game so to finish here and win this race is very special. I've won the Cumbrian Run as well so to win both of my home city's marathons is incredibly special to me.

"The last mile I was just grinning the whole way, punching the air and savouring it. This has been a special place to me since I was nine, this is one of the places where I have spent most of my life. To come back here and win it - it's a memory for life."