They came in their hundreds, some running in memory of loved ones, some for glory, and yet others for the sheer joy of it.

This year's 10km X-Border Challenge run from Carlisle to Gretna saw nearly 800 competitors taking part - almost double the number who took part in the even last year. They came from across the region - and beyond.

The runners included 50-year-old Cumberland Infirmary worker Kerrie Fiddler, and her daughter Hannah, 24, who took up the sport in the last few years.

"I started running four years ago when my daughter Ellie died to raise funds for the hospice because she was a patient there," said Kerrie, an administration manager in the hospital's X-Ray Department.

"Now I just run for fun.

"I'm definitely a lot healthier, and fitter."

Hannah, who works as a nurse in the children's cancer ward at a Newcastle Hospital, has been running for two years. She aims to do the Great North Run to raise funds for that ward.

"Running makes you feel a lot better," she said.

More than 20 of those taking part had come to Carlisle from South Shields.

The group included Lisa Seales, 35, and Jeanette Hewitson, 54.

"I'm running every day this month to raise awareness of mental health issues, and will make a donation to that cause," said Lisa.

"I'm running a minimum of a mile each day - and this is day 28."

Also running with the group was Lynn Ailano, 45, said: "I was a bit down in the dumps and running helped to pick me up. It's also a great way to lose weight. I've lost five stones."

Andy Munro, 39, also with the group, added: "It's been brilliant, and I did the run quicker than last year. The wind was a bit of an issue but I really enjoyed it.

"I do it for pure enjoyment."