By Pam McClounie

Last updated at 12:39, Saturday, 06 October 2012

Thirty years of the Cumbrian Run will be celebrated tomorrow.

Runners have pounded the streets around Carlisle every year since 1982 when the race was set up by Peter Tiplady, Cumbria’s former director of public health, and his fellow Round Table members.

They had intended it to be a one-off fundraiser, but 4,500 people turned out on that first April day and it was such a success they decided to do it again.

Nearly 7,000 runners took part in 1983 and, even though numbers won’t be as high this year, the half marathon will still raise thousands of pounds for charities.

The first run was won by Appleby man Dave Cannon, then the British marathon champion, who travelled the world to take part in top events.

He was delighted to see a new competition start so close to home and ended up winning it by four minutes, completing the course in an impressive one hour, five minutes and six seconds.

He said: “It was a brilliant event – I think the early 1980s was a real boom time for running. There was a lot of interest.”

This year’s Cumberland Building Society Great Cumbrian Run starts from Carlisle Castle at 10am.

The route makes its way through the city centre and passes through the picturesque villages of Cumwhinton, Wetheral and Scotby before heading back towards Carlisle and the Sheepmount stadium for the finish.

Last year’s race was won in a time of 71min 16secs by James Buis, from Great Corby, who runs for Newcastle-based Heaton Harriers. He was followed home by James Scott-Buccleuch, of Stockport, with former Border Harriers runner Alan Bowness finishing third.

Wallsend Harrier Vicky Hindson won the women’s race in a time of 85min 13sec.

Race director Garry Schubert is expecting more than 2,000 participants when the gun finally goes off.

He said: “We are absolutely delighted to have the Cumberland Building Society on board once again as title sponsors for this year’s event.”

This year’s race two nominated local charities are the Eden Valley Hospice and The Carlisle and District Sport and Physical Activity Alliance Foundation.

First published at 10:49, Saturday, 06 October 2012
Published by http://www.newsandstar.co.uk