AN extra hour’s sleep when the clocks turned back was among the small touches to bring out a bumper crowd of runners for a race in Carlisle.

Inspirational quotes and flowers brightening up plastic portable loos and a buffet for participants upon completion of the DH River Run 10k also proved popular.

Organisers welcomed a field of 219 runners for the 10,000-metre route along the River Caldew, starting off at Denton Holme.

Sunday’s ‘out and back’ course - popular with organisers from city club DH Runners - followed the riverside cycleway to the Stead McAlpin factory at Cummersdale and on to Dalston’s Nestle plant before heading back to Carlisle.

The event was making a return following the inaugural DH River Run 10k 12 months ago.

Race director Kev Mulvey led a team of 40 volunteers who organised and marshalled the event.

He said: “It is a friendly event for runners. It gives newbies who have come through programmes like our You Can Run scheme a goal too.

“We also like it to be known for being laid back, with a great atmosphere. We also want it to be inclusive and so we like for it to become known for all the little touches like the toilets and enjoying the buffet, which only starts once the last finisher has crossed the line.”

Michael Hawley, from Cumberland AC, was first home in a time of 36 minutes and four seconds. He was among 48 members of the west Cumbrian club to travel to Carlisle to take part.

Fellow Cumberland AC member Andrea Challenger said: “It is part of our club championship so there are a few of us taking part. We know it is a nice route and it is an enjoyable course.”

Other clubs with members taking part included Carlisle-based Border Reiver Runners and Runmums.

Brian Champkins, from Border Reiver Runners, said: “The total number of places for the race were limited. We know it is one of the easiest routes as it is flat, and out and back so we wanted to take part.”

Supporters included independent retailer Chivers Sports and the Stead McAlpin plant.