MORE than 100 competitors took part in a new half-marathon declared a run-away success.

The Sport in Action Kirkbride Half Marathon took place on Sunday - the first of two new events that husband-and-wife duo Claire and Brian Allen will be hosting this year.

Starting at the White Heather Hotel, the course was described as a flat with a few small hills and a good opportunity for anyone looking for a personal best. The route was a loop through Kirkbride, Newton Arlosh and Lessonhall before heading back towards Kirkbride and the finish at The White Heather Hotel.

Claire, the organiser and director of Sport in Action, estimated there were about 130 entrants with some entering on the day - undeterred by the damp morning.

Mrs Allen said: “It wasn’t massive and we didn’t want it to be too big in the first year.

“It went really well and there were no issues. It was a nice, quiet Sunday morning event.

“There were a lot of local runners and some new faces too.

“We asked for feedback afterwards and there was nothing negative. People said it was a great family atmosphere and loved the event.”

Runners were given race chips at registration which recorded their time.

DH Runners’ Paul Graves won the race in one hour, 16 minutes and 48 seconds, ahead of clubmate Michael ‘Curly’ Irving, who finished in one hour, 21 minutes and 59 seconds. Howard Seal, of Derwent AC Cockermouth, came third in one hour, 24 minutes and nine seconds.

In the female category, Keswick AC’s Phillipa Wakefield won in one hour, 30 minutes and 56 seconds, ahead of second-placed Tyne Bridge Harriers’ Rachel Adamson (1:32:07) and Fiona Todd of Border Harriers and AC (1:32:44).

Claire and Brian will also hold the Solway Cost Marathon in July.

The marathon on July 21 will also start and finish at The White Heather Hotel.