RUNNERS enjoyed a feelgood factor in an event that boasted a boost for fitness and fundraising.

Hundreds of people took part in the second Carlisle Half on Sunday.

Organisers say they were delighted with support for the half-marathon, which started and finished at Carlisle United’s Brunton Park home.

Each of those who took part had their own personal stories to tell - and individual motivation to make it around the route.

Sunday morning peace was shattered as the crowd cheered the runners along the route and then over the finish line.

Steven Story, 48, of Harraby, Carlisle had been training hard to take on the half marathon.

He said: “I did the race last year and the Cumbrian Run. I really enjoy this run.

“I started running to make myself feel good, I like the feeling I get when I run.

“It’s also a good way to socialise, you come here and meet everyone.”

Running to help raise money for Parkinson was David Little, who was diagnosed with Parkinson’s in 2005 at just 39 - but has refused to let the condition stop him from running.

He said: “I’m doing the Carlisle Half Marathon, then the Great North Run and the Cumbrian Run. So far we have raised almost £1,000. Running really helps me keep fit and helps me with my Parkinsons.”

Over the years he has taken part in countless races and is a huge fan of the ParkRun, regularly taking part in those weekly events.

Victoria Irving, who ran alongside David, added: “This is a good warm-up for the Great North.

“We do it to raise money for Parkinson’s with David having early-onset and he is still running he finds it helps him.”

Jamie Cotterll, 28, travelled from Dumfries to take part for a second time and said: “I came last year and it was a really well-organised event. I have trained really hard. Running is a free sport and you can just go at your own pace.”