A new Cumbrian half marathon is set to take place this weekend.

Tomorrow's Kirkbride Half Marathon, which will start and finish at the White Heather Hotel, is the first of two new events Sport in Action, ran by husband-and-wife duo Claire and Brian Allen, will be hosting this year.

They will also hold the Solway Coast Marathon in July.

“It’s just something my husband, Brian, felt was missing in this area,” said Claire. “So, we have come up with the half marathon this weekend and the marathon in July.”

With the half marathon to start at 10am, the course is flat which makes it a must-enter for anyone who wants to clock a record time.

Claire said: “We are really looking forward to it.

"We are not expecting huge numbers but we like it that way, so we know if we need to make any adjustments going forwards.

"It starts and finishes at the White Heather Hotel and, hopefully, some of the runners can take in the views in the area. We like the whole experience of the day.

"We are looking at getting 100 entrants or maybe just over.

"But we are getting enquiries about it all the time. We have catered for a lot more, just with it being the first time."

While Claire admits Sport in Action-organised events are well supported by Cumbrian clubs, including DH Runners, Eden Runners and Border Harriers, the race also is expected to attract runners from outside the county, too.

Claire added: "We have groups of people coming from all over the place, to be honest.

"It’s the Rock ‘n’ Roll Liverpool Marathon this weekend, as well.

"When we look at the race calendar, we try to avoid other events, so maybe that is something we will look at next year."

Sport in Action also held the Carlisle City Urban Trail Run on May 15.

Border Harriers’ James Buis won the race in 33 minutes and 40 seconds, ahead of club-mate Robert Hodgson who finished second in 34 minutes and 17 seconds. Ben Opie, of Netherhall AC, came third in 34 minutes and 50 seconds.

In the female category, Border Harriers’ Fiona Todd won in 41 minutes and seven seconds, ahead of second-placed Cumberland AC’s Beverley Smith (43:10) and Teresa Medley, of Border Harriers (43:20).