GALLERY: Heroes take on the Keswick to Barrow and Coniston to Barrow walks

THOUSANDS of runners, joggers and walkers made the journey back to Barrow yesterday in a major fundraising event.

The 51st Keswick to Barrow walk began at 5.30 on Saturday morning with the runners leading the pack over the starting line.

They embraced the cool wind on a dry morning as they pounded the 43 miles to Hawcoat Park Sports Club, where a party awaited every victor.

A keen crowd were on hand to give the heroes one last push as they ran, walked and limped over the finishing line.

There was plenty of entertainment for the watching crowd and finishers to enjoy, with music, food and refreshments, bouncy castles and bubble football.

Kevin Stephenson, originally from Barrow, was first across the line at 10.55am in an astonishing time of five hours, 25 minutes and 23 seconds.

The Barrow-born runner was taking part in his second Keswick to Barrow.

Speaking after the win, he said: "It was very tough. I ran it last year but this was a lot harder.

"I don't know why but I found it really mentally challenging this year.

"The first half of the race was sound, but the second half was an absolute mess. You've just got to switch off and forget about it."

Mr Stephenson was joined at the finishing line shortly afterwards by James Schofield (5.39.53), who has now finished runner-up three years running, and Trevor Wilks (5.57.57).

Mr Stephenson said: "It felt quite good knowing I was in front but then you're not really excited because you're always looking over your shoulder thinking you've got to hang on and keep going.

"It's good because it perks you up a little bit but it's so mentally challenging.

"The final stretch was amazing coming down here. The crowd really helped and they were amazing."

Rebecca Rennie was the fifth in the race, and was the first woman across the line for the second year running in a time of six hours, 12 minutes and 25 seconds.

She said: "It was easier than last year surprisingly. I think the weather was a bit better for it this year.

"My Dad came and met me on his bike about ten miles before the end to give me some encouragement which was really good.

"He was chatting rubbish. He didn't mention politics which I was surprised about because he normally does, but it was good and really helped."

It was a double celebration for Mrs Rennie, whose team Cool Runnings - Luke Willacy, were the first team to finish the race.

Their tenth and final team member crossed the line in 73rd place with just 8.01.46 on the clock.

There was one troublesome stretch which particularly stands out for the two-time women's champion.

She said: "Kirkby Moor and Coniston are always hard just because it's so isolated.

"You don't see many people and you can't talk to anyone.

"But you've got to get through it and it feels good to win again."

Youngster Jake Cooper was the first under-17 over the line in a time of 7.46.01.

He also claimed first place in last year's race.

The runners from Keswick were joined at the halfway mark by thousands doing the Coniston to Barrow challege.

Ben Hodgson was first over the line in the 21-mile trek with a time of 2.36.30, while William McAllister (2.37.55) and Tom Warman (2.52.28) completed the top three.

The race saw a number of young runners well represented in the top rankings.

Owen Wilson was the first under-17 to cross the line, coming in at seventh in a time of 2.59.21, while Adam Kirby, Hugh Williams, Alexander Beddoes, Clayton Keane and Finley Corkill all finished inside the top 25.

Take a look at some of our great photos from yesterday's action in our gallery above.

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