IT is one of the most grueling events in the Cumbrian calendar when it comes to endurance.

And from its humble beginnings as a friendly competition between American submarine experts and Barrow-based workers, it has grown into something they perhaps could never have imagined.

Back in the late 60s, when the Keswick to Barrow walk was conceived, little more than 80 people took part, but today it has become a Cumbrian institution which involves thousands of people and raises more than £300,000 for good causes.

This weekend, fundraisers will pound the now popular route – with a few changes for 2016 due to damage caused by the floods.

With final preparations under way, we today take a look back through our picture archive to see how things have changed.