FAMILIES are being given the chance to take to the trails as part of a new drive to get first-time fitness converts up and running.

Go Active at Brathay, an innovative scheme from Brathay Trust, will see the Ambleside-based children’s and young people’s charity use its annual marathon event as an opportunity to get everyone involved in healthy outdoor pursuits. This year, for the first time, the organisation is taking full advantage of its beautiful base on the banks of Windermere to encourage visitors and spectators to try something new on Sunday May 21. The date also marks the final day of the Brathay 10in10, which sees a team of incredible athletes run the 26.2-mile route 10 times in as many days.

In previous years, those turning out to support the marathon runners had been offered a fete-style event and the chance to peruse stalls and enjoy bouncy castles. But 2017 will see the festivities taken to a new level, with six incredible outdoor activities on offer for young people and their families to try out.

Scott Umpleby, Brathay Trust head of fundraising, explained how the idea to enhance the event came to him after hearing about the Go Active in Cumbria drive to get the people of the county moving.

He said: “Last year was our 10th anniversary and, over the 10 years, we’ve tried different things around what we’ve come to - a family fun open day of Brathay Hall. But we’ve always felt, in terms of the themes of health and fitness and wellbeing which are obviously built into the marathon, we’ve been missing an opportunity to build something much more distinctive in terms of what we can do on the estate.

“When I heard about Go Active in Cumbria, I thought, we’ve got a great opportunity - both with the ending of the 10in10 and the marathon happening on the same day - to invite people onto the Brathay site to try a whole range of sports and activities at entry level.”

Brathay is working with its own staff – as well as five independent organisers – to put on six different activities for first-timers. Visitors will be able to try their hand at trail running, orienteering, open water swimming, paddleboarding, archery, plus climbing and high-rope activities.

Wayne Singleton will be hosting the running events. His experienced Jogging Pals leaders will be guiding a 2.62km trail run, starting at 2.10pm, for all the family.

He said: “All our Jogging Pals have recently been through couch to 5k programmes so know how that feels. They’ll offer advice and words of encouragement on the way round. There's no harm in walking if you need to, we're there to enjoy the activity in inspiring surroundings.”

Mr Singleton’s team will also be running junior mixed terrain races, starting at 11am, with under-eight and under-10 groups running one lap of a 1km course. Under-12s will do two laps and under-14s and under-17s will tackle three laps.

The running activities will cost £3 per person, with 15 per cent going straight back to Brathay.

Mr Singleton said: “I've been working with Brathay for a few years now in various capacities and have been able to see the amazing impact they have on young people's lives, particularly through the Focus on Furness campaign. I've met some amazing, inspiring people who work at the trust, and who are doing the 10in10, and it's superb to be part of the team supporting such an incredible group of athletes.”