Despite looming grey skies, the last parkruns of 2018 proved a huge success among South Cumbria’s dedicated runners.

It was a special event for Millom runner Lesley Grieve as she celebrated her 100th parkrun with the group and she was met with hearty cheers.

32 keen runners braved the winter chill and fought to achieve a faster time than their fellow partakers.

Considering the difficult underfoot conditions, the times were very respectable from all the runners.

Bethany Knowles was the first woman to cross the line, landing a commendable time of 28.44.

Whilst fellow parkrunner Michael Thompsett secured the first place spot in the men’s division at 24.20.

Everyone was very grateful to Millom Striders skilfully manning the coffee machine and providing the wonderful lemon drizzle cake afterwards in the café.

Barrow’s 374th parkrun saw 177 enthusiastic members walk, run and jog the 5km course.

The gloomy weather failed to deter the group which consisted of 21 different representatives of local running clubs.

Out of the eager 177, 25 were first time runners and 15 recorded new personal bests.

Carol Park clocked up her 50th parkrun, while Holly Gomersall celebrated her 100th milestone with the group.

Runner Liam Walker was the first to cross the finish line, with an admirable time of 16.57.

Luca Messenger Jones finished second in 18.40, closely followed by Jonathon Bellman at 19.14 which secured him third place.

However, the fastest male record still stands at an impressive15.12 which was ran by Phil Waite in October 2015.

The Ladies placings was equally as exciting, with Kathleen Aubrey landing the coveted first place by finishing in an impressive 20.33.

Second place was awarded to Amy Singleton who completed the 5km course in 20.33.

This was followed swiftly by Chessie Messenger Jones at 22.42.

However, the female record still remains unchallenged, standing at an impressive 16.24 ran by Lizzie Browne in January 2012.

At Fell Foot, Tom Williams claimed top spot as he went round in a personal best of 17.47.

Helm Hill runner Kieran Hodgson was second while Andy Hind on his his first time at Newby Bridge but 50th run in total was third.

Jenny Lyon from Dallam Running Club was first woman home in a personal best time.

There was plenty to celebrate at Ford Park and first place went to Sam Upton in a very impressive 17.50, his new PB and 73rd parkrun event to date.

Second to finish was Andrew Dorrian in excellent form, 18.44 and yet another PB.

Third home was Charlie Grayson in 18.51. In his first time at Ford, Charile was also first junior to finish.

And Leven Valley AC member Olesia Winder was also in celebratory mood as she was first woman home in a time of 19.49, a new personal best.

Some 84 runners, joggers and walkers, a good turnout and the busiest week for quite some time.

Burning off excess festive calories maybe the reason for a higher than usual attendance, but whatever the reasons or motivations to join parkrun, organisers were delighted to see new and familiar faces.