FOR an event that started out as a friendly challenge between the crew of the first submarine to carry the UK’s nuclear deterrent and the Barrow shipbuilders who built her, the Keswick to Barrow - or K2B walk - is now firmly rooted in the Cumbrian events calendar.

The 40 mile route, through some of the county’s best known countryside, remains the challenge it has been since that first walk in 1967 (for the record the crew of HMS Resolution won the race but bragging rights over who was first home went to a shipyard worker.)

But the popularity of the challenge has increased significantly.

Within the first decade, the number of participants had increased from 86 in 1967 to 1,732 in 1976.

In 2019 3,316 people aged from five to 75 took part raising an amazing £379,666 for charities and good causes across Furness and south Cumbria.

The scale if the event is impressive; 350 marshals helped guide the walkers home and 3,200 bananas were consumed.

Dedication too is exceptional. Gordon Ingall has walked the route 45 times.

Six people have completed the walk at least 30 times, among them BAE Systems engineering manager John Robinson and colleague Mike Turnough who collected a plate recognising his 20th walk after successfully completing this years’ event.

Such is the appeal of the chance to walk through the Lake District that walkers come from across the UK to take part with many using it as a team-building event.

It’s estimated almost £4million has been raised for good causes by people who have collectively walked over 2.5 million miles. More than 200 local and regional charities benefit from the event including St Mary’s Hospice and Mind.

The addition in 2010 of the 21 mile Coniston to Barrow route has opened up the experience to a whole new generation with around 2,000 people opting for the shorter but no less scenic route.

BAE Systems are title sponsor of the event and a significant number of the walkers and runners who take part are employed by the company.

A group of senior managers took part in this years’ event including managing director Cliff Robson.

The event secretary is BAE Systems engineer Julie Kirkham who has completed the K2B eight times. 2020 will mark a decade of her involvement with the events’ organising committee. She says: "It's just fantastic to see how the walk has grown over the years to 3,000 walkers last year on the K2B and C2B." A slight change to the route in 2020 will see participants start from Legburthwaite.