MASSIVE congratulations to all those who took part in the Keswick-to-Barrow and Coniston-to-Barrow challenges in 2022.

As in previous years, hundreds of colleagues from BAE Systems Submarines had spent months pounding pavements, paths and treadmills in readiness for the walk.

The BAE Systems-sponsored event is eagerly awaited every May. It's a chance for people to challenge themselves, test their fitness and raise money for causes close to their heart. Better still, it brings the whole community together.

The preceding couple of years had seen some Coronavirus upheaval and a fair amount of rearranging. That had affected the numbers able to take part, but this year the event was back up to more than 2,000 people!

Neil Doherty, Senior Management Advisor for Corporate Social Responsibility at BAE Systems Submarines, said: "We're proud that the Keswick to Barrow has its roots firmly in the shipyard and it was great to see the event attracting greater numbers this time after getting back to full scale last year. It is testament to the community spirit of Barrow and Furness that so many people take part, raising money for good causes."

Also consisting of the 20-mile the Coniston to Barrow walk, the K2B and C2B event helps to raise hundreds of thousands of pounds for local charities each year.

Entrants range from elite athletes capable of finishing this beautiful but brutal 40-mile challenge in five or six hours, to walkers of all ages and fitness levels who put their best foot forward to support good causes and enjoy a fantastic community event.

As part of the tradition, for the 2022 event supporters gathered in great numbers along the scenic route, and at the finish at Hawcoat Park, Barrow, to cheer on the intrepid runners and walkers.

This trophy was first competed for in 1967, when Barrow Shipyard workers first challenged the Royal Navy to take part in a walk from Keswick to Barrow.

The tradition has been kept alive, and the event has grown from humble beginnings into something much bigger in the six decades since.