Muncaster Castle Parkrun
The springtime in Cumbria really is something to behold, and there’s no better time to get out and try something new! Parkrun is an international free community event that takes place every Saturday morning in various locations across the country – and world, and West Cumbria has recently added a new location: Muncaster Castle!
Organised by Dave Allery alongside Peter Frost-Pennington, the Muncaster parkrun has been running (excuse the pun) since September 2023 and has been a huge success, with around 100 attendees taking part every Saturday since its inception, even in the particularly harsh winter we’ve just experienced.
The 5K route takes attendees from the Muncaster Castle entrance and around the stunning historical gardens that surround the castle. To complete the 5K, they circle the route three times and finish with a well-earned bacon butty and coffee available from the cafe at the finish.
Ceara Fisher is part of the core team of volunteers who make sure the run can take place each week. She said,
“It’s so much more than just a running group – it’s very much for those who wish to walk too! It’s an opportunity for the community to come together each week, get out in the fresh air, catch up, and spend a morning doing something that is not only good for physical health but also mental wellbeing.”
The beautiful thing about Muncaster Castle parkrun is that there is absolutely no pressure to run. Ceara said:
“The event is designed to accommodate all abilities, and people are encouraged to go at their own pace. If you want to run fantastic, but if you just want to walk the route and take your time, that is absolutely fine. Most weeks, around half of the attendees walk at least part of the route, and some walk the whole way. It’s not a race; it’s a way of bringing people together.”
The team that looks after the Muncaster parkrun is made up of a friendly bunch of locals alongside around 50 bank volunteers who offer their time when they can, which varies from week to week.
Everyone is welcome, from teeny tots to spritely seniors. The route is relatively even, so it is buggy and wheelchair friendly, and it is marshalled the whole way around, so there’s always someone on hand to offer help if necessary.
Ceara said, “It really is the most inclusive outdoor event that anyone can attend for free. It’s a fantastic way to increase fitness and also get out and enjoy the surroundings, which is really good for mental wellbeing. I would encourage everyone to at least come and give it a try one Saturday.
What better way to start your weekend than with a brisk springtime walk or run in the beautiful flourishing gardens of Muncaster Castle? If you would like to take part there’s no booking required, just turn up at the entrance of Muncaster Castle at around 8:45 am – you won’t regret it!
They are always happy to welcome new volunteers, so if it’s something you would be interested in, contact them today either via their Facebook page www.facebook.com/muncastercastleparkrun or email them at [email protected]
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