Footsore, weatherbeaten but satisfied . . . thousands crossed the finishing line after trekking across a huge part of Cumbria.

Runners, joggers and walkers all made the journey through stunning scenery in a major fundraising event.

The 51st Keswick to Barrow walk began at 5.30 on Saturday morning with the runners leading the pack over the starting line.

They embraced the cool wind on a dry morning as they pounded the 43 miles to Hawcoat Park Sports Club, where a party awaited every victor.

A keen crowd were on hand to give the heroes one last push as they ran, walked and limped over the finishing line.

There was plenty of entertainment for the watching crowd and finishers to enjoy, with music, food and refreshments, bouncy castles and bubble football.

Kevin Stephenson was first across the line at 10.55am in a time of five hours, 25 minutes and 23 seconds.

He was taking part in his second Keswick to Barrow.

Speaking after the win, he said: “It was very tough. I ran it last year but this was a lot harder.”

Mr Stephenson was joined at the finishing line shortly afterwards by James Schofield (5.39.53), who has now finished runner-up three years running, and Trevor Wilks (5.57.57).

Mr Stephenson said: “It felt quite good knowing I was in front but then you’re not really excited because you’re always looking over your shoulder thinking you’ve got to hang on and keep going.

“It’s good because it perks you up a little bit but it’s so mentally challenging.

“The final stretch was amazing coming down here. The crowd really helped and they were amazing.”

Rebecca Rennie was the fifth in the race, and was the first woman across the line for the second year running in a time of six hours, 12 minutes and 25 seconds. She said: “It was easier than last year, surprisingly. I think the weather was a bit better for it this year.”

It was a double celebration for Mrs Rennie, whose team, Cool Runnings – Luke Willacy, were the first team to finish the race. Their tenth and final team member crossed the line in 73rd place with just 8.01.46 on the clock.

Youngster Jake Cooper was the first under-17 over the line in a time of 7.46.01. He also claimed first place in last year’s race.

The runners from Keswick were joined at the halfway mark by thousands doing the Coniston to Barrow challege.

Ben Hodgson was first over the line in the 21-mile trek with a time of 2.36.30, while William McAllister (2.37.55) and Tom Warman (2.52.28) completed the top three.