Hundreds of people will take part in a new half marathon this weekend in honour of a Cockermouth runner and mum-of-five who died in August.

Derwent Athletics Club member Annalee Paterson, 32, died just three days after renewing her marriage vows with husband Robert to mark their 10th wedding anniversary.

She had been diagnosed with inoperable cancer on June 24. Before she lost her battle, fellow Derwent AC members launched The North Lakes New Year Half Marathon in aid of Marie Curie, which supported Mrs Paterson, of Melbreak Avenue, and her family.

Entries for the event opened just days before she died and the 440 places filled in five and a half weeks, with a 60-strong reserve list being compiled.

Those signed up to the event include Mr Paterson, who is also a Derwent AC member, other family members and friends, including 26 members of the club.

It is on track to raise thousands for the charity through donations, sponsorship and the raffle of a half-day couple's spa retreat, donated by Armathwaite Hall.

A crowdfunding appeal set up before Mrs Paterson died raised over £10,000 to enable her husband and their children Holly, Troy, Jodie, Leona and Tristan, to visit to Disneyworld Florida.

Mr Paterson said previously that he hoped the half marathon would raise a similar amount for Marie Curie.

Mark Likeman, one of the organisers, said: "I've always wanted to put on a run locally in January because there's never anything on.

"When Annalee was ill a few of us thought let's put it on and try to raise some money at the same time.

"The aim was that Annalee would be there at the event but sadly she won't be.

"Annalee loved running and if this can raise some money to go to the charity that really helped her and her family and help someone else that's brilliant."

The runners will set Graysonide Guest House off Lorton Road, Cockermouth, before heading up Strawberry How Road, turning right onto Hundith Hill Road and left towards High Armaside.

They will then turn left onto the B5292 then head through High Lorton before looping back near Brackenthwaite and taking the B5289 back towards Cockermouth.

The town's King's Church will hold a selection of children's sporting activities to keep youngsters entertained while they wait for parents taking part in the run.

The event is also supported by businesses including The Moon and Sixpence in Cockermouth, Lorton Village Shop and Booker, as well as All Saints' School.

The guest house will lay on bacon sandwiches for the finishers.

Parking is limited at the start/finish point and competitors are asked to car share where possible and avoid parking on Lorton Road. Spectators are asked not to drive to the start/finish point.

Mr Likeman urged anyone planning to watch the run along the route to be considerate of other road users and park safely.

To donate towards the event's fundraising total visit www.justgiving.com/fundraising/thenorthlakeshalfmarathon