WIGTON’S first unofficial 10km road race took place on Tuesday and organisers are “extremely pleased” with the turnout.

The event was organised by Wigton Roadrunners and saw 55 runners start at Barton Laws with a marshals and a leading car taking them to the finish at Phoenix Park, Wigton.

Founder and first chairman of the club, Bruce Christie started the race.

Alan Pitcher, chairman of Wigton Roadrunners, said: “It was called an unofficial road race as I was treating it as a trial for next year’s carnival.

“We had runners from all over like Eden Vale Harriers, Keswick AC, Lonely Goats and more.

“It went really well, everyone just got stuck in and did a really good job.

“We were really pleased with how it went and it just shows what Wigton can do.

“We had 17 volunteers that came from all over and everyone stayed behind to watch the finish.

“We even had people coming out of their houses to watch and cheer people on.”

The event was raising money for a local organisation Kidscardiojoules, a charity to develop screening for congenital heart defects in babies.

The total money raised on the night was £385.

“We couldn’t charge for entries because it was unofficial so all money raised came from donations,” added Alan.

“It was absolutely brilliant. We had donations from £3 to £20 and a donation of £25 via the internet.”

Helen Murdock, founder of Kidscardiojoules was amazed by people’s kindness on the night. She said: “It was amazing. Wigton Roadrunners do a charity run each year and when they approached me to ask if I would like them to do it for me it was so overwhelming.

“This was the first 10km road run and so well organised by Alan Pitcher there was lots of volunteers, marshals and water stands and everyone was so supportive.

“This money has helped us towards our target of £2,000.”

On the night, Philipa Wakefield of Keswick AC took first place completing the course in a time of 41:31 followed by Alan Roberts of Lonely Goats in 43:28 and in third place was Darren Haney of Wigton Roadrunners in 44:38.