12 June 2008
Commonwealth fell running event gathers pace
Cumbria County Council has thrown its backing behind a major
sporting event planned for Keswick next year.
The first ever Commonwealth ultra distance and mountain running
championship is planned for September 2009 and could see fell
running return to its natural home (the world's first ever
organised fell race took place in Grasmere in 1850).
The county council's cabinet agreed yesterday (June 10) for the
council to become the accountable body for the Commonwealth
Championship event and to contribute £5,000 towards the cost of the
event. Cabinet heard yesterday that over two-thirds (£138,000) of
the £200,000 needed to stage the event has already been raised,
with the most significant backing (£100,000) pledged by the
Northwest Regional Development Agency (NWDA) and most of the rest
coming from national sport governing bodies.
The Commonwealth ultra distance and mountain running
championship already has the backing of all 15 Commonwealth
countries. Ultra distance running has seen a surge in popularity in
recent years and involves running distances longer than a marathon,
commonly 100km or 24-hour races. The four-day event would also
feature a variety of amateur and fun running events and cultural
activities.
Cllr Tony Markley, cabinet member responsible for economic
development and regeneration, said:
"This event would be a win-win for Cumbria - it would attract
visitors and tourists to the area out of season and it would also
make Cumbria healthier by encouraging people to take part in the
community sports events which will be associated with the
Commonwealth Championship."
Peter Mearns, executive director of marketing at the NWDA,
added:
"Cumbria has a growing reputation for adventure activities and
extreme sports and this challenging event will add another
dimension to that offer. The NWDA is pleased to support this
inaugural championship, which will help showcase Cumbria and the
Northwest to a wider audience."
-ENDS-
Notes for editors
Commonwealth Championship events take place outside of the full
Commonwealth Games but are controlled by the Commonwealth Games
Federation. They are increasing in popularity and profile - with
competitions in fencing, karate, rowing and table tennis held in
the past.
While agreeing that the county council should be the accountable
body, Cabinet opted that the council should not agree to underwrite
the event as it would be an unacceptable potential burden on
taxpayers' money and it is not the council's policy to underwrite
such events.
Please note: Cumbria County Council's media team telephone
numbers have now changed.
Media enquiries to Gareth Cosslett, News Manager on 01228
226332