Muncaster Castle Parkrun has made it past 10,000 finishers in under three years.

On Saturday, March 7, the picturesque park run through the historic Muncaster Castle estate made it past its 10,000th finisher since the event began in September 2023.

Pete Davison, 61, from Ulverston taking part in his third Muncaster run was the lucky 10,000 finisher.

Crossing the line in eleventh but thanks to cumulative finishing, he officially became the 10,000th finisher in Muncaster Castle parkrun history.

To celebrate the milestone Pete was given a special one-off limited-edition crocheted owl, handcrafted by Jackie Whitfull.

Jackie has quietly built something of a reputation, and a small yarn-powered empire, through what many runners now affectionately refer to as ‘The Crochet Army’.

Together they create handmade milestone gifts for parkrunners, not to mention seasonal surprises.

Over the past year runners have been treated to Valentine’s hearts, Easter bunnies, and various other woolly wonders that appear as if by magic at the finish line.

Since launching in September 2023, Muncaster Castle parkrun has grown into far more than just a weekly 5k walk, jog or run.

It has become a community gathering, where runners, walkers, volunteers, spectators, families, dogs and the occasionally confused tourist all come together every Saturday morning.

What keeps people returning isn’t just the stunning course or the historic surroundings – it’s the atmosphere.

As one volunteer put it:
“Where else can you run past a castle, be cheered on by strangers who become friends, and leave with a crocheted animal?”

Whether participants are chasing personal bests, walking with friends, pushing buggies, or simply enjoying the fresh air, everyone is welcome.

Muncaster Castle parkrun takes place every Saturday morning and is free to join with participants able to register here.

New runners and walkers are always welcome.

Just don’t be surprised if you leave with something crocheted.