Records were smashed and titles upheld as the 57th Keswick to Barrow took place this weekend.

Thousands of people took part in the 40 mile challenge, some of whom went the extra mile and completed the course at a run.

Bright and early, Christian Howett was the first runner to cross the finish line with an impressive time of 5 hours and 15 minutes.

Despite it being his first time running the K2B, Christian placed second overall and raised money to be divided between 13 different charities.

Christian said he woke up at 4am in the morning to get to the start line and had been training for the event, completing the Manchester Marathon a couple of weeks ago.

“I’m glad it started so early because of how hot the weather is, the hardest miles were around the 26 mile mark, when you hit the big moor.

“It’s definitely one to do but pace yourself, I think I will be doing it again despite the pain because the reward outweighs it.

“It’s a fantastic event, great causes, good course with friendly check points and lots of support from the locals, when I came through Barrow everyone was cheering.”

The title of first woman back and quickest female runner over all was claimed by Sarah Jones, who finished with a time of 5 hours and 8 minutes.

Sarah set off on her fourth K2B at 5:10am and has been training hard in preparation, running the Manchester Marathon in April.

She said: “It feels great to be the first woman, I’m very happy to finish and beat my time from last year.

“I feel better this time, but I’m glad it’s over, it was a bit too hot, the sun was out by 7am and I nearly quit going over Kirkby Moor. Everyone is struggling because of the heat.

“It was so nice to see family and friends waiting for me at the finish, the plan for the rest of the day is to relax and lie back on the field, drinking pints.”

The trophy went to James Prescott, who had the overall fastest time this year at 4 hours and 51 minutes.

The event was James’ fourth K2B, which he also won last year too, and has raised money for the Army Benevolent Fund which helps support soldiers and veterans.

James said: “I’m very proud of the achievement, and I think I’m going to have to do it again next year.

“It was really tough going, really hot and the moor is definitely the hardest bit of the route, three long miles uphill from Coniston.”