CancerCare’s Cross Bay Half-Marathon made a triumphant return after a 10-year hiatus, raising over £55,000 for the local charity.
Held on Saturday 4th July 2026, 250 runners signed up to take on the Bay.
The Cross Bay Half-Marathon is believed to be the only race in the world that crosses a tidal bay. Its return marked the revival of a much-loved challenge not staged for a decade.
Runners gathered on Arnside Promenade for a 9am start, making their way across the Bay towards the finish line at Cark Airfield, where they were greeted at the Runner’s Village by friends and family.
First place in the male category, with a time of 1 hour 38 min and 59 seconds, was Peter Harrison, while the female winner was Annie Dickinson, finishing in 1 hour 58 mins and 58 seconds.
The route was marked and guided by King’s Guide to the Sands, Michael Wilson, who ensured all participants crossed the Bay safely.
Ellé Dorrinton from The Dorrington Edit captured runners as they crossed the finish line and celebrated beating the Bay.
Participants and supporters then enjoyed time in the exclusive Runner’s Village, where Binsey Field Kitchen and Lal Yan Coffee provided locally sourced food and drinks. FORME Recovery, Re:Perform and Across the Bay Podiatry were there to help the runners post race with massages and compression legs. DJ Lee Le Brie entertained the crowd in the Runner’s Village.
CancerCare Deputy Head of Fundraising, Kat Micheals, said: “Wow, what a day to remember! Congratulations to every single person who took part in the 2026 Cross Bay Half-Marathon - you’ve made history.
“This race is not for the faint-hearted, with water, sand and shifting terrain making it a real challenge. Every runner dug deep and gave it their all, while raising vital funds for local people facing the devastation of a cancer diagnosis or bereavement.
“When we decided to bring the Cross Bay Half-Marathon back to the local area for the first time since 2006, we knew it would be a mammoth undertaking, but it has been more than worth it.
“We have so many people to thank: our incredible runners, Guide to the Sands, Michael Wilson and his team for their support, and all our volunteers and staff who made the day possible. Finally a big thank you to our main sponsor VolkerSite Services for supporting this event.
“The total raised is absolutely outstanding and we are so grateful to everyone who bought a ticket, fundraised or supported the event in some way.”
King’s Guide to the Sands, Michael Wilson, said: “I was thrilled to bring back this event for CancerCare after such a long break. It was a privilege to guide the runners across the sands and make history. It was great to support a local charity. Congratulations to all the runners!”