The rain held off for 311 runners and walkers and the volunteers who help Penrith parkrun happen each week, writes Paul Wilson.
Simon Knell is a regular parkrunner and I caught up with him after his run.
I asked Simon how he started running at these weekly events.
Simon told me he was a keen cyclist and after a ride one evening and taking some refreshment with friends he found himself having entered for the Great North Run.
Once he realised what he had signed up for, a half marathon, Simon started attending parkruns.
This was in 2016 and Simon has now completed 181 Parkruns. Simon works long hours driving a truck and loves getting out on a Saturday morning and socialising with others.
Simon also runs with local club Eden runners whenever he can.
Penrith parkrun first timers Malc Smith and Rachel Fargher have recently moved to Dumfries from Cheltenham.
En route back to Cheltenham to collect more of their belongings this morning, Penrith was a convenient stop-off and so an opportunity to try out one of the “local” events.
They said: “We loved the set up of the course, a perfect place for a parkrun. Two laps with great views and taking in the River Eamont.
“The run was superbly organised and the volunteers very welcoming and friendly.”
Taking part in their first ever parkrun this morning was mother and daughter Elaine Holden and Karen Sharpe.
Elaine is 85 years young and recipient of a second new hip in May this year!
Elaine was encouraged by Karen who has recently completed the NHS couch to 5k programme.
Full results can be found at https://www.parkrun.org.uk/penrith/results/latestresults/
For information on Penrith Park run including the latest position on COVID-19 see https://www.parkrun.org.uk/penrith/
Do you organise a parkrun in Cumbria? We’d love to receive a report from your event! Please email them , with photos, to [email protected]
