On Saturday, the Bottomleys, who are regulars to Penrith parkrun, turned up for another morning 5k run.
Roy and son, Craig Bottomley completed Penrith’s first ever Parkrun on February 8 2014, while Sheila didn’t start her first one until October 18 of the same year.
At Frenchfield on Saturday, Sheila completed her 200th parkrun overall after being stuck on 195 when the pandemic hit the UK in March 2020.
Since its return in July this year Sheila has completed the parkrun each week in order to reach this amazing number!
She is now only 50 parkruns away from getting the 250 T-shirt.
Parkrun has helped Sheila to get fitter and healthier. Lockdown has affected everyone in different ways.
With parkrun now back this has increased Sheila’s motivation for getting back into running.
Running her first parkrun since lockdown was Eden runner Ali Turnbull, who, ran, walked and shuffled around the course in a time of 48:14.
“Just getting round is fine, ” says Alison, who was diagnosed with Parkinson’s two years ago. “Social distancing is easier at the back!”
“It’s frustrating when your head says ‘go’ but your legs say ‘no!'” she adds. “But I discovered by early in my diagnosis that ‘exercise is medicine’ and I’m sure it has stopped my condition from getting worse.”
The person who inspired Ali to keep going in those early days was Sally Spence, who has had Parkinson’s for 10 years. Sally is a stalwart of the volunteer team who keep the event running smoothly.
“The volunteers are amazing,” Ali adds, “especially the tail walkers who make sure no-one is left behind.”
With the event have a regular attendance of 300-plus runners, there is always room for more helpers.
Email [email protected] or come along on Saturday before 9am and speak with the run director.
