It was a dry and surprisingly warn morning at Frenchfield for the Penrith Parkrun experience on Saturday September 25.
It saw 252 walkers, joggers and runners take advantage of the favourable conditions to complete the 5k course supported by a team of 31 volunteers making the event possible.
Event number 319 saw 49 first timers and 40 new personal bests recorded; 27 clubs were also represented.
Although it may be hard to believe, it was the last Saturday in September so we also welcomed the launch of Penrith 5k Your Way (5KYW) move against cancer.
I chatted to our local ambassadors Shiona Anderton and Sarah Newby who explained that 5KYW is a community initiative to support anyone affected by cancer including families, friends and those working in support services.
Those interested in taking part can meet with others at a meeting point which is clearly identifiable by the flag.
By meeting as a group before hand there is the opportunity to chat to others and offer each other support, particularly if you are new to Parkrun.
Six people joined Sarah and Shiona at the event, I hope they all enjoyed the experience and we look forward to welcoming them back to Frenchfield.
5KYW will be taking place at Penrith Parkrun on the last Saturday of every month and the next one is on Saturday October 30.
One of the key elements to Parkrun is the sense of community that comes from seeing people on a weekly basis.
I chatted to Mark Foudy a regular Penrith Parkrunner who was completing his 150th run.
I asked Mark why he attends Parkrun and he explained that it helps with his mental health and well being. He also explained that he had undergone treatment for heart problems which had resulted in an operation.
Whilst undergoing treatment Mark’s doctors had advised him to keep up the running because it is doing his heart good.
Mark has recently completed the Great North Run, running for the Freeman Hospital where he was treated. Saturday’s Parkrun was a warm up for Mark ahead of the Eden Runners Acorn Bank 10k on the Sunday.
