The weather was kinder this week as 200 people ran, jogged and walked the Penrith Parkrun course at Frenchfield in overcast, but dry conditions.
There were 22 first timers and 27 participants recorded new Personal Bests, including Harry Lancaster (SM20-24) of Lancaster University RAC who led the field home in a time of 16.05.
A stalwart of Penrith Parkrun, Harry shaved 6 seconds off his previous best – perhaps we will see a sub 16-minute run from him in the coming weeks?
Harry was followed home by Bill Stewart (VM45-49) of Borrowdale Fell Runners in 17.56 and Jamie Coates (VM45-49) in 18.35. The first lady home was Eden Runners Amelie Marshall (JW15-17) in 20.15, followed by another Eden Runner Nicola King (VW50-54) 21.43 and a first timer at Penrith, Catriona Forsyth (SW20-24) in 21.48.
A special visitor to Penrith was Kevin Borrett, who regularly takes part in the Horsham Parkrun.
He also happens to be the Chairman of Horsham FC who earned the right to play Carlisle in the first-round proper of the FA Cup after successfully playing seven qualifying games.
The team and officials enjoyed the hospitality of the North Lakes Hotel following a seven-hour journey from Sussex the day before and whilst they relaxed before the big game, Kevin took the opportunity to pop down to Frenchfield completing the course in 37.08.
Kevin thanked the volunteers for making him feel so welcome and had a special mention for the Carlisle fan who offered him a lift back to his hotel after the run.
Unfortunately, the day ended disappointingly with Horsham going down.
Nevertheless, a very good effort given Horsham are three tiers lower in the football pyramid than their opponents and were the lowest ranked team left in the FA Cup. Kevin can be proud of his team and look back at his weekend in Cumbria with pleasure.
