A general air of happy anticipation greeted participants at Penrith Parkrun on Saturday.
Who could fail to enjoy such a gloriously sunny autumnal day? Certainly not the 245 folk who turned up at Frenchfield to run, jog or walk around the 5k route.
As usual, the event was supported by a trusty contingent of volunteers, who are the mainstay of the event. This week they included Amelie Cooper, who completed her 25th volunteer duty at Penrith by ably assisting Caz Burns with run finish tokens.
Also on volunteering duty was Karen Bridge, who may generally be seen at the head of the pack somewhere, but in this instance was tailwalking. The tailwalker is there to ensure that nobody is left behind, gets lost or finishes last. Karen’s duties in this role will help her fulfil her goal of reaching 250 parkruns before Christmas – watch this space!
Also mentioned in dispatches was Richard Boyce, of Eden Runners, who completed his 100th Parkrun. There were 18 runners taking part for which this was their first attendance at Penrith, and 24 runners achieved a personal best on the course.
Harry Lancaster, of Eden Runners, was first over the line in 17:55, with James Chapman, Northern Fells Running Club, in second place (18:10), and Lee Thompson, Crook & Disctrict AC, third (18:18). First female home was another Eden runner, Ruth Hetherington (20:50), with Helen Wilkinson, of Knowsley Harriers in second place (21:03), closely followed by Nicola King of Eden Runners (22:07).
Also completing Parkrun at Frenchfield, and providing inspiration, were a group of Parkinson’s UK supporters.
They describe themselves as ‘Parkrun tourists’, bringing awareness of the condition to parkrunners throughout Cumbria. They included David and Helen Little from Carlisle and Eden Runners’ Ali Turnbull.
