In these uncertain times it is good to appreciate familiar comforts, the Earth still turns and parkrun is on.
A total of 225 runners and 30 volunteers attended the 332nd event which took place on New Year’s Day 2022.
Conditions were warm, for January, fairly windy with light drizzle falling.
It was interesting to note that last time a Penrith parkrun had taken place on New Year’s Day in 2020 almost exactly twice as many runners had taken part (451) which remains a record attendance for the event.
As communities rebuild it is encouraging to know parkrun is attracting new people.
For eight runners this was their very first event. Some of the volunteers have joined in recent times. I caught up with Ruth Evans who volunteers while her husband and three children run.
She said how much she enjoys the friendly inclusive nature of the events and how she enjoys being part of the team.
There were a number of landmark achievements. Rolph Eastwood and Katy Drewette celebrated their 50th run, both achieving a personal best time.
Karen Kaye, Emma Wilson and Gillian Combellack celebrated their 100th run and Keian Mccombie and Steph Hulford their 150th.
First home overall was Johnathon Cox of Eden Runners in a time of 17mins 6 seconds.
First lady home was Isabella Sharrock also of Eden Runners in a personal best time of 21 mins 30 seconds. There were eight other runners achieving personal best times this week.
One consolation for all runners taking part is they will have achieved their best time in 2022. You may also be consoled by the fact the earth spins at about 600mph at the latitude of Penrith, so on this basis all of us cover 5km in about 18.6 seconds whether running, volunteering or indeed sleeping after New Year’s Eve celebrations.
May I wish you all the best for the coming year I hope 2022 proves a good one, at least relatively.
Do consider giving Parkrun a go either running or as a volunteer. The event takes place at Frenchfield Sports Centre, Frenchfield, Penrith, CA11 8UU at 9am Saturday. Until next time!
