Parkruns around the world came together on Saturday to celebrate women and girls for International Women’s Day and after the run at Penrith, I met up with two inspirational ladies, Sienna and Lisa.
Sienna Parker is just 13 and is completing her Duke of Edinburgh Award.
On Saturday, she embraced the responsibility of assistant run director as part of the volunteering part of the award.
Assisting run director Alison Rowsell, Sienna was busy being visible, making people feel welcome – especially visitors, and encouraging the parkrunners as they ran or walked the 5k course.
Sienna tells me that for her skills section of the award she is cooking a weekly family meal. This week the Parker household are looking forward to Sienna’s homemade pizza. Sienna is a junior member of Eden Runners attending regular events and coaching sessions and is also a regular swimmer. All of which goes towards the physical section of the award.
Lisa Culling has completed 119 parkruns and was delighted to achieve a personal best time of 33’08”.
Also a member of local club Eden Runners, Lisa has been a regular parkrunner since 2016. During lockdown Lisa and husband found the pounds piling on and decided action was needed. Regular runs (two to three times a week) and walks along with “food management” has resulted in Lisa shedding four stones. As well as parkrun, this year Lisa has completed the Carlisle Resolution 10k and X Border 10k.
Well done Lisa and Sienna.
First lady home today was Lisa Clarkson (Barnsley Harriers) in a time of 20’:20”. First male home was Harry Lancaster (Eden Runners) at 16’:32”.
You don’t have to belong to a club or run fast to have a go at parkrun. This week 262 people ran, jogged or walked the course. For 32 it was either a first parkrun or a first visit to Penrith parkrun. If you are thinking of having a go do come along. Let anyone know it is your first time and you will be made to feel welcome.
The event was made possible by 28 volunteers: For me it was my 50th time volunteering – today as report writer as well as helping to set up the course. Saturday just wouldn’t be the same without it and these roles fit in with me also enjoying the 5k run. Why not give volunteering a go yourself – come along a bit earlier and speak to any volunteer.
