On Saturday April 16, the 346th Penrith parkrun took place at Frenchfields.
Two hundred and seventy-three runners took part, the highest number this year so far, plus a team of 33 volunteers. Conditions were calm and mild and the course was in good condition with 51 runners achieving personal best times.
Andrew Richardson gave the briefing with its usual mix of audience participation catchphrases, creative course description…… a surreal fusion of Frenchfields and the Grand National course at Aintree. The briefing finished with shoutouts for runners who had achieved various milestones.
It was the 200th run for Garry Vernon and Nigel McCombie so congratulations to them. I caught up with Gary afterwards. It had taken him eight years to clock up 200 Parkruns most of which were at Penrith. Since contracting COVID this was his fastest time.
Looking through the results afterwards I noticed there had been other landmark achievements.
For Keith Black and Mark Wilmot the occasion marked there 150th parkrun ,for Mark Osborne it was his 100th Parkrun and Colin Ousby completed his 50th Parkrun so well done to these guys also.
The race was won by Harry Lancaster of Eden Runners in 16 mins 24 seconds and the first lady was Rose Gilldaly also of Eden Runners in 19 mins 55 seconds.
Just before I was leaving I caught up with Andrew who failed to mention to me that it was his 300th volunteering time at Penrith. I found out on Facebook later that day so big congratulations Andrew, well done and no wonder so many of us have memorised your runners briefing.
Parkrun works on many levels. There are the fitness, mental health and community building benefits but maybe it also widens our limelight comfort threshold a little as landmarks, personal achievements and life in general is celebrated. There are many reasons to join in the fun as a runner or a volunteer. Until next time.
