On the parkrun tourist trail whilst away for a short break, I chose Penrith as it was one I had never done before, reports Matt Prentice, a member of Blackpool Freedom Runners.
I scouted the Penrith Parkrun website to check on parking etc, and it was just as stated – generous parking on the Frenchfield site and toilets available beforehand.
The Lakeland weather was kind and myself and my daughter Rose, along with 268 fellow walkers, joggers, and runners, were greeted by strong sunshine and zero breeze.
Everyone seemed so friendly, I introduced myself to the run director and offered to do the run report.
We were graced by a sea of blue and white shirts supporting Parkinson’s UK, touring a radius of local parkruns promoting awareness of the benefits of returning to exercise to combat this condition.
They were joined by Caroline Rassell, chief executive Officer of Parkinson’s UK who was in Penrith for a conference and decided to stay on and participate finishing in a very respectable 23.59.
As to the course, I had read the overview on the website, but you never know being this far north if they will throw in a hill or two. It turned out to be pancake flat and fast it and with lots of encouragement from volunteers along the way both myself and my daughter thoroughly enjoyed it.
As well as the two of us, there were 38 others first timers with 34 personal bests recorded. A total of 22 clubs were represented. James Salt of Eden Runners finished first in a personal best time of 16.17. The first female over the line was Sally Addison also in a personal best time of 19.35.
There were also a number of milestones to celebrate. Local runners and members of Eden Runners Liz Farthing and Fi Tidbury, supported by her husband Wade who was celebrating his birthday, reached their 100th runs.
David Robertson also got a shout out for his birthday and for achieving 150 volunteering roles. Congratulations to all of them and thank you to everyone for making us so welcome and ensuring we had an enjoyable time.
