Penrith Parkrun reporter Heather Heron tells us about Saturday’s run.
On a chilly February morning as I jogged down to Parkrun, I was contemplating the fact that Running is one of the only disciplines where some folk actually look forward to the big birthday milestones.
For those of us not in the first flush of youth, this means the increased possibility of doing “well for age”. I was further reminded of Parkrun’s intergenerational appeal when I realised that Saturday’s 263 participants included Octagenarian Elaine Holden, taking on only her second Parkrun.
On my way to the start I met another (let’s call it) stalwart of Penrith Parkrun and one of the regular volunteers. Dave Evans had arrived early for litter picking duties, and had collected a full bag of rubbish by 8.30 a.m.
Later he would be encouraging runners from his usual marshalling point at the end of the ‘woods’. The marshals play an integral part and often have their preferred locations.
Sid Burns, who is ‘legend of the Yellow Gate’, was missing (and missed) this week from his post, having been allowed time off to celebrate being 85 years young.
I also chatted to Julia King, who had already run 8 km when she got to Frenchfield (or possibly it was 8 miles) and uses Parkrun as part of her marathon training. She said that she didn’t mind if I mentioned her age, but I wouldn’t dream of it!
I can only say that she is an inspiration to me, and it’s a bonus day if I can pass her on the course.
It’s not all about the experience of years though. At just five years old, Douglas Daley (a.k.a. Spiderman) completed his fastest single lap. This one lap was enough for him today, but I know for a fact that Douglas has been passing most of us in his pushchair, propelled by his dad, Rob, since he was a babe in arms.
It was the end of the school holidays and so the field was fairly full and there were plenty of visitors to the course. Suzanne Redikin had decided to run her 50th Parkrun at Penrith rather than Maryport, which would have been nearer to her own home in Dearham.
She got a shout out for her achievement, and for preferring the ‘Best Parkrun in Cumbria’.
For those of you who like the stats, finishers on Saturday included nine runners aged under 10 years, and eight runners aged over 70. The first male and female past the line were Johnny Cox (16:43) and Amy Weyers (19:44), both three decades younger than myself.
I did try to take a photograph of Johnny as he lapped me, but he was moving so fast that the outcome was too blurred!
Parkrun is free for everyone, and age is never a barrier.
