A typically chilly but dry March morning welcomed the 251 runners, joggers and walkers who made up today’s Parkrun field.
As ever, spirits were high and much laughter and banter filled the air as we set out on the two laps of the Frenchfields site that forms Penrith Parkrun – this time with the added bonus of both Lakeland and Pennine fells coated in snow. A welcome distraction, or a reminder of the chill perhaps.
Among our runners today were many who had travelled to sample a new Parkrun – including a large contingent from the Burnden Running Club in Bolton. They run a kitty which allows them the occasional weekend away and today they were a very welcome and lively addition to our ranks.
Another away day participant was Sue May who was achieving the remarkable feat of running at her 100th different Parkrun – what a way to see the country. Merely passing through were Ian and Ruth Boam, on their way to Scotland for a break – their home Parkrun in South Derbyshire being the splendidly named Conkers Parkrun.
There are of course always plenty of regulars here on a Saturday morning, not least of whom today was Steph Hulford, celebrating her 200th Parkrun and, as if that were not enough, also volunteering as one of our blue bibbed pacers – helping folk to run at set paces, whether to reach a new personal best or just to focus on a consistent run.
Steph regularly guides runners round, encouraging them as she goes – just one of the many volunteers who make all this possible week in week out. There is no way to thank them enough for what they give us.
As for the run itself, 34 people achieved personal bests, 53 were sampling Penrith for the first time and 23 different running clubs were represented. Leading the field home today was Dave Birch in an impressive 18:33, and whose wife Gail and children Isla and Ewan all ran pb’s!
Jenny Evans was the first female finisher in 19:56 and Keian McCombie showed you’re never too young to challenge the leaders at Parkrun with a new pb of 20:00. Well done to you all, and no less to everyone whose Saturday morning means a fun hour or so at Parkrun.
Come on down and join in every Saturday at 9:00am.
