Report by Paul Naylor.
Why do people bother with parkrun? A 5k run, at 9am, in all weathers, in all seasons, come rain, shine, heavy rain, grey skies, more rain, snow, baking sunshine – what’s to like about that?
Judging by the numbers that turned out on Coronation Saturday at Frenchfield, Penrith, 350 in total, not to mention – but I will – the small army of volunteer course setters, marshals, timekeepers, bar code scanners and enthusiastic supporters – pretty much everything is to like.
There can be no more inclusive event than parkrun. So there’s no excuse for claiming you can’t do it.
Once you’ve experienced the camaraderie, encouragement, run director’s wit and repartee (ok, maybe not that), sprint finish and satisfaction of getting round, you’ll be back again, that’s a promise!
Perhaps the more senior runners from Florida won’t be back, but maybe the lady from Northampton, on holiday at Centerparcs, might, or even the couple from Southampton, taking a stop on the way to visit their son in Scotland.
One of the many beauties of parkrun is that you can rock up to any run, anywhere, knowing the format and sure of a warm welcome.
Coronation day also doubled as the 65th birthday of Shaun Silson, ex-chair of Eden Runners, many of whose members act as volunteers.
Unfortunately he didn’t finish first, but he did break the finish line in a time of…(discretion prevents the release of his actual time of 40.43), nor last (a place reserved for the nominated tail walker), as Harry Lancaster took the crown once again in a time of 16.27.
Jon Hemingway went round in a more modest 28.19, but when you have your son on a uni-contraption to push, a great achievement as well!
Congratulations go to everyone who took part anyway, rewarded specially today with post-run cake and coffee. Time then to persuade the reluctant to give it a go, they won’t regret it – and don’t forget your barcode!
