The past few weeks at parkrun have been, to say the least a bit soggy, but on Saturday the sun was out and just under 300 people enjoyed parkrun either running, walking or, most importantly, volunteering.
First home was Harry Lancaster in a time of 15.47, just 3 seconds off a new personal best. The first female was Olivia Clark in a new personal best of 20.52. There were many more individual achievements, and these can be found on the results page of the Penrith Parkrun.
It was a family affair for the Jacksons. Phil completed his 250th parkrun running with his wife Lisa and daughters Eve and April. It was April’s first time and at only her second parkrun Lisa achieved a personal best. Phil said: “It’s a brilliant way to start the weekend.” I can’t disagree.
Also at Penrith were the Carlisle Parkinson’s Touring group. Believing they are ‘stronger together’, 13 adults and the twins spend most Saturday mornings supporting Dave Little to keep running despite being diagnosed with Parkinson’s in 2003.
He started running in 1990 but his diagnosis provided new motivation, and since then he has completed 12 marathons including London four times.
This was his 173rd parkrun. The Touring group have visited over 20 parkrun venues including Morecambe, Lanark, Herrington Country Park and, of course Penrith, always supporting Dave and promoting the charity (www.parkinsons.org.uk).
Dave said: “Keeping fit helps to keep Parkinson’s at bay, and exercise is the only thing shown to slow the disease down and make it easier to live with.” The group had clearly had a wonderful morning. Asked how Dave felt about the group he said: “I love them, they are fantastic!”
The sunshine meant more people stayed around enjoying the refreshments on offer and chatting with friends or making new acquaintances, and sharing their view on how good, bad and even ugly their run/walk had been.
Phil Jackson is right – parkrun is a great start to the weekend, a bit of fresh air, a bit of exercise, feel good factor when volunteering and relaxing at the end with a cuppa. What’s not to like?
