With the late summer heatwave continuing 262 runners, joggers, buggy pushers and walkers took part in the 419th Penrith parkrun under grey, humid conditions on Saturday.
As always, the two-lap course around Frenchfield was described; ‘tourists’ from far and wide were introduced and the volunteers were thanked and given a round of applause – parkruns just wouldn’t happen without them.
Then it was off to the start line and, “On your marks, get set, go!”. There is no need to run, though many do – it’s meant to be enjoyable so people go at their own pace. Refreshments are now on hand afterwards so there’s a chance to linger and catch up with friends old and new.
It was a special day for 12-year-old Drew Lewis from Parkhead, near Kirkoswald, running in his 100th parkrun; his 94th at Penrith.
He couldn’t remember when his first one was but he said, “It was quite a while ago”! It turns out it was here at Penrith in 2017 when he ran with his dad. In the heat of the day he did well to finish in a time of 36:01. His other parkruns have been at places as far afield as Plymouth, Hove and Worthing.
Drew celebrated this 100th run with younger sister, Pippa who was running with their dad, Dan. Mum Natalie was also watching from the sidelines cheering Drew on during this landmark achievement.
Three of the ‘tourists’ were the Hudson family from Cirencester – Phil, Lindsay and daughter, Abbie stopping off on the way to Edinburgh where Abbie is studying at the University. This was the first Penrith parkrun for all of them though Phil has done 172 in total at 24 different venues.
Eden Runner Harry Lancaster was first home today in 15:50, just 5 seconds off a PB. First female was Nynke Kuiper in 19:52. She normally takes part in the Cardiff parkrun so this was her first time at Penrith.
For the full results and to find out more please visit the website: www.parkrun.org.uk/penrith, the Facebook page or email [email protected].
