We often talk about the volunteers who make parkrun possible through their dedication and hard work.
Well, over the last two weeks their efforts have been above and beyond. Two weeks ago they were out in freezing rain, testing the course for ice (unfortunately they had to cancel the event as black ice presented a significant danger).
Then, after visits from storms Isha and Jocelyn, they were out midweek clearing debris – including a fallen tree – from the paths, and again on Saturday morning, ensuring we runners, joggers and walkers could safely enjoy our weekly get-together. Our heartfelt thanks go out to them all.
This week’s tree-free course was enjoyed by 263 people, of whom 36 were running Penrith for the first time and 26 achieved personal bests in what were decent conditions.
Led home by regular front runner Jonny Cox in a swift 17:19, with Rob Brown and Ben Grayson close behind. Another Penrith regular, Emma Nielsen led the women home in 21:22 with Kerry Grinbergs and Verity Evans within a minute.
Of course parkrun is not just about times and personal bests; today Katie Drewette reached her 150th run and Nigel McCombie, continuing his recovery from surgery, reached 250 parkruns.
Nigel’s wife, Anna, and son Keian both have 213 to their names. Complete your own jokes about running and families.
Elsewhere, visitors to our course included Adam Wakefield from Gunnersbury in London (who also donned a pacer’s bib to help guide runners to set times), and young Oliver Vernon from Burnley, staying at CenterParcs with his family. Oliver is a veteran of over 50 Junior Parkruns (2k), and today completed his 8th senior run. Great effort young man!
By the way, if you read the above and thought our volunteers are just too good to be true, well, after the cancelled run, one who shall remain nameless, popped the milk in the fridge ready for the following week.
A week later and the fridge was bare, but wait, what’s this in the freezer? One lump of milk or two with your post run tea? If iced tea is your thing come on down and join us every Saturday at 9am – at least it will cool you down afterwards.
