The approach to Frenchfield was basked in warm sunlight as the trainers of my fellow parkrunners pounded the dry and dusty path.
Our warm-up attempts already bolstered by the thermometer promising the high teens, and if it hadn’t been for a pleasant breeze, I suspect a few of us would have been swapping our vests for an ice-cream.
In amongst the many enthusiastic participants were a number of Eden Runners looking to grab some PB points for the club’s parkrun Championship.
One dedicated member and run leader, Petrina Cassell, was running her 200th parkrun. Congratulations on this amazing milestone.
Additionally, Lucy Wood, nine, ran her 100th parkrun. Not only has this young lady arrived at a fantastic milestone, but she managed to achieve a PB of 22 minutes and 41 seconds, well done Lucy! You are a superstar of the future!
Meanwhile, MC Andrew Richardson was busy with his usual tourist gags. For those from north of the border, don’t worry, we aren’t really rebuilding the wall on Monday, a relief I’m sure for the Hamer family; Janice, Chris, Benji and Judy turned up all the way from stunning Shetland.
Janice, a member and coach for Shetland AAC is in fact already familiar with some of the running around our beautiful Eden area, having taken part in last year’s Haweswater half marathon. Their usual parkrun is Bressay, a 10-minute ferry ride from Shetland that sees 70 participants on a good week.
Anne Budgen and Gary Wilcox from Staffordshire took part in their seventh Penrith parkrun. Anne and Gary, whose usual parkrun is Cannock Chase, commented on how friendly it is here at Penrith (we agree).
It was great to see you back and we hope to see you again. Last, but certainly not least, is a special mention for Neasha Martin who completed her first ever parkrun, having been taking part in the 10-week Ready2Run Eden Couch to 5k programme.
On scouring the results there were a total of 19 PBs and 24 first timers. With any luck our newbies will return to the welcoming, inclusive and happy parkrun that we offer here at Penrith, and in the meantime, keep running, it gets you out of housework.
