A spring-like July morning greeted the faithful down at Frenchfield in Penrith yesterday morning, though for the 284 runners, joggers and walkers who made up the field, at least it was dry and bright.
Many of the field were wearing the green and blue vests of the local Eden Runners, who were using today as one of their regular championship runs.
A club that caters for runners of all levels, they were spread throughout the field. Many of their number are also to found among the 32 volunteers who made this week’s run possible. As always, we are in their debt.
Also spread throughout the field today were visitors from as far afield as Portsmouth, Bury St Edmunds and Derbyshire, all holidaying in Cumbria but keen to maintain their weekly parkrun form.
As so often, several were pleasantly surprised by our flat, fast course, their fears of fell-like hills unfounded.
It’s a great part of the parkrun experience, welcoming others to our course and not just visitors – we also had local youngsters Ethan and Lucas Joyce enjoying their first ever parkrun together with mum Stacey and dad Michael.
Ethan said he was inspired to come by his gran, who had completed her first parkrun the week before. Well done boys and see you next week!
At the sharp end of the run, regular winner Jonny Cox lead the field home, and teenager Dan Davies came home third in an impressive personal best of 17:35.
Karen Bridge was the first woman home, celebrating her first run in a new age category (she’s getting younger, if her times are anything to go by !). Fast or slow, old or young, there are no limits to parkrun, so come on down on Saturday at 9am and be prepared to amaze yourself.
