Everyone seemed pleased to be back at Frenchfield following last Saturday’s enforced lie-in due to Storm Bert.
Although cancellations are rare, we were all very grateful to the event organisers who keep us safe at Frenchfield.
This week 224 runners and walkers took part, with no fewer than 20 personal best times achieved. There were 26 first timers to the course, including a group of runners from Manchester, who were celebrating Sandra Benson’s 70th birthday before heading into the Lakes for a holiday.
One of the regular pacers, Suzanne Smith, was given a shout out for having completed 150 parkruns. Suzanne says that for her the run is all about community and supporting people to achieve. On Saturday she was wearing the 24’ pacer vest, and her usual very cheerful smile, hoping to encourage some of those looking for a similar time.
Two more Penrith regulars were celebrating having reached 250 parkruns.
Debbie Thompson and Stephanie Foudy have both completed most of their runs at Frenchfield.
Debbie told me at the end of the run that for her it’s all about the social aspects and seeing friends. She also said: “It is the thing which has kept me going since I got older.”
Debbie has claimed that she is only continuing until she can get her 250th vest, which is a rather fetching shade of green, but I hope that is not the case, as I am still trying to catch her!
The support of the folk from 5K Your Way is always appreciated. Anyone impacted by cancer is welcome to join a 5K Your Way group to walk, run, cheer or volunteer. Everyone is welcome, and members are on Penrith parkrun course for the last Saturday of every month.
Phil Richardson was first in at a time of 17:07, with Alice Riddell-Webster claiming first lady position in 20:09. Full results and details of how to enter can be found at parkrun.org.uk/penrith/
