A rather humid morning in prospect did not deter 377 runners and walkers from parkrun in Penrith this weekend.
Numbers were probably bolstered by it being another Championship day for Eden Runners. This is something which is loved and loathed in equal measure, but it does add a little frisson to the proceedings as the green and blue vests vie for position in their categories.
In this instance, Eden Runners’ ladies showed their excellence, with four females gaining over 80% age-graded results. It also probably accounted for the fact that the first male and female over the line were both Eden Runners, and both in personal best times. They were George Sidaway (16:29) and Amelie Marshall (18:46).
Determination of another magnitude was being demonstrated by Ian Teasdale, of Keswick. Ian has terminal cancer, and was not only running at Frenchfield today, but also aiming to climb every Wainwright one final time, raising funds as he does so for cancer care in north Cumbria.
He calls this endeavour Terminal Hillness and has a Justgiving page dedicated to the fundraising. He joined the team from 5kYour Way, Move against Cancer, who attend Penrith parkrun on the final Saturday of every month.
I spoke to members of Silverdale RC from Newcastle Under Lyme, were on their way north to St Andrews for Sunday’s Chariots of Fire Beach Race. They stopped off en route to take in Penrith parkrun.
As always, those of us running have great respect for the volunteers who make parkrun happen.
In addition to the throng of runners, there were also 30 helping out in various roles, from setting up to marshalling on the course, and everything in between.
We were all reminded that, following parkrun next week, Aaron Baglee will be aiming to complete a further 23 laps of the course (marathon distance) to raise funds for British Heart Foundation.
Hopefully as many people as possible will be able to support Aaron by running with him, and making donations, as this is an event to highlight awareness of CPR and the importance of defibrillators – something Aaron knows personally all too well.
Cakes will also be available, and hopefully an incentive to bring some spare coins with you to next week’s parkrun.
Full results and details of how to enter or volunteer at parkrun can be found at parkrun.org.uk/Penrith/
