‘Twas a dark and stormy morning down at Frenchfield on Saturday, as Andrew Richardson addressed the 334 runners, joggers and walkers who had braved the heavy rain, thunder and lightning.
Indeed Andrew, celebrating a magnificent 450th volunteer role – spread over 12 years – had to warn that if the lightning came closer he would call everyone off the course, and who could argue with that.
Fortunately the weather held off enough for 36 people to record personal bests, 83 to experience Penrith parkrun for the first time and, importantly, the 41 volunteers who make all this possible, to remain almost dry.
Among the field today we had runners from Brighton, Norwich and Birmingham, as well as a group from closer to home (Workington) who are gradually working their way through all the parkruns in Cumbria, having recently completed runs at Keswick, Talkin Tarn and Haverigg among others.
Some people travel the length and breadth of the country, and some indeed beyond these shores, in search of new parkruns. Others love the weekly get-together with friends and fellow runners at their local run; whatever your preference, parkrun is there for you.
As well as our esteemed Mr Richardson we also some other runners achieving personal landmarks.
Helen May ran her 100th parkrun and Derek Storer his 50th, both members of the Penrith Lions who do so much work for our community.
Also running was Jess Fox from Sunderland, celebrating her 200th parkrun, and in some style by being the first female home in a fine time of 19:43, just 8 seconds ahead of Caroline Lambert.
First across the line overall was Joshua Smith in 17:23, followed by Charlie Kemp and Liam Brough, who celebrated a new pb.
If that all sounds a little too energetic fear not, our fabulous tail walkers brought the field home in a much more comfortable 55:31, demonstrating that parkrun is for all no matter how fast or slow. Come on down and find your pace, every Saturday ay 9am.
