It was a bit nippy at 9am on Saturday as grey cloud hung obstinately over Penrith’s Frenchfield.
Blue sky and sunshine were all around so it wasn’t long before the sun was blazing down on the 323 runners, walkers and joggers.
36 volunteers made up the numbers and, as ever, their encouraging support was much appreciated.
Karrie Mundell was volunteering as timekeeper on her 50th birthday. She started volunteering in 2021 and has clocked up more than 100 volunteer roles in those five years.
Having been involved with running since the age of 10, she says Saturday morning parkrun is a great way to start the weekend.
Currently she’s secretary of Border Harriers in addition to being a coach for the juniors there.
As part of her birthday celebrations the Sunday treat was going to be a trip to Carlisle races. Here’s hoping the horses did you proud!
Among the visiting runners was a group from Wigton Road Runners who were enjoying an away day from their usual parkrun.
Every month alternative venues are suggested and a vote is taken to determine which one will be next.
Some of their other away days have been at Dumfries, Keswick, Workington and Whitehaven.
One of their half dozen representatives is keen to visit Whinlatter parkrun but it hasn’t been chosen yet – maybe it has something to do with the hilly nature of that course.
A special mention must go to Helen Edmondson whose 47th birthday it was on Saturday; a great way to start her special day.
One of the many features of parkrun is that age is not a barrier. Saturday’s ages ranged from under 10s to over 90s! The ability to run is not a requirement either.
My bellringing friend Sue Grainger walks – quite quickly! Her first parkrun was in May last year and on Saturday she did her 25th in a personal best time of 42 minutes 25. Well done Sue.
First finisher on Saturday was Thomas Harrington-Vogt, a visitor from Hillsborough and Rivelin Running Club, in a time of 17 minutes 16. First female, in the 60-64 age category and a first timer at Penrith, was Fiona Smith in 20 minutes 30.
For the full results and to find out more visit the website www.parkrun.org.uk/penrith, the Facebook page or email [email protected]
