Now, any Star Trek fan knows that wearing a red shirt means you’re likely to be the first to be eaten by a monster/ zapped by a doom-ray/ assimilated by a Borg. But for parkrunners, the red T-shirt means you’ve been dedicated enough to run 50 times. In real terms, that’s at least a year of parkrunning. These are highly valued and treasured items, some people even go so far as to frame theirs.
At Wallace parkrun in 2014, I came second in the points table, and Gillian and Liz, who came 1st and 3rd, were neck and neck with me on number of parkruns completed. Then I went and broke my ankle.
They went ahead and earned their 50 shirt, and I applauded and cheered from my volunteer position, and eventually in August I was able to get back to running and do my own 50th run.
Except there was a hiccup in production of the shirts.
We waited anxiously for news – as each Saturday passed by, more people earned the right to a red shirt, but none were forthcoming.
It was well into 2015 when the new sponsors Tribesports got up to speed, and eta’s starting being discussed for the delivery of the shirts. This eta kept being extended and extended – I told my husband to stop asking me about my T-shirt, it would get here in the fullness of time!
It was mid-July, and after sending an email to chase it up, that the much-anticipated parcel arrived.
I was excited.
Very excited!
Couldn’t wait to try it on!!
For the record, the sizing is on the generous side.
And so, one sunny July morning, in my home location of Wallace, I was finally able to run in my hard-earned, long-awaited item.
I accessorised the moment, of course, with a matching cloak for Minnie, and fancy nail-art.
During the run, 2 other guys in the new shirts passed me, gave a thumbs-up and said “that’s a photo op, 3 new red shirts together!”
The shirt is good quality, feels light and comfortable on, and is easy to wash.
Reader, I cried on the way home, I was so full of emotion.
Dancing At Lunacy 
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