parkrun tourism: Penryn Campus

Posted on November 15, 2023 by lindaharley

parkrun #358 event#97

Reason for visit: My son’s special day, being held in glorious Cornwall.

Access:

Getting to Cornwall is not easy. It is WAAAAAAAAAY over there, and when the trains aren’t running it’s a 6 hour drive from London (for my daughter). She wisely stopped overnight at Plymouth before making the final leg along those narrow winding roads. My journey there was quite pleasant, a flight from Belfast city airport to Newquay, followed by picking up a hire car. My return journey was impeded by Storm Debi, which caused my Belfast flight to be cancelled. But thankfully I was able to switch onto a Dublin flight, and catch a bus back up north.

Getting to Penryn Campus is pretty straightforward, with excellent directions given on the parkrun page.

Facilities:

There is ample parking by the sports centre, which also has clean loos. From there it’s a wee dander to the start line, plenty of signage along the way. On our visit they were celebrating their 100th event, so scones with jam and cream were provided. Dispensation was given to apply the toppings in whichever order you pleased.

Crowd:

They usually get just under 100 runners, it got into 3 figures this time, probably because of the special occasion. My son is a parkrunner, – we also another guest with us, as well as Apollo the dog, young B in a pushchair, and an under 11. So we had All The Things, and a good job we had 3 adults to take charge of one each. My under 11 had only 2 speeds, despite me trying to persuade him of the joys of Meemaw’s “gentle jog”. Lots of encouragement from the other runners and volunteers.

Course:

It’s hilly! Starts with a downhill section, at a turnaround point you go back up the hill, and across to run round a little maze. And you do that 3 times. All on tarmac paths.

Time:

Gentle jog, hills, I was happy with a 50 minute time, coming in just ahead of the tailwalker.

Gear:

Cold weather pants, With Me Now top, cow cowl and headband. Blue Hokas which I’d travelled in. I didn’t see any other cow cowls, though when we checked later my son would be eligible, being on 36 different events.

Strangely Appropriate Song on Shuffle:

I didn’t put my headphones on, as I was the responsible adult for an under 11. But I’d started re-reading Espedair Street last week since I was in Glasgow, and happened to reach the description of driving on the Cornish roads around Newquay, which I could totally relate to.

And the rest:

Well what a wonderful weekend it was! I got to see Lands End, the Minack Theatre, and the Eden Project. As well of course as the fantastic family celebrations, with lots of cake, champagne, grandson cuddles, and a never ending game of Monopoly.

All my parkruns:

NI (and other) parkruns: summary list

Filed under: Parkrun, running | Tagged: , | 1 Comment »

parkrun tourism: Ruchill

Posted on November 7, 2023 by lindaharley

parkrun #357 event#96

Reason for visit: RSCDS AGM in Glasgow

The RSCDS is celebrating its centenary this year, and as it had its very first meeting in Glasgow, it was only fitting that this year’s autumn gathering took place in dear ole Glasgow toon. I’d previously ran at Victoria, Glasgow, so was keen to try a different one. Ruchill (pronounced as if saying the F word but with a soft ch at the end, like loch) is in the Maryhill area, on the north side of the city. It is famous for having a “whale shaped” course, and for affording fabulous views over the city and to the hills beyond.

Access:

I wasn’t too sure of the public transport options, so got a taxi to take me there. I’d booked it for 8.30, but it arrived at 8.10! Thank goodness, me being me, I was ready and waiting in the hotel reception. The fare was £10. Having more time afterwards, I was able to get a No 60 bus back into town. The bus stop is near the fire station, a short walk from the park.

Course:

The whale is composed of a large lap (the body), and a short lap (the tail). The full sequence of laps is large, small, large, small, large. There’s a small section where runners are going in both directions. And boy is it hilly! I absolutely loved the chalked signs on the footpath, reminding us that it’s just “a wee incline”, as well as thanking the volunteers, pointing out the view, and giving encouraging messages. As well as these, the course was well signposted with direction arrows, and cones blocking off any paths not to be taken, and warning of any trip hazards. In November, the colours of the trees were just stunning.

Facilities:

No toilets or cafe in the park, and most people just seemed to head off afterwards.

Crowd:

There are usually around 100 participants. I chatted to another couple of cow-cowl wearers, who like me were delighted to get another Letter R in order to spell the word “parkrun”. I’d got there quite early, but there were already chatty and welcoming volunteers there. First timers gather around the “Tree of Knowledge” for a briefing.

Gear:

It was November, in Scotland, so I was wrapped up well. My heaviest running trousers, Jog Lisburn base layer and With Me Now T, cow cowl, gloves and headband. Little zippy belt to hold money and phone, and Cracker can fit onto this belt too. Blue Hokas which the photographer managed to capture in a rare flying feet photo!

Time:

I’m awffy slow these days, plus it was hilly, and I did keep stopping to take pictures. But I was first in my age category! 47 mins something.

Strangely Appropriate Song on Shuffle:

I had my headphones with me but didn’t get get round to putting them on! But I had plenty of Scottish dance tunes running through my head, as I was going over dances for the evening programmes.

All my parkruns:

NI (and other) parkruns: summary list

Filed under: Parkrun, running, Scotland, Scottish Country Dance | 1 Comment »