parkrun tourism: Thames Path, Woolwich

Posted on September 17, 2024 by lindaharley

event #102 parkrun#376

Reason for visit: My daughter’s West End debut, why thank you for asking!

Access:

The meeting point is in James Clavell Square, where the statues don high viz vests so that the many visitors can find it.

The course page is very good at using “what three words”, and when I discovered that the code for this was “tulip.patch.runner”, well, there was a location with my name on it! (Have I told you about the tulips?). I was staying in theatreland, and rode one stop from Leicester Square to Tottenham Court Road, where I changed onto the lovely sparkly new Elizabeth Line (referred to by all as The Lizzy Line) to Woolwich, a journey of about 20 minutes.

The Lizzy Line has great big long trains, so I’ve never found it to be crowded (but then I’m not commuting). I did have to remind myself that parkruns in England start at 9.00, rather than the Irish and Scottish civilised 9.30s that I’m used to.

Crowd:

It’s a fairly recent addition to the London parkruns, so still attracts a lot of visitors. I got chatting to a few fellow cow cowls, as well as someone who was doing their first ever parkrun and had already invested in a barcode wristband! A few buggies and dogs, and a handful of walkers alongside speedier runners.

Course:

The original “Curly Wurly”, with a spiral section, was Somerdale Pavilion, but this course also incorporates a spiral path section in Gallions Park, with a circuit of the bench at the top. So some have christened it the “Walnut Whip”.

Aside from that part, it’s pretty flat, run mostly on the Thames path along the river, affording cracking views. Encouraging signs, featuring the swirly spiral symbol, bring a smile.

Facilities:

There are loos nearby, and any number of cafes for parkfaffing afterwards. Sadly I couldn’t stay as I was meeting J for breakfast (and therefore quite grateful of the 9.00 am start)

Gear:

It was quite a warm day, but I was in my wind-proof black trousers, turquoise top with little zippy pocket, where I kept my bank card for zapping in and out of ticket barriers, and my waist belt for phone and tissues. World tourist baseball cap and sunnies. Wore my Saucony’s for travelling in.

Time:

I am not running regularly at all these days, and was adopting a “jog a bit walk a bit” approach (did not try running up the walnut whip, but ran all the way down), so I was quite happy with a run time in the low 40s.

Strangely Appropriate Song on Shuffle:

I had so many earworms from the show the night before, and was also enjoying listening to the birdsong, and the lap of water from the rivers edge.

And the Rest:

Well, J was just amazing in the wonderfully mad, over-the-top, riot of laughs that is Why Am I So Single – it was just beautiful to watch her signing programmes at the stage door afterwards. Go see it!!!!

All my parkruns:

NI (and other) parkruns: summary list

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parkrun tourism: Mile End

Posted on June 10, 2024 by lindaharley

event #101 parkrun #374

Back in that London for the second time in a week, this time to see the legend Barry Manilow. After the excitement of my 100th event last week, I wasn’t too bothered whether I ran or not, but the day dawned bright and sunny and so off I went. And a very enjoyable morning it turned out to be.

Access:

Those of us who don’t actually live in London sometimes find it hard to work out which one to choose. It’s all very well looking at a map to see which is closest, but that may not translate into easiest to get to. I toyed with Victoria Dock and Burgess, but in the end decided that Mile End would be the simplest to get to, being only 5 stops on the Central Line from where I was staying near Covent Garden. From the charming tube station, turn left and you’ll soon find yourself at an entrance to Mile End Park. Start and finish is by the stadium.

Facilities:

Loos are in the stadium, bikes can be left there too. There’s a Raggedy School museum and cafe for afterwards, or other cafes nearby.

Course:

The park itself is a long narrow strip crossing over the main road via a bridge. So it’s sort of “out and back” with a tight turnaround point (watch out for those bollards!).

The paths are like a dual carriageway, faster runners tend to use both lanes at the start, but as the crowd thins out keep to the left. Tarmac path all the way, some slight inclines over the bridge, and super views of the city skyline.

Crowd:

I got my first ever “Dolly or Bev” in the wild, from Ruth and Brian, currently on 126 with no repeats. I also chatted to visitors from Manchester and the Netherlands. The crowd seemed youngish in age, and the course is also suitable for buggies or dogs (but not both). Big numbers, so a complicated finish funnel.

Gear:

I had travelled in my blue Hokas, and wore my wind proof black trousers and my With Me Now t shirt, and of course my cow cowl.

Time:

I stopped to take photos, so my time was just under 50 minutes.

Strangely Appropriate Song on Shuffle:

I didn’t have headphones in, but we had put Barry on Spotify that morning, so I was humming Copacabana to myself.

All My parkruns:

NI (and other) parkruns: summary list

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parkrun toursim – The Fisherman’s Walk

Posted on June 2, 2024 by lindaharley

event #100 woohoo, full cowell

regionnaire status regained

My parkrun tourism is severely hampered these days due to 2 factors. Firstly, I have a part time job, which often requires Saturday working. Secondly, we are now a one-car family (being more environmentally friendly), but my other half needs the car on a Saturday morning. So if I DO have a Saturday off, I am reliant on the kindness of friends who can offer a lift. Step up Heather, fellow Jog Lisburner, who was my chauffeuse for the road trip to Portglenone. Thank you!

Access:

Portglenone (usually pronounced “own” but often jokingly called “one”, and in my lexicon now Port glen onehundred) is a charming little village on the north side of Lough Neagh. It has a marina, some lovely wee cafes, and a very pretty forest, famous for its bluebells. The parkrun is NOT at the forest, though, but at a riverside walk just outside the town. Good directions are given on the parkrun site, but you’ll need a car.

Facilities:

There is a small car park by the start/finish area, though runners are encouraged to leave it for other users, especially fishermen. Parking on the main street is easy enough to find. There’s also a portaloo onsite, as well as a toilet block before the bridge. Coffee afterwards in the village. The volunteers are very friendly and manage the big numbers very efficiently, and a photographer produces some excellent photos.

Course:

A lollipop shaped course with a run out to a loop, down twice. Arrows and marshals make sure you wont get lost. Cattle grids are covered with mats. No real hills to be concerned about, gravel path mostly, with the odd muddy patch. Beautiful views along the riverside.

Crowd:

It’s still the new kid on the Norn Irn block, so is very popular with those completing the NI set. I chatted to a few other Jog Lisburners, other cow cowl chums delighted to be getting another T, and ambassador Matt, with his wife Ruth who has recently celebrated her 600 volunteer milestone. What an achievement! Good course for dogs ( long hard Paddington stare at someone running with 2 dogs). The start is a little narrow, but sensible seeding with slower runners and walkers at the back reduces any congestion.

Gear:

Cow leggings, 100 volunteer shirt, black headband, blue hokkas. And of course my cow cowl. I’d had a moment of panic on Friday when I couldn’t find it, but a quick prayer to St Anthony did the trick – he can apparently even find lost cows. Blessed be the cow, and also with moo.

Strangely Appropriate Song on Shuffle:

No headphones with me, I was enjoying the birdsong. But my earworm was of course 100 miles from The Proclaimers.

And the rest:

I did of course have cake! I’m not a baker, but Sainsburys (other supermarkets are available) do a “decorate it yourself” iced Madeira. I rolled out some yellow icing and made holes in it with a bottle top. Then used a cow shaped cutter and black icing, before adding the words with an icing pencil. Small but beautifully formed, if I do say so myself!

All my parkruns:

NI (and other) parkruns: summary list

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parkrun tourism: Jesmond Dene

Posted on May 5, 2024 by lindaharley

parkrun #372 event#99

Reason for visit: seeing the amazing Jemima Brown in a performance of award nominated Surge.

Access:

I’d never been to Newcastle before, and the journey was fairly straightforward. Well, a 7 a.m flight isn’t the easiest to negotiate, particularly with the frankly sub-standard public transport links to Aldergrove, but security and boarding were smooth and quick, and 40 minutes later we were touching down in “the Toon”. I was mightily impressed by the frequent, clean, and cheap Metro services to and from the airport, which took me (via the Jesmond stop) to Central Station, right across from the County Hotel, where I was staying. By 9 am I had dropped off my bags, done a recce wander, and by 11 I was sharing a cappuccino with darling daughter.

For Jesmond Dene parkrun, I got the metro back out to Jesmond. As it’s on the airport route, the service is quite frequent, about every 15 minutes on a Saturday, and the journey takes about 10 minutes. From the metro station, turn left, and walk all the way down Jesmond Road until you see signs for Jesmond Dene. It’s about a 15 minute walk. I got a 38 bus back into the city centre.

Facilities:

The briefing takes place near Millfield House, where there are loos and a cafe (and an ice cream van and a pets corner). When I visited there was a great market happening on Armstrong Bridge, where I enjoyed an iced latte and a granola breakfast cookie. Coats and bags can be left at the scanning area.

Course:

Oh my stars it is hilly! And has steps! And a resident puddle known as “Mr Puddle”. I’m pretty sure I also encountered Mrs Puddle as well as various Masters and Misses Puddles. But it is stunningly beautiful. Definitely no prams, and no dogs, though there were plenty of dog walkers around.

Crowd:

200 or so, I got chatting to a cow-legging wearer, and a local runner. But by the time I’d finished they had all disappeared, so I didn’t get much park-faffing.

Gear:

It was May 4th, so of course I had to wear some Star Wars clothing! I have an R2D2 dress, and Chewbacca/ Big Bang T shirt, so I wore them both. Black windproof leggings, parkrun world tourist cap, and had my cross body bag slung around me. Blue Hokkas that I’d travelled in, and was very worried about returning in, following my encounter with Mr Puddle. Dress code around here seems to be skirt the size of a hanky, and shoes like housebricks. (Not for parkrun, though. )

Strangely Appropriate Song On Shuffle:

I had no headphones with me, but was enjoying the birdsong in the trees.

Time:

I was very slowly jog walking, barely keeping ahead of the tail walker, so 51 minutes. Do I care? I’m out there taking some exercise in the fresh air.

And the Rest:

Well, I certainly made the most of my time in this friendly and scenic city! I managed to get a walk on the beach followed by fish and chips, charity shop bargain hunting, sipping a cocktail in a rooftop bar, an art gallery, science museum, castle, and of course as a bridge aficionado there are 7 unique and stunning ones to enjoy. Highly recommended!

All my parkruns:

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parkrun tourism: Montalto Estate

Posted on April 21, 2024 by lindaharley

parkrun#371 event#98

Regionaire Regained!

I’ve got a wee summer job (yay!). But it means I often have to work on Saturdays (boo). A couple of weeks ago I had a Saturday off, AND it was scheduled to be Montalto’s inaugural (yay!), But then along came Storm Olivia, and the whole estate was closed (booo). Last week they were able to have their inaugural, but I was working (boooo), but I did manage to make it to their event number 2 (yay!)

Access:

You need a car, there is no public transport option. We are currently a one-car family, and the real pinch point is that my husband needs the car each Saturday morning, where he has to be in Ballynahinch at 10 am. Handily enough, Montalto is just around the corner from the town, and those times aren’t too bad for a drop-off /pick-up for me, so I suspect Montalto Estate will become a common feature of my parkrun journey over the next few months. (On those Saturdays when I’m not working ). And as it’s dog friendly and has a great cafe, this will be no hardship!

Plenty of car parking, and it was being efficiently marshalled.

Facilities:

Super cafe, and you get to spend some time in the beautiful grounds afterwards if you aren’t rushing off. There are toilets in the courtyard, as well as in the next block along. There’s also an enclosed dog exercise area beside the car park, so Toby could have a bit of a meet’n’greet with the other pooches before setting off.

Course:

The estate is home to some charming views and gorgeous flora. But oh my it is HILLY! I was discussing with other parkrunners, and we reckon this may just be the most brutal course in Norn Irn. Brutal, but bootiful.

There’s a narrow funnel to get through before the start, and the paths are mostly gravel and not very wide. 2 laps, so there’s more room to choose your line on the second one.

Crowd:

There had been over 400 at the inaugural, with 250 when I attended. I’d expect it to level off at around 100. Lots of dogs, it’ll appeal to those who just want to take Fido for walkies. A few prams, bravely coping with those hills. And quite a few young uns. I spotted my first “bring back the stats” T shirt in the wild.

Gear:

I wore my 250 top, though the numbers are peeling off, warm trousers, cow cowl and headband. Toby was in a purple harness.

Strangely Appropriate Song on Shuffle:

I was listening to the 2024 Eurovision Song Contest entries, and was inspired by Luxembourg’s “Fighter” as I struggled on the upward sections.

Time:

I was walking the ups and running the downs (though they are so steep that it was hard to make up much time on them) So 49 mins. Hey, it looks like I’ll be revisiting a few times, so I’ll get to improve on that.

All my parkruns:

NI (and other) parkruns: summary list

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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

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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 »

Cowfest Northern Ireland 2023

Posted on September 17, 2023 by lindaharley

Cow cowls are worn by parkrun tourists as an easy way of recognising each other on our visits. You can wear them at your home event as well. Cowfests started a few years ago as a way of selecting one event on a particular day that tourists could try to attend as a meet-up. In 2022 they were spread geographically, and NI had its first one at Knockbracken Reservoir parkrun.

Special selfie frames were produced for the different regions, and I have been carefully hanging on the the Norn Irn one all year.

In 2023 the venue chosen was Citypark Craigavon. Venues ideally have good facilities, parking, loos, cafe etc, as well as being easy to get to.

The core team at Citypark embraced the whole idea, and had a special cake produced.

RD Johnny sported cow ears and tail, and jingled his cowbells.

The cafe did a special bacon bap and a cuppa deal.

Tourists came from far and wide – Steven Alder and co flew in from London on the 6 am flight and were catching the last flight home again. A couple from Lincoln had been here for over a week, and had done their 200th event barefoot at Narin beach the previous Saturday. Others had been spending a few days seeing the sights.

Someone came up from Cabinteely, Dublin.

The selfie frame was very popular, though it was difficult herding all the cows together for a group photo.

There was lots of laughter and sharing of stories and memories. Someone even remembered me from when I produced a bottle of Bush whiskey for those who had “double Bushied”. And the crack continued in the cafe afterwards.

It was fantastic to see so many people, and big thanks to the team at Citypark for making us all so welcome.

Now, I’d better store that selfie board safely till next year!

NI (and other) parkruns: summary list

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parkrun tourism: Inis Meáin

Posted on August 27, 2023 by lindaharley

parkrun#350 event#95

Reason for visit – need something special for my arbitrary 350th, of course!

There are some parkruns which are on the “must do” bucket list, and Inis Meain, one of the Aran Islands off the west coast of Ireland, has rapidly secured its place on that list.

I’d been gutted when I couldn’t make a previous UK parkrun tourists group visit, as I was travelling to Scotland that day, see Deputy dawg blog. So I was delighted to find that another semi organised trip was planned for the end of August. And, more excitingly, this would be my 350th parkrun!

Milestones are hard won: you maybe get a 50 T shirt after little more than a year’s parkrunning, with the 100 shirt another year away. Then it’s a whole 3 years plus wait for a 250 shirt, and another FIVE years minimum before a 500 shirt is yours. So it’s no wonder we resort to daft challenges in between times, and also celebrate “arbitrary” milestones in our own way….

Access:

This is NOT an easy one to get to. You can’t just drive there, you need to book a ferry or plane trip, and both of those are subject to the vagaries of the weather. I booked a ferry trip from Doolin, which is a 4 1/2 drive from me, but wisely decided to go down the night before. I stayed in a BnB in Ballyvaughan, a charming village about 20 miles north, and on the Saturday morning I took the glorious coastal road round to Doolin. If you are going to stay a few days (and you’d be well advised to!) then Doolin is colourful and has some lively pubs and aran sweater shops. But it’s also a popular tourist destination, so expect availability and prices to reflect this.

If you are in Ballyvaughan, then Monks seafood restaurant comes highly recommended, but you do need to book in advance.

The outward ferry left at 9, and with a short stop to drop passengers off at Inis Oirr (small island) arrived at 9.45. The views from the ferry are nothing short of breathtaking, with the Cliffs of Moher standing resplendent to the east, and the magnificent Twelve Bens behind the sparkling waters of Galway Bay.

Once off the ferry, it’s a good 2km stroll up to where the parkrun starts.

Facilities:

There are loos at the community hall en route, and at the school hall where the briefing takes place. When I visited there were water bottles and muffins afterwards, but there is also a pub which does a selection of toasties and pizzas, as well as a shop/ cafe that has some small snacks.

To pass the rest of your time on the island while waiting for the return ferry at 4.15, you could visit a few viewpoints, enjoy the sense of calm, maybe go for a swim.

Course:

2 laps on tarmac on roads, where there SHOULD be no cars! It’s a tough hilly start, followed by a flattish section, followed by a downhill section, another flat, and repeat. Cheery marshals at each corner, and even some support from locals.

Time:

I’m still adopting a “walk the ups, run the downs” approach, plus I was stopping to take photos, so a 46-46 was fine by me. I’m pretty sure what position token I got, though the official results say 66.

Crowd:

I have to admit, I was expecting more of a “party bus” atmosphere at the port and on the ferry. Everyone seemed quite subdued, and I didn’t even see any group photos being taken. I was delighted to meet (again) Monica – this was her completing the full Irish set, a previous attempt having fallen foul of fog with her plane cancelled.

Gear:

I’d forgotten my cow cowl (but I didn’t see any others), and wore my reinforced front trousers, With Me Now top, world tourist jacket, and my Jog Lisburn hat, which turned out to be my MVP. It also held a 250 (runs) and a 100 (volunteer) badge, which together celebrated the 350.

Strangely Appropriate Song on Shuffle:

I’d been listening to RTE Lyric on the way down, and smiled/cried at Liam Neeson’s rendition of Van the Man’s “Coney Island” – wouldn’t it be great if it was like this all the time?

And the rest:

Those other daft challenges I mentioned? Well, one of them is “Old Macdonald”, for completing parkruns beginning with E,I,E,I,O. So this was my second I, so completing that badge!

All my parkruns:

NI (and other) parkruns: summary list

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parkrun tourism: Sport Ireland Campus

Posted on July 15, 2023 by lindaharley

run #347 location#94

Reason for visit: one of those pesky Wilson Index numbers! Oh, and apparently completed my Snakes challenge, (10 beginning with S) which I didn’t realise till afterwards! So that was nice.

Access:

I won’t lie, this was stressful. The campus itself isn’t completely well direction marked, there are some signs for NSC, more for the National Aquatic Centre, but in the torrential rain, and negotiating roadworks, and Dublin traffic, I was relieved to be onsite at 9.00. Then the fun started. The webpage says it starts near Abbotstown House. But there were no signs for that! It also said car parking at the Special Olympics offices. Again, no signs for that either. I parked up at a number of buildings that looked as if they might be the Irish Sport Headquarters, but anyone I asked (with an ever-increasing wild look in my eyes) “parkrun????” just shook their head, or had never heard of it.

At 9.36 I handbrake turned into the carpark. To save you some time and stress, the What Three Words for the car park are trio.lend.video

Course:

Dashing across to the disappearing back of the RD, I asked where the start was, and set off to try to catch the tailwalker. It’s 2 laps, mostly (wet and slippy) grass, but with a few muddy tarmac sections. It’s all marked with arrows, though I still managed to take a wrong turn, and on the 2nd lap I still hadn’t caught the tailwalker who was happily packing away the arrows. I did eventually catch her with about 800m to go, and she was most apologetic.

Gear:

Shoes first – I was in my Saucony’s, but trail shoes would be a better option here. I wore my blue trousers as they have a good zippy pocket for car keys, my parkrundancer apricot T which nobody got to see as I had my black pacamac on, PWT blue cap to keep the rain off, and cow cowl.

Crowd:

Small group today, I was the penultimate home in position 28. They were a friendly chatty bunch in a thankfully dry marquee afterwards, with some delicious home made ginger parkin buns. Yum!

I got chatting to someone about the number challenges – Wilson is probably still OK as it just involves individual runners attending this, that and the other event. But the Nelson, Fibonacci and Primes are now being discouraged, as they mean some events would be completely swamped on particular days. I can understand the logic.

Time:

I know this won’t be accurate as I took a wrong turn, but 42 ish minutes, considering I started late, was OK. First in my age category!

Strangely Appropriate Song On Shuffle:

“And I would drive one hundred miles, and I would drive one hundred home, just to get the Wilson Index number that I need upon my phone……….”

I didn’t have time to put my headphones on, so the sound most of the listening wildlife would have heard was me swearing.

Environmental note: yes I do feel guilty driving long distances for spurious reasons, but I try to minimise it, and car share where possible.

All my parkruns:

NI (and other) parkruns: summary list

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