womensrunninguk.co.ukCHRISTMAS PARKRUN94 MARCH 2017PUDDING IT
ON THE LINE
ith so many races to choose
from over the festive period, it
felt like running heaven! On the
south coast it seemed we went
parkrun crazy, with the opportunity to run
at least six in 10 days. The biggest focus for
local runners was definitely completing the
parkrun double on New Year’s Day.
I paced the 26-minute slot on Christmas
Eve at my local, Lee-on-Solent, which
meant full reindeer gear. Give a parkrunner
a chance and they’ll dress up! We had a
record-breaking turnout of 552, despite a
very cold wind. This caused quite a stir as
we only had tokens for 500 runners! Many
were newcomers, who ended up walking
away with PBs.
It was a chance for those who can’t
always make the weekly Saturday morning
5K during term-time to join in. Until we
got to the first turn, I couldn’t run at my
pace as the promenade was too crowded!
This is such a good problem to have; the
community spirit at Lee is amazing and the
event is growing bigger than ever predicted.
It must be due to the beautiful sea view.
About halfway along, we ran back past
the start to a brass band playing festive
tunes. It really was starting to feel a lot like
Christmas. Runners supported each other at
the end then a big crowd went to the local
café for a parkrun takeover. Mince pies and
coffee helped us defrost. This was definitely
the best part.
Next was the Pub-to-Pub charity race
on 27 December, hosted by Portsmouth
Joggers (pjc.org.uk), the perfect antidote
to Christmas excesses. Talking to a few
runners before the start, it seemed most
would be fuelled by alcohol fumes. It’s an
undulating course of 7.5 miles along quiet
country lanes and it’s a real gem. There area few hills to climb but the last mile or so is
downhill. The sun had appeared and I loved
having a chance to be outside and push the
pace; I’ll definitely be going back this year.
Then there was the New Year’s Day
parkrun double. It was amazing to watch
so many charge off for one 5K, hop in their
cars, race down the motorway, then do it
all again with stiff legs. With a seasonal
cough and cold I was forced to spectate,
with incredibly itchy feet! But it was a
chance to chat with the marshals (running
angels) who give up their time to make
these special events happen. Many runners
were also doing another parkrun on Bank
Holiday Monday. Yep, parkrun madness
took over.W
JOIN YOUR PARKRUN COMMUNITY
CHECKOUT YOUR NEAREST PARKRUN: PARKRUN.ORG.UKTHERE ARE PLENTY OF XMAS RACES TO RUN OFF FESTIVE EXCESS,
INCLUDING DOING A PARKRUN ‘DOUBLE’
Words: Tina Chantrey