welcome to this week's newsletter
In the week’s newsletter adidas bring us a great video from the Thunder Run, BOB speak to our active parents, there’s a junior parkrunner of the week, the blokes grab the volunteering baton and I announce a barcode revolution.
Continuing with our Join In challenge, on Saturday it was the turn of the parkrun Club members to take up the volunteering baton and they didn’t disappoint with 66 10 Club members, 460 50 Club members, 173 100 Club members and 12 250 Club members making things happen for 31,620 runners across 207 locations.
Darren Wood, 412 time parkrunner, volunteered at Frimley Lodge parkrun this past parkrunday and sent us the following photo...
Here I am with all the volunteers at yesterday’s Frimley Lodge parkrun where we had a new record attendance of 427! Very surprising given it's the school holidays! Darren.
This week it’s the turn of the male parkrunners out there to raise the volunteering bar. Speaking to parkrun UK board member and 176 time parkrunner Liz Jones when we were first working on this she thought that if we let the ladies go second they’d walk all over the guys in terms of volunteer numbers. Give us a target she said and we’ll beat it with ease! We’ll have to see about that of course, to use a cricket analogy I’d hate the ladies to have to ‘follow on’ if they don’t get within 200 of our total.
So, if you’re a chap and fancy volunteering for the first time this weekend please do drop your local team an email via the address at the bottom of their website.
Also this week I’m excited to announce the option to purchase official customised plastic parkrun barcodes. We are of course all about breaking down barriers to participation and will always offer a free way to download your barcode, the paper versions will still be accepted at parkrun events around the World. However, one of the most requested things from the parkrun community has always been a more durable form of barcode that has the option to include emergency contact details. We’ve been working closely with ERS to make this happen and are proud of what we have achieved, for more details please visit www.parkrun-barcode.org.uk. ERS have supplied our barcode scanners and timers since we implemented the barcode system itself and will be returning a percentage from the sales of these barcodes to parkrun UK and therefore helping us to continue doing what we do.
That’s about it for this week, I look forward to seeing the boys’ first innings score this weekend.
Happy running,
Tom
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what does it take to go #allin24?
During the last weekend of July, thousands of runners took to the adidas Thunder Run 2013 including the competition winners from parkrun UK. They faced blistering heat, torrential rain and thunderstorms to complete as many 10k loops as possible during the 24 hours. To showcase the spectacle of the event, we created a short documentary which gives you a true insight into what it takes to be #allin24
To register your interest for the adidas Thunder Run 2014 and for the chance to win a VIP team place, visit adidas.com/go/allin24
Read the full story from the parkrun team here, including how they managed to run an incredible 24 laps, covering 240km whilst battling with the elements.
Well done to everyone who went #allin24.
The adidas running team
expert advice for active parents!
Did you know that the majority of strollers aren’t suitable for running? Unsure whether yours is suitable and the reasons as to why you should be using an approved running stroller? BOB has created a website aimed at giving parents guidance on how to run safely with a stroller as well as ideas for other exercises you can do with your stroller to stay fit and healthy: www.activeparents.co.uk
You can find more information on the benefits of using a running stroller here
The BOB Ironman and BOB Sport Utility Stroller are specifically designed for running with your child, allowing you to complete your parkrun safely. Anyone purchasing one of these running strollers from the BOB website will also be contributing to parkrun. To learn more about these running strollers visit the BOB website
event news
Please check your event's news pages for the most up to date information.
Cancellations and course changes this Saturday:
- Ashton Court parkrun is cancelled due to the Bristol International Balloon Fiesta.
- Hackworth parkrun is cancelled due to another event taking place in the park.
- Old Deer Park parkrun is cancelled due to another event taking place in the park.
- Riverside parkrun is cancelled due to the international cricket using the park.
- Upton Court parkrun is cancelled due to another event taking place in the park.
feedback from the field
Let us know if you have an interesting parkrun related fact, happening or comment that you would like to share with all parkrunners
Hi parkrun UK
Drew, my 7 year old son completed his 50th parkrun on the 20th of July and I just wanted to say a massive thankyou to all his friends and family who wore orange to mark the occasion (his favourite colour). It was a very warm day and a fantastic achievement too. He has made lots of friends at parkrun and is not shy about telling everyone he wants to be a future Olympian, although strangely at long jump!
Running with him on the majority of his runs has been a privilege and very interesting, especially when he out sprints his old man at the line. Without parkrun he would probably be sat indoors every Saturday morning, but (most) Saturday mornings he is waiting at the door to go!
When he receives his 50 Club t-shirt he will wear it just as much as his coveted 10 tee and he will be able to grow into it ready to be replaced by his 100!
Regards,
Andy Tucker
Hi parkrun UK
I started parkrun after I had a gastric bypass two years ago and I wanted to do some exercise to keep fit and active. Since then I have done 87 parkruns, have gone from 28 stone down to 18 stone and I have been to 20 different parkrun courses within this time.
A few months ago my wife Lisa Fisher started volunteering at Temple Newsam parkrun and last week she completed her first parkrun by walking round in 59:30 and loved it. Her daughter Abbey Bailey was just in front and my daughter Bethany Fisher finished in 54:04. I would like to say a big ‘thank you’ for all your hard work and look forward to seeing you all again soon.
Regards,
Graham Fisher
Hi parkrun UK
I had my last parkrun in Barrow yesterday which was a sad moment, however I'm lucky to be leaving it in very safe hands with a fantastic running community led by some really special people. From now on I will be a parkrun tourist meekly raising my hand whenever we are asked to identify ourselves during the run briefing in the Barrow Park bandstand when we return.
As I strode majestically (okay, stumbled breathlessly) around the undulating course one last time I reflected upon what had affected me most during my 2 years in this beautiful part of the world. When I helped the tireless, meticulous and inspiring Dave Parker start Barrow parkrun on the 24th of September 2011, with the support of Tom Williams, we hoped that over time others would support us. Instead, we have seen this community surpass all our expectations and take ownership right from the start. From day one people have stepped up and said "I want to do more, take more responsibility, help others reach their goals". Aside from the great times we've spent together on Saturday mornings running through rain, sleet, wind, sun, rain, wind and of course... more rain (this is Cumbria) it will be the contributions of those who stepped out of their comfort zone to serve others that will stay with me. I encourage everyone involved in parkrun, from the first timers to the 250 Clubbers, to follow their lead - step up to a new challenge and give something of yourself to others and you'll be surprised what you can achieve. It's been an extraordinary journey and one that is sure to continue on the right course under the brilliant guidance of Stu Wallace, Donna Speirs and Fiona Wilson. I wish everyone at Barrow all the best and I can't wait to run with you all again at the 2nd Anniversary.
Regards,
Andy Young, ex-Barrow parkrun Event Director
Hi parkrun UK
I am the father of Andy Young who helped set up the Barrow-in-Furness parkrun just under two years ago. Andy is currently employed by the NHS as a doctor in the North West but completes his current contract on the 7th of August and will be moving away from the area.
Knowing Andy, he will not want a lot of fuss made over his departure. 25 runners attended their first parkrun and numbers are now regularly above 150. Andy would say that the credit for this should be given to the fantastic team they now have in Barrow and that he has very much taken a back seat over the last 12 months. However, if it hadn’t been for the enthusiasm and hard work of he and Dave Parker in initially establishing the event then Barrow parkrun may never have got off the ground.
parkrun is a fantastic concept and I love to read the stories in your newsletter of the changes which participation has made to the lives of so many individuals - physically, mentally and socially.
Regrettably, old sports injuries mean that I personally run but very rarely. I just wish parkrun had been around 40 years ago!
With very best wishes,
John Young
Hi parkrun UK
Our annual family gathering was located this year around Oxford and we started off the weekend with Oxford parkrun at Cutteslowe Park. What a splendid course and how proudly our father took photos of my two sisters and I running along together with some of our grown up children. A friendly marshal on each bend gave us much needed encouragement plus they even had a special welcome for Judith who lives abroad and was taking part in her first ever parkrun. My cousins have run at various parkruns in Leicester, Northampton, Nottingham and even Brisbane and they all declared that parkrun was a great way to start the weekend. Thank you from us all.
Regards,
Marise Taylor
Hi parkrun UK
I was very lucky and privileged to attend the London 2012 Olympics and as we celebrate the anniversary I am reminded of the spirit of that time. It has probably been noted before but those Games Makers of London 2012 remind me of our own parkrun volunteers who make parkrun possible each and every week. That feel good spirit of London 2012 is replicated by parkrun. My personal running strategy of late has been start slow and then get slower and consequently times are not great but I am reminded of the mantra at Hull parkrun of “it is not a race, it is a run with friends” and in Hull that is 300 plus friends. So thanks again to all those volunteers, you are our Games Makers.
Regards,
Terry Lawrence
Hi parkrun UK
I recently did a spot of parkrun tourism before I move to the United States and may I say it was a great experience and something I urge everyone to do if you haven't done so already. I had an amazing time every Saturday morning, from the enthusiastic marshals to the beautiful parks to run in and the friendly runners it was wonderful to be made welcome wherever I went.
Regards,
Andrew Kearsley (The Flash Mob proposer)
Hi parkrun UK
I missed Inverness parkrun event number 100 due to a trip south so I went to Blackhill parkrun instead. It laps the park and football fields that I played in as a boy and you can see my parent's house on the aerial picture of the course! I ran with my nephew Duncan Hughes who is nine years old and was running his first ever parkrun. He was worried about not going fast enough but needn't have worried as he ran really well and managed a strong 31:22 on the hilly Blackhill parkrun course. Everyone was really proud of him.
Regards,
Paul Hughes
Hi parkrun UK
After my husband and I celebrated our 250th parkruns at Albert parkrun in Middlesbrough I wanted to pass on how brilliant our run directors and volunteers are. A huge thanks to all the volunteers for providing us with our Saturday morning ‘fix’.
Regards,
Heather and Martin Pearson
Hi parkrun UK
I decided to start running three months ago and although it hasn't been easy I'm very determined and I just wanted to say that it means a lot to me when the parkrunners and volunteers wait and cheer the very last person in. For the past three weeks this has been me at Finsbury parkrun! I may be knackered and sweaty but I always finish with a smile. Thank you!
Regards,
Sandra Enwesi
Hi parkrun UK
Firstly, a thank you to everyone at Basingstoke parkrun for the celebrations surrounding my 250th run. On the day the Mayor presented me with my 250 Club t-shirt which was also on Basingstoke's 5th anniversary! Secondly, a travel trip tip for anyone visiting the Disney theme parks in Florida - Clermont Waterfront parkrun. A beautiful run along the edge of a lake in a real American town away from the fast food, highways and shopping malls. The local team is incredibly friendly and there is a fantastic coffee shop afterwards. It was the highlight of our holiday.
Regards,
Andrew Mason
Hi parkrun UK
We've been going on holiday as a group of friends annually for the last ten years. In the last six months or so a number of the party have started parkrunning and interest has snowballed within the group. This year's holiday to the Scottish borders meant we were quite a distance from our nearest parkrun. We decided to hold our own. Some judicious use of a mapping website yielded a route starting and finishing outside the front door of our holiday accommodation and 25 parkrunners, including 10 first-timers and 10 juniors, completed the course with the other holidaymakers acting as marshals. Twelve months ago none of us could have imagined running 5k on holiday but thanks to parkrun it now looks like becoming part of the annual activities.
Regards,
David Hull
Hi parkrun UK
We recently had our first parkrunner, Steve Duff, reach 100 parkruns at Medina IOW parkrun. We are presently on 115 parkruns and already there are lots of 50 Club t-shirts too. Personally I’m on 60 parkruns and I haven't missed a parkrun since my 50th run. It expect it won't take long until we have lots of 100 Club t-shirts on show!
Regards,
Harry Furmidge
parkrunner of the week
Name: Harrison Caie
Club: Unattached
Age: 7
Home parkrun: Richmond
Occupation: Schoolboy
Number of runs: 24
Favourite volunteer role: Giving out position tokens.
What do you do at parkruns: Run and volunteer. I run with my Dad and my stepmum Jo. Afterwards we go for cake.
How has parkrun changed your running: I’ve got a lot faster. I now have a PB of 28:03!
What do you like about parkrun: Everything, including running in the rain.
Most memorable or funniest parkrun moment: It’s probably my sprint finish.
reminders
barcode reminder
Barcodes are used at all our events to record your result. Please collect and print your barcode here. No barcode, no result!
all questions answered
Do you have a question about parkrun? How do I collect my club T-shirt? How do I get my barcode? All your questions are answered on our brand new support site
volunteering at parkrun
Every parkrun event relies on volunteers and in 2012 alone over 20,000 of you came forwards and supported your local event. Volunteering is a wonderful way to make friends, feel great and have fun. If that sounds like it's for you then please contact your local event team for more details.
upcoming anniversaries
August
Citypark parkrun 10th
Durham parkrun 10th
Old Deer Park parkrun 17th
Cannon Hill parkrun 24th
Oak Hill parkrun 24th
Woodbank parkrun 24th
Aberystwyth parkrun 31st
Bromley parkrun 31st
children at parkrun
Children under the age of eleven must be accompanied at all times by a parent, guardian or appropriate adult of the parent's choice. It must also be ensured that children place themselves appropriately at the start so as to prevent a situation where they are being repeatedly overtaken. This is to ensure the safety of your child.
the parkrun show
You can download your copy of the parkrun show here. (iTunes)
The parkrun show is the audible roundup of the "goings on" of everything that caught the teams eye from the weekend in parkrunworld.
Brought to you by Marathon Talk.
our sponsors
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Fuelling You to the Finish Line
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Health insurance that rewards you for living well.
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Delivering your results earlier
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Connecting parkrunners everywhere
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Today I found my Freedom
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