welcome to the newsletter
In this week’s newsletter we thank Lucozade Sport, Sweatshop announce a sale, Alister can’t let go of Christmas, there’s some great feedback from the field, a wonderful parkrunner of the week and I might volunteer in 2014.
As 2014 gathers pace (just last week we welcomed almost 12,000 new parkrunners globally to the family) I thought I’d share some thoughts around the next 12 months.
The more eagle-eyed amongst you may have noticed that our list of sponsors has changed. After four wonderful years of partnership with Lucozade Sport, we hereby announce that this association has run its course and, as of the 31st of December 2013, has come to an end. We are enormously grateful to the Lucozade Sport team for their support of parkrun UK over the years and would like to thank them for this. Lucozade Sport was recently sold to new owners and this was also a good time for both organisations to make a change. For more details please see our dedicated news article.
Before the end of December I expect we will see parkruns start in another 75 to 100 UK locations, during which time we’ll process the results for 14,000 events and over two million run performances. To make all that happen around 60,000 different people will volunteer 250,000 times. That’s a lot of volunteers.
Key to understanding our volunteering philosophy is the concept that parkrun should be whatever you as an individual would like it to be. The parkrun family means so many different things to so many different people and for a large number of us, myself included, it has been nothing short of life changing. From the simple pleasure of the occasional run in an open space all the way through to the love and support offered by a group of wonderful people when life throws out one of its many challenges, parkrun is there for each one of us. Sometimes we like to just turn up anonymously, escape for 30 minutes or so, run round the park and carry on with our day… another time we might like to stick on a pair of wellies, get involved with one of the many volunteer roles available then spend the rest of the morning kicking back over coffee and cake, putting the parkrun World to rights. Some people will never volunteer, that’s absolutely fine. Some people will never run, that’s also absolutely fine. We should only ever do either of those things because that’s what we personally would most like to do that day. We should certainly never ‘give up our time’, it’s far too precious. I don’t know how many times I’ve volunteered as in the early days we never bothered recording it (that old story, I hear you say) but it’s probably somewhere around 100 over the six-and-a-half years I’ve been a parkrunner. I’ve never volunteered when I didn’t want to though, even when Helen and I drove two hours to Sewerby parkrun on Christmas Eve just so they didn’t have to cancel their 8th event. That morning we genuinely wanted to help that parkrun event to happen more than we wanted to run ourselves, by driving over there we achieved that goal and in no way felt it to be a sacrifice.
Sixty-thousand volunteers is still an awful lot of volunteers though. My message this week is therefore a reminder to experienced parkrunners, as well as a note to new parkrunners, that volunteering at parkrun is every bit as enjoyable, rewarding and energising as running. It’s free from pressure, very easy to do and guaranteed to put a smile on your face. Please please please do not volunteer if you feel you are in some way making a sacrifice or giving something up, if that’s the case then do whatever it is that you’d rather be doing. I would.
To finish with some numbers, in 2013 we saw 33,839 different people volunteer (10.2% of those who ran) 151,849 times (4.5 times each). With 550,000 different people expected to run a UK event in 2014 just a 2% increase in unique volunteers would see us comfortably reach our target of 60,000 with plenty of room to spare. That would still mean that 88% of runners wouldn’t have volunteered. Which is absolutely fine.
Thanks as always for your wonderful parkrun passion,
Tom
P.S. Congratulations in advance to the wonderful community at Bushy parkrun as this coming Saturday will see their 500th event. Amazing.
grab yourself a bargain in the Sweatshop sale
The Sweatshop sale is now on with savings of up to half price on running shoes and fantastic reductions on all your favourite kit. If you don’t have one already, pick up a copy of our sale catalogue in store for all the latest information on our exclusive weekly flash sales. Now’s the time to grab a bargain, so visit us in store nationwide or online.
event news
Please check your event's news pages for the most up to date information.
Cancellations and course changes this Saturday:
- Aylesbury parkrun is cancelled until the 25th of January due to flooding.
- Bromley parkrun is cancelled until the 25th of January due to flooding.
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
On the 23rd of April in 2011 I went with my wife (and our three boys) to her first parkrun. I was injured so could not run until the following week. Thirteen months later we were invited to become Run Directors at Eastleigh parkrun. Last month (December) Eastleigh parkrun awarded me the Sweatshop Monthly Prize and I wanted to take the opportunity to say thanks. Over the past 30+ months the five of us have run 468 times (our 10-year old youngest has run over 40, although volunteering as barcode scanner is his preferred favourite). Thank you to all the sponsors, thank you to parkrun, thank you especially to all the volunteers, and thank you to the team at Eastleigh parkrun for all their friendship and support. We would not have done it without them.
Regards,
Robert Bryan
Hi parkrun UK
It was three years ago that I suffered a heart attack which came as a complete surprise. I was shocked and devastated, yet at the same time I felt lucky to have survived. I made a quick recovery and was determined not to give in to the disease. After a short rehabilitation I decided to take up running which I had never tried. I decided to join the Sheffield Hallam parkrun. Since then I've been a keen parkrunner and my weekend wouldn't be complete without the dose of parkrun. It played a very important part in my recovery and I must appreciate its service to keep the community healthy and fit. I’ll now be joining the 100 club very soon. Thank you and long live parkrun!
Regards,
Rizni Marzook
Hi parkrun UK
The New Years Day Tilgate parkrun was a good opportunity for me and my son Ben to run with my dad Len. Usually Ben is somewhere near the front of the field whereas nowadays I'm a casual runner and run simply because I can. Having a local parkrun was just the incentive Len needed to start running again after many years in an effort to try and keep his heart as healthy as possible and ward off the effects of cardiac arrhythmia. Unfortunately the wind and rain on the day were not conducive to getting my dad a PB!
Regards,
Vincent Golding
Hi parkrun UK
Doncaster parkrun is my home event but on Christmas Day and New Year’s Day I tried somewhere new. For Christmas Day I was at Barnsley parkrun. This is seemingly on a mountainside, if you need a rest you can just lean on the slope! Volunteers offered mince pies, mulled wine, coffee and endless cheery, festive support. For New Year’s Day I was at Hanley parkrun. This has a gentler but relentless slope, crossing the Caldon Canal, passing a grand old pavillion and finishing at the bandstand. The weather was grim but the people were unswervingly enthusiastic. I would never have seen or even known of these places without parkrun so thank you!
Regards,
Simon Hunter
Hi parkrun UK
I just wanted to share what an amazing time I had at Lloyd parkrun, Croydon on the 28th of December. It was my first ‘solo tourist’ parkrun and I was very nervous, particularly as it was a little more hilly than I was used to at Gunnersbury parkrun. As soon as I arrived I saw a few people putting spikes on and thought “oh no”, but I was there and I wasn't backing out! The run was so much fun, cross country, hills and gallons of mud on the way round. The people were really friendly and at one point a couple of us were just laughing as we slid through the mud. I would recommend this parkrun to everyone. Thank you Lloyd parkrun!
Regards,
Catherine Mulrenan
Hi parkrun UK
I just want to thank the marshal at Reading parkrun who stands at halfway and gives out split-times. I don't know his name but he is a welcome sight and always provides me with motivation. I have improved over my 14 parkruns so far from walking a good bit of the way to now being able to run the entire course. It's nice to be able to run through that all important halfway mark and have an idea of whether I am headed for a PB or not.
Regards,
Arlene Kersley
Hi parkrun UK
I completed my first parkrun at Bushy Park on Saturday in terrible conditions but what a great bunch of runners! Mud up to the armpits and a good soaking just seemed to add to the fun and certainly made the coffee taste better afterwards. Note to self: get some waterproofs! As a fairweather runner I usually wait for the sun to come out, however parkrun managed to get me out running!
Regards,
Stephen Arras
Hi parkrun UK
I had a great parkrun on Christmas Day at Great Lines Heritage Park in Gillingham. I finished 75th out of 75 runners with my worst time to date as weather conditions were rubbish, but I had a great run despite that. I think I was the only lady running in my age category (VW55-59) that day too! This means I came first after all... for my gender age group. A big thank you to Tony Giles and his team of cheering volunteers and a special thank you to the volunteer photographer who ran in the final few yards with me. I would encourage everyone to take part at parkrun.
Regards,
Sue Abnett
Hi parkrun UK
What a way to start the year! On Saturday I completed my 100th parkrun! Five years ago I broke my knee and had to learn to walk again. I was also told I would never be able to run again but thanks to parkrun I have proved the surgeon wrong. I was introduced to the Sweatshop Running Community via parkrun and now run with their group twice a week. I have also made some great friends through Nonsuch parkrun, one of whom celebrated their 100th parkrun with me. Thank you for making this happen.
Regards,
Fran Afonso
Hi parkrun UK
I just wanted to share a photograph of my fabulous birthday cake. My partner Graham designed it and our friend Zoe created it. I ran my 49th parkrun on the 4th of January, my final run before I turn 50 this coming Monday. My first parkrun as a 50 year old will be my 50th and I'm excited to achieve the famous red t-shirt. Running at parkrun has opened a new chapter in my life. In 2013 I ran my first 10k races and in November I ran a half marathon. It's the running buddies I met at Heaton parkrun and Graham, who is a parkrun convert, who have encouraged me to believe I can do all this. Thank you parkrun UK and Heaton parkrun.
Regards,
Sue Porter
Hi parkrun UK
What a great day I had on Saturday. It was Gunpowder parkrun’s 113th event and my 100th parkrun (all done at Gunpowder Park). When I finished I was surprised to find that tea and cakes had been laid on! I’d just like to thank the organisers, volunteers and runners for making the day so special, even in the pouring rain.
Regards,
Derek Weedon
Hi parkrun UK
I ran my first parkrun this past Saturday where it all began in Bushy Park (their 499th event) and it was fantastic. I live right by Bushy Park so I jogged down to the start, wondering just how many runners would pitch up as the weather was pretty grim. I recently moved from Cape Town so was desperate to get out and do some running. It was wet, muddy and lots of fun. I will definitely make it a regular Saturday thing and look forward to meeting new runners and friends. Thanks to all the volunteers who had a smile and an encouraging word for all who went past, despite the rather grim weather.
Regards,
Sue Ullyett
parkrunner of the week
Name: Ken Bingley
Club: Ackworth Road Runners
Age: 81
Home parkrun: Pontefract
Occupation: Retired
Number of runs: 107
Favourite volunteer role: Yet to volunteer.
What do you do at parkruns: I enjoying just getting round having been a lot faster in my earlier years! It is a wonderful way to keep in touch with my running friends from over the years as well as making new ones, especially the youngsters who keep me company on my steady ‘plod’.
How has parkrun changed your running: It has enabled me to continue into my eighties and maintain my connection with running and all that it has to offer. It is proof positive age is no barrier when you have an eight year old accompanying an 81 year old over the same distance!
What do you like about parkrun: Getting out there and doing it but also the volunteers who week in and week out are there waiting to support me and cheer me in. When I see young ones with their parents, grandparents or guardians it really is heartening.
Most memorable or funniest parkrun moment: I’ve had so many at Pontefract parkrun but my 100th parkrun in November last year will always stand out for me.
parkrun corner
I hope you all had a fantastic Christmas and New Year! I was lucky enough to complete my third Christmas Day parkrun. At Durham we’re not allowed to run on days when the University Sports Centre is closed, which was Christmas Day, so it was a good opportunity to get a spot more parkrun tourism in.
My first Christmas Day parkrun was in 2011 at Hull parkrun located in East Park. We were staying with my wife’s parents in Beverley nearby and I still remember the look of confusion on their faces when we announced we were going out for a run. This was my first experience of a Christmas parkrun but we were made very welcome by Gill and Paul Tremere plus all the other volunteers there. Completely coincidentally the next year, we ended up at Sedgefield parkrun in beautiful Hardwick Park which is organised by Gill and Paul’s daughter Jane Spink. This was a very low key affair with a bare minimum of marshals and everyone enjoyed it.
This very Christmas season just gone I’d unfortunately missed Darlington South Park parkrun’s anniversary on the Saturday before (the 21st) due to Durham parkrun obligations so I was very keen to pop down there to congratulate Ian Barnes and his team on a fantastic first year. It’s the town where I was born, although there was no obligation to sleep in a stable luckily. The 100 or so runners there were part of nearly 13,000 parkrunners worldwide who took part in a Christmas Day parkrun with several other events also doing so in our small North East region alone.
Lastly, I’d like to give huge thanks to Alan Guy at Middlesbrough Albert parkrun who is stepping down as joint Event Director. Many thanks for all your great work Alan and good luck to Tracey Quinn who continues. I hope you all have a brilliant parkrunning 2014!
Alister Robson, Durham parkrun Event Director and parkrun UK Ambassador
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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 2013 alone over 33,000 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
January
Harrow Lodge parkrun 11th
St Albans parkrun 11th
Wimpole Estate parkrun 11th
York parkrun 11th
Carlisle parkrun 18th
Chelmsford Central parkrun 18th
Harrogate parkrun 18th
Milton Keynes parkrun 18th
Newcastle parkrun 18th
Barnsley parkrun 25th
Cambridge parkrun 25th
Eastbourne parkrun 25th
Forest Of Dean Juniors parkrun 25th
Walthamstow parkrun 25th
February
Bexley parkrun 1st
Bolton parkrun 1st
Coventry parkrun 1st
Hillsborough parkrun 1st
Mile End parkrun 1st
Temple Newsam parkrun 1st
Wolverhampton parkrun 1st
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.
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