Report by Daryl Catlin
It was noticeable this week how a bit of sunshine and blue sky can lift the spirits and there were many smiles in evidence as everyone chatted both before and after the run. But then week after week, whatever the weather, there are always plenty of smiles (ok some may be grimaces) to be seen. That is one of the things I really like about parkrun, that community feel, that spirit of friendliness, encouragement and participation.
Yet, whilst there is that feeling of an ‘experience shared’ running can be very individual and I am often struck at the variation of approach to running. For example, I personally cannot see the attraction of the ‘double-header’ of immediately heading off after parkrun to run a further 5K, 5 miles, 10K or more; or running parkrun the day before you have a race; or simply running to and/or from parkrun. But then I am stupid enough to try to run a PB every week and despite that a PB happens only very infrequently! The amount of running that some people manage, to me, are great feats of ‘derring-do’ and the personification of Rudyard Kipling’s poem “If”. And if I may continue to borrow from the travel writer Tim Moore (because it sums me up well) I can identify more with ‘derring-don’t’ and I am more of a ‘But…..’ man myself.
So, I am constantly impressed by the efforts of all of our parkrunners and the number of PBs we see every week, and this week was no different. Amongst another excellent turnout of 246 we had 56 PBs and 20 first-timers! Well done to all of you! And some good times were also recorded with Ryan Brookling leading everyone home in 16.48. Martin Rutter, a first-timer here in Basingstoke (but a veteran of 88 parkruns), came second in 17.16 and was followed by Tim Ellis in third with a time of 17.21. Congratulations guys! The women were headed by Cath Wheeler in a time of 20.17 with Caroline Leppard second in 21.30, and Zoe Pillinger in third in 22.21. Excellent running ladies!
And so surprise that our two winners also feature in the top three age gradings, but they were both pipped by Tim Ellis whose time of 17.21 gave him a grading of 86.36%, Ryan Brookling registered 83.73% and Cath Wheeler just behind him on 83.65%. Fantastic gradings all, congratulations!
On the t-shirt front one of our juniors Ryan Pengelly completed his 10th run this week. Well done Ryan – next stop 50!
And thank you also to James Baulch who was Run Director for the first time. He was also still smiling at the end of the run and he told me that he really enjoyed it and would definitely be doing it again! That was great to hear and, anyway, it’s down in print now James! So why not put a smile on your face and try out as a Run Director or simply volunteer. Please email in and let us know.
But however you ran this week, however fast you were, well done to all of you and thank you for joining us at parkrun. That is the great thing about parkrun, you can do it your way, your pace, your style.
Keep running, keep smiling.
See you next week.
WEEKLY REMINDER
Dogs
Those of you who run with dogs are reminded that you must clean up immediately after your dog should it foul anywhere within the War Memorial Park – even during a PB attempt! Not to do so is an offence under the Byelaws and offensive to other park users. Please, therefore, ensure that you always have with you the means of clearing up your dog’s poo (disposable gloves, plastic bag etc). Please ensure also that you keep your dog under control and that neither it, nor its leash, become trip hazards to other runners.
Event number 208
12th May 2012
Men's placings:
Ryan BROOKLING (VM40-44) (Unattached) was first in 16:48 - 15th win in 23rd appearance.
Martin RUTTER (SM30-34) of Stockport Harriers & AC, was second in 17:16.
Tim ELLIS (VM50-54) of Vets AC, was third in 17:21 - 16 previous wins.
Current standing in the Men's annual points competition:
Tim ELLIS (Vets AC) 3900 pts.
John MOSQUERA (Unattached) 3851 pts.
Andrew LITTLE (Unattached) 3569 pts.
Women's placings:
Cath WHEELER (VW50-54) of Overton Harriers & AC, was first (21st overall) in 20:17 - third win in 4th appearance.
Caroline LEPPARD (SW25-29) of Hart Road Runners, was second (37th overall) in 21:30.
Zoe PILLINGER (SW30-34) (Unattached) was third (45th overall) in 22:21.
Current standing in the Women's annual points competition:
Clare MURGATROYD (Basingstoke & Mid Hants AC) 3551 pts.
Alison WILLSON (Unattached) 3406 pts.
Victoria DICK (Running 4 Women Club) 3304 pts.
The following runners recorded the best Age Grade scores:
Tim ELLIS (VM50-54) was graded 86.36 % for the time 17:21 (third overall).
Ryan BROOKLING (VM40-44) was graded 83.73 % for the time 16:48 (first overall).
Cath WHEELER (VW50-54) was graded 83.65 % for the time 20:17 (21st overall).
This week there were 246 runners, of whom 20 were first timers and 58 recorded new Personal Bests. Representatives of 13 different athletics clubs took part.
Basingstoke parkrun started on 5th July 2008, and since then 3,165 different runners, including participants from 154 athletics clubs, have completed 25,562 runs covering a total distance of 127,810 km, and there have been 5,401 new Personal Bests.
The Women's course record is held by Sophie MORRIS who ran in a time of 16:56 on 29th November 2008 (event number 21).
The Men's course record is held by Brian WAKEM who ran in a time of 15:54 on 18th July 2009 (event number 54).
The Age Grade course record is held by Jane GEORGHIOU who recorded a 90.46 % run (20:47) on 31st July 2010 (event number 110).
Today's full results and a complete event history can be found on the Basingstoke parkrun Results Page.