January over and out

The final parkrun of January saw another bumper turnout of 310 runners, and that’s not including the Jack Russell which nearly always sprints into the finishing funnel.  One day it’ll end up being timed (advertently or inadvertently)…  

Conditions were dry and calm, if a tad chilly.  The sun broke through and bathed the runners in some late January sunshine.  A group of children gave the runners a massive cheer when it started, which was great to see.  As the event got underway, runners were able to storm down the back straight, unhindered by the westerly that has been blowing over the last few weeks.  The ground was generally firm but there was a soft, muddy, layer on top, making it a little slippery, especially on the corners.  This added a bit of a challenge as the runners had to focus and balance well on these corners to avoid skidding.

Despite these conditions, there were some notable achievements, with Stephen Thackeray finishing in an impressive 16:51, only 11 seconds outside his PB.  The battle between the two leading ladies was won by Deborah Anne Niccoll in18:16 on her first parkrun at Bromley, followed by her competitor, Francesca Green, in 18:36. 

Tim Springett knocked almost 30 seconds off his PB, finishing in 19:32, and Fintan Parkinson, who came 4^th, knocked 40 seconds off his PB.  Given the soft surface, it is impressive that nearly a third of runners (92) recorded PBs.

Bromley parkrun has started to have volunteers who act as sweeper, i.e. someone who follows the field to ensure that everyone makes it round and is OK.  On this occasion, Richard Pitcairn-Knowles celebrated his 50^th Parkrun as sweeper, explaining that he wanted to really enjoy the event and thought this would be a great way of doing that.  Much appreciated, Richard!  On the subject of milestones, Gillian Anderson completed her 99^th parkrun on Saturday, only one short of a century!

There are usually one or two runners (sometimes more) who volunteer as pacers every week, and this week was no exception.  Sam Perry helped several runners break the 25 minute barrier, including Ian Chapman, and Matt Jones achieved similar success as 26 minute pacer.  Following a pacer is a good way of practising a consistent running pace or working towards a new PB.  Bromley parkrun is aiming to make every first Saturday of the month a ‘paced parkrun’, in which there will be a number of pacers covering a range of times from 18 to 30+ minutes, depending on demand, for runners who would like to follow a pacer.  The pacers will wear brightly coloured bibs with the time they are pacing at printed on the back.  If you would like to be a pacer for this event or for any other week, please email bromleyhelpers@parkrun.com. 

One of the great things about Bromley parkrun is the social afterwards, with the usual de-brief (“how was your run today?”) over a tea or coffee and cake.  Thanks to Olivia Springett and Joanna  Gambell, who brought some great cakes, enabling runners to replenish used sugar stores in the nicest way possible.

A big “thank-you” also goes to Lizzie Wilkinson who sad to say has decided to step down as volunteer coordinator. Thanks Lizzie for all your hard work over the last few months.

And on a happier note a huge thank you to Beckenham running club for their £50 donation.

Many thanks also to this week’s volunteers:

Adrian PERRY • Alan NIBLOCK • Colin FRITH • David ALLISON • David Andrew REES • Karen ROBINSON • Laura STABLES • Richard PITCAIRN-KNOWLES • Royston HACKETT • Sigrid ROBSON • Stuart CULLUM

Report: Sigrid Robson

Bromley parkrun Event number 127; 28th January 2012

Men's placings:
Stephen THACKERAY (SM30-34) (Unattached) was first in 16:51 - 5^th win in 12^th appearance.
Daniel BENTLEY-GOULDSTONE (SM30-34) of Beckenham RC, was second in 17:46 - 1 previous win.
Christian THOMAS (SM35-39) (Unattached) was third in 18:00 - 2 previous wins.

Current standing in the Men's annual points competition:
Stephen ROBSON (Unattached) 2085 pts.
Russell HARMSWORTH (Striders of Croydon AC) 2077 pts.
Andy TUCKER (Blackheath & Bromley Harriers AC) 1726 pts.

Women's placings:
Deborah Anne NICCOL (SW20-24) of Bristol and West AC, was first (5^th overall) in 18:16 - first appearance.
Francesca GREEN (SW30-34) of Blackheath & Bromley Harriers AC, was second (8^th overall) in 18:36 - 1 previous win.
Carole PENLINGTON (VW35-39) (Unattached) was third (37^th overall) in 20:46 - 6 previous wins.

Current standing in the Women's annual points competition:
Giovanna ZIZZA (Unattached) 1775 pts.
Clare RUTTERFORD (Unattached) 1747 pts.
Sigrid ROBSON (Unattached) 1579 pts.

The following runners recorded the best Age Grade scores:
Graham John COATES (VM60-64) was graded 82.50 % for the time 19:37 (21^st overall).
Deborah Anne NICCOL (SW20-24) was graded 81.02 % for the time 18:16 (5^th overall).
Anne UNSELD (VW60-64) was graded 79.91 % for the time 24:38 (121^st overall).

This week there were 310 runners, of whom 27 were first timers and 92 recorded new Personal Bests. Representatives of 18 different athletics clubs took part.

Bromley parkrun started on 29th August 2009, and since then 2,539 different runners, including participants from 106 athletics clubs, have completed 17,794 runs covering a total distance of 88,970 km, and there have been 4,288 new Personal Bests.

The Women's course record is held by Clare ELMS who ran in a time of 17:37 on 26th June 2010 (event number 43).
The Men's course record is held by Steve VERNON who ran in a time of 14:56 on 4th June 2011 (event number 92).
The Age Grade course record is held by Ros TABOR who recorded a 92.49 % run (21:31) on 1st October 2011 (event number 108).

Today's full results and a complete event history can be found on the Bromley parkrun Results Page.

A little over two years ago when Lizzie and I turned up at Norman Park, looking somewhat overdressed in our walking/hiking clothes, nervous and barely capable of running non-stop for 5k we certainly didn’t expect to be running a half marathon in Los Angeles a couple of years later, nor did we expect to be part of a family that has grown from 30 to over 300 but that is the magic of parkrun.  

Comparing the starts from August 2009 to January 2012

It took some time to get used to this running business, but we benefitted from the wealth of experience and support of our fellow parkrunners, many of whom have now become very good friends. 

It was great to see so many new faces today as a crowd of first timers gathered around Race Director, Karen Barritt, before the start to be briefed about the run. Karen is one of Bromley parkrun legends, who along with David Allison, volunteers week after week. Organising an event which, with over 3.. finishers is now larger than most annual club races that have the benefit of 12 months planning and a team of club members to help with the organisation. 

Maybe it is because we have also been in the same place as most first timers, that people like Karen and David, continue to support parkrun and are just as motivated by helping others achieve their goals as they are in reaching their own.  

They, like many others who have volunteered for various roles, selflessly give their collective time and expertise to parkrun for the benefit of others, each other and not for themselves or any personal gain or kudos. This spirit is why Bromley parkrun continues to grow and attracts new runners each week. 

After a brief introduction Karen handed the microphone over to another regular volunteer and today’s timer, Sigrid Robson who, despite having lost her voice, managed to give one of her customary rousing starts. We hope you noticed that we now have a new PA system donated by parkrunner, 100 marathon club member, Colin Poole and his company SHIRCOL !  

Numbers were boosted today by a large contingent from Petts Wood Runners, sporting a variety of their new club shirts and leisurewear. Although still recovering from the back operation that has prevented David Allison from running, he was able to take advantage of a mild morning to wander around the course taking photographs of them in action before he headed home to process today’s results. We look forward to receiving the new PWR leisurewear catalogue in amongst the inserts of the next edition of Runners World but not sure whether the clothing will be stocked at Sweatshop.   

First home today in a time of 18.21 was Blackheath and Bromley Harriers AC  junior William B RUIZ , with fellow junior Naomi KINGSTON  finishing slightly ahead of Jessica Zara KEENE. A good day for the Bees Academy Juniors.  Stuart CULLUM completed his 50^th run. 

You may have read in the local news recently that Bromley Council have plans to develop the track and Norman Park, no details are available at the moment but you can rest assured that we are monitoring the situation.  

Whatever is planned though it would be good if the Council were able to install a windbreak along the cinder track. Yes, once again eyes were watering with the wind blowing up the back straight. A bit of a shock after a week spent in the sun on the Pacific Coast and not a great day for a PB but a good one for a run in the park in the company of others.  

At least that is the 31 minute pacers excuse for easing off a little and finishing slower than 31 minutes. In reality it was a choice between continuing at the set pace or slowing a little to stay with those who had asked to be paced at 31 minutes and as Richard Dunston ( Petts Wood Runners ) was already setting the ideal 31 minute pace slightly ahead, resplendent in a new PWR hoodie and like Jane Greenfield who was pacing at sub 30 minutes managed to help several runners to new PB’s.   

I chose the latter option and ran in the company of Joanna Gambell who I am sure will crack 31 minutes soon, perhaps on 4^th February when we have the first of our monthly pacing events. A list is on the new noticeboard in the pavilion for you to add your name if you are able to pace at a selected time or please let Karen know by e-mail at 

bromleyhelpers@parkrun.com.

We can guarantee that the pacers will be colour co-ordinated and very easy to spot thanks to pacing running bibs that have also been donated by SHIRCOL. I sense another clothing photo opportunity for David.   

Yes, we have new noticeboards as well! These will be in the registration room each week and have been bought using some of the donations you have made.  There is one board for all our parkrun notices and information, and another for details of local clubs and events. Bromley parkrun is part of the local running community and we encourage all local running clubs to take advantage of this and you are welcome to add a flyer promoting your club or event.    

Thank you to this week’s excellent volunteers without whom the event could not take place:  David ALLISON  •  Giovanna ZIZZA  •  Karen BARRITT  •  Kevan WILKINSON  •  Leon Francis RUIZ  •  Liz WILKINSON  •  Martin RUIZ  •  Nicole LANGDON  •  Sigrid ROBSON  •  Zoe WRIGHT and JEREMY BRUNGER who acted as the last runner buddy. 

If you would like to volunteer for a future event then please drop us an e-mail at

bromleyhelpers@parkrun.com

There are a wide range of roles available including a couple of roles where you can also run as well.  These are volunteering to write the race report, and to be the official back marker (last person) for the run so that when you cross the finishing line we know all the runners are back! 

……Finally I leave you with some instruction from the LA 13.1 event which I am sure we can learn from and adopt for Norman Park, particularly useful following heavy rain or on windy mornings ….  

An Event Status System will be displayed at each mile marker and aid station indicating the status of the race based on the current weather conditions. 

There will be a simple color-based warning system. 

 GREEN FLAG-GO! - "Normal" - Good condition; runners/walkers should be alert and enjoy the event. 

 YELLOW FLAG-CAUTION! - Less than ideal conditions; runners/walkers should slow down and drink plenty of water. 

 RED FLAG-DANGER! - Potentially dangerous conditions;  

• Heat - runners/walkers should slow down and drink plenty of water.
• Lighting/Hail/Tornado - runners/walkers should take cover at the closest shelter until the course is reopened. 

Timing of the event has stopped and no awards will be given out at this time. Medical remains in place on the course.  

BLACK FLAG-CANCELLED! - Extremely dangerous conditions; Event cancelled, participation stopped - runners/walkers should stop, seek shelter and follow instructions from race staff, volunteers, and public safety officials.  

All the stats

Bromley parkrun Event number 126 21st January 2012

Men's placings:
William B RUIZ (JM15-19) of Blackheath & Bromley Harriers AC, was first in 18:21 - first win in third appearance.
Brian O'CONNOR (SM30-34) of Petts Wood Runners, was second in 18:46.
Andy TUCKER (VM45-49) of Blackheath & Bromley Harriers AC, was third in 18:52 - 2 previous wins.

Current standing in the Men's annual points competition:
Stephen ROBSON (Unattached) 1999 pts.
Russell HARMSWORTH (Striders of Croydon AC) 1986 pts.
Andy TUCKER (Blackheath & Bromley Harriers AC) 1630 pts.

Women's placings:
Naomi KINGSTON (JW14) of Blackheath & Bromley Harriers AC, was first (23^rdoverall) in 20:13 - third win in 5^th appearance.
Amber REED (JW15-19) of Blackheath & Bromley Harriers AC, was second (24^thoverall) in 20:19 - 1 previous win.
Suzy YATES (SW30-34) of Orpington Road Runners, was third (25^th overall) in 20:22 - 5 previous wins.

Current standing in the Women's annual points competition:
Giovanna ZIZZA (Unattached) 1682 pts.
Clare RUTTERFORD (Unattached) 1657 pts.
Jenny LENG (Petts Wood Runners) 1525 pts.

The following runners recorded the best Age Grade scores:
Graham John COATES (VM60-64) was graded 81.39 % for the time 19:53 (15^thoverall).
Naomi KINGSTON (JW14) was graded 80.54 % for the time 20:13 (23^rd overall).
Jessica Zara KEENE (JW14) was graded 78.60 % for the time 20:43 (29^thoverall).

This week there were 338 runners, of whom 46 were first timers and 35 recorded new Personal Bests. Representatives of 17 different athletics clubs took part.

Bromley parkrun started on 29th August 2009, and since then 2,511 different runners, including participants from 105 athletics clubs, have completed 17,484 runs covering a total distance of 87,420 km, and there have been 4,196 new Personal Bests.

The Women's course record is held by Clare ELMS who ran in a time of 17:37 on 26th June 2010 (event number 43).
The Men's course record is held by Steve VERNON who ran in a time of 14:56 on 4th June 2011 (event number 92).
The Age Grade course record is held by Ros TABOR who recorded a 92.49 % run (21:31) on 1st October 2011 (event number 108).

Today's full results and a complete event history can be found on the Bromley parkrun Results Page.

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