Weather is a fair measure on numbers at Parkrun. A nice sunny day can see attendance records rise whilst rain can see the numbers slowly drip away. Despite this, 114 people including 23 first timers still made the decision that running was more favourable than household chores. These brave souls were treated to cool and crisp conditions which no doubt contributed towards the 48 Personal Bests achieved today. This week we had Amy Durrant pushing her 21 month year old in a buggy, Steve Webb running as a slightly-quicker-than-25-minute pacer and two great photographers, Liz O’Keeffe and John ‘Gingersnapper’ Singleton– all photos on our facebook.
This week seemed to attract some of our fastest ladies, both the top three women topped our Age Grading categories and all three got into the Sub 20 category. Hollie Williams was the first girl across the line (3rd Overall) in a speedy time of 18:33, making her the second fastest female of all time at Congleton. Emily Brown was next (7th overall) running 19:00 (third fastest female on record) with Michelle Buckle (9th overall) just 12 seconds behind.
In the men’s placing this week the race was won by Ian Yates in 17:36 on his first appearance. Ian took the lead by the first lap and stayed there comfortably until the end. Rob Hasler finished in second place (his first podium finish), with Jonathon Bowman coming in 4th.
Thanks to all who volunteered today and to all the spectators who came to cheer on friends and family members.
Next week sees our 21st event. To celebrate, Liz O’Keeffe will be bringing a team of physios! For a small donation to The Astbury Mere Trust, you can have a pre / post race massage, great for sorting all those niggles out and preventing injury! What an awesome community you lot are!

Report by Rob Hasler.
Editors note - next time you see Rob run, wish him look, he's getting closer to sub 18 every week!
(SW)

Event 19 saw the highest attendance (146 finishers) yet at Congleton Parkrun. Event Director, Nicola Mapes, who was on scanning duty today, remarked that, "We have a really nice community here now". This pretty much sums us up why we get up early, come to Astbury Mere to run, spectate or volunteer. Runners bring their families, their dogs, their friends and in many cases, their generosity – some are generous through volunteering to make the event run like clockwork, many are generous by donating money to The Astbury Mere.
Sebastian DUFFY (SM25-29) of City of Stoke AC celebrated his Congleton Debut with a win (16:22) but he was closely followed by local runner Julian GOODWIN (VM40-44) of Boalloy RC(16:37). Tom HENDRICKEN (JM15-19) of City of Stoke AC completed the podium (16:41).
The womens competition was just as exciting, Diane Elizabeth MCVEY (VW35-39) of Wilmslow RC celebrated her 2nd victory (19:13) – but was soon followed by first timer Sarah Amanda ROBERTS (SW30-34) (19:40). Local runner, Victoria Robinson came third in a very impressive debut. Two local ladies remain at the top of the annual points competition – Harrier Pickup (who was delighted with her sub 24 PB) closely followed by Kathryn Pickup.
Bill Boynton of Congleton Harriers and Congleton Cycling Club, who is rightly enthusiastic about age gradings watched the event with interest. The Age Grade Podium is as follows Julian GOODWIN (83.35 %), Andrew ALLEN 79.72 % and Tom HENDRICKEN 79.02 %. Bill has suggested that Congleton Harriers use Parkrun to aim towards the clubs age grading trophy (currently held by local master of the marathon, Phil Dawson), it was great to see some at their local 5k today, including Dave Taylor (who, like Phil Dawson helps organise The Congleton Half Marathon) and Charmaine Wood, who both celebrated new PBs. If anyone is interested in joining Congleton Harriers, please visit www.congleton-harriers.co.uk.
Only 29 runners were first timers but the cool conditions helped inspire 54 to new Personal Bests.
It’s always good to see familiar faces and hear people share stories about PBs and their plans for the rest of the weekend. It’s all part of the community atmosphere that Nicola Mapes mentioned. It is a privilege to see this event and talk to runners of all abilities about their achievements and challenges. Watching someone get a PB is just as inspiring as watching Mo Farrah win Olympic Gold. Perhaps this community we have is our little part of the Olympic legacy. Come and join us, we’re right here in Congleton.

Another glorious sunny morning in Astbury Mere provided a fitting background for five runners to receive their 100, 50 and 10 mile club t shirts, watched by 120 other runners at the start line. The most notable 100 club achiever is John Riley of Northern Veterans. John, a Congleton regular who is in his 70s, not only got his 100 Parkruns Club jacket, but used this weeks event as a warm up for Sunday’s London Marathon. We wish John all the best! These achievers inspired almost a third (39) runners to accomplish new personal bests! Among these was Ethan Gater (Junior Men 15-19) who continued to improve by knocking an incredible 50 seconds from his PB of two weeks ago.
First home was Andrew LAMONT (SM35-39) of Macclesfield Harriers & AC, was first over the line in 16:56, 31 seconds off the course record in his first appearance. James SIMPSON (18:18, South Cheshire Harriers) and Steven Millar (18:35, Macclesfield Harriers) soon followed to complete the podium with impressive performances only a few seconds away from their PBs. was second over the line in 18:18. These athletes tabled in the same order in this weeks age gradings – well done all!
Jen LEWIS (SW25-29) was first lady over the line in 20:20 rounding off a successful win for Macclesfield Harriers. Katie Jayne LATHAM (SW25-29) of South Cheshire Harriers, was second in 21:18 and Karen MURPHY (VW45-49) of Bidduph RC, was third, 23:58.
It’s fantastic to see so many runners enjoying Astbtury Mere. We would like local runners to jog, walk or cycle to Astbury Mere. There are some great paths around the area and access is available via Fol Hollow. Runners from further afield could look at public transport and use our Facebook Page to see if they can carshare with.
Also, why not try the other local parkruns?
Hanley Pakrrun is getting a bit busier lately and has a fantastic course – Tommy Hill and his team do a fantastic job and would love to see some of our runners there – Hanley Park is a nice 5 minute jog from the train station and, I hear, the coffee and oat cakes are to die for!
Delamere Parkrun, also in Cheshire is growing in popularity for good reason. Almost 40% of their runners (37)scored PBs this week! It’s therefore of no wonder that it attracted 47 new runners (almost half it’s field) this week!
Bramhall Parkrun might be a bit less busy than usual next week due to The London Marathon. Set up by Parkrun Pioneer of The North West, Rob Downs, it remains by far the busiest parkrun in the area, has some nice thrills and hills and the organisation is like clockwork.
Woodbank Parkrun remains a popular event. Tony Ward uses his Stockport 10 expertese to great effect in a root that starts and finishes on a running track. Great organization and a great atmosphere.
South Manchester Parkrun isn’t too far to run from the train station. A quick bimble to Platt Fields then run their nice flat course – you could secure a PB then go shopping and finish the day off in one of the City’s great restaurants.
Burnage Pakrurn is not too far to run cycle from Heaton Mersey train station. While it’s numbers are modest it provides a nice course that has a justifiably loyal following from those who take part in it.

Wythenshawe Parkrun provides a lovely setting and a nice flat but multi terrain course. Great PB potential!

Heaton Parkrun - there's something special about running in this massive park. This is why it attracts such large numbers. With wide paths, there is low congestion and a great chance of scoring a PB.

There are plenty of Parkruns in the Manchester area to have a go at - have a look at them via this website!