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Pollok park needs you! |
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Pollok park needs you!
We all love Pollok park, and the Glasgow parkrun organising team has been speaking with park staff to see if there was anything we could help with, perhaps something that'd benefit from lots of enthusiastic hands tackling a problem.
We think we've found just the project, so if you can spare a few minutes after your run over the next few weeks, we'd love to get as many Glasgow parkrunners as possible contributing directly to the park.
Himalayan Balsam is an exotic invasive plant which is making significant inroads into some of the woodland in the park. As it shades out most other native vegetation for 2 months every year it is giving rise to serious concern, and needs to be destroyed. The park staff don’t have the time to pull the stuff out, and weed killers kill off the native plants too so pulling it out by hand is the best option.
What has that got to do with parkrun?
As we get free use of the park most of the year we thought it would be great to give something back and support the park.
So how do we help?
It is important that the spread of this weed into the woodland priority area (just about 150 metres from our run finish point) is stopped by pulling up the weeds by hand before the flowers appear, which is normally at the beginning of July. We want you to help do this immediately after the parkrun for about 15-30 minutes (or longer if you want) starting on 19th May. The project will go on for 5 consecutive weeks. Any time at all you can spare would be great!
What do we need to do?
Starting on 19th May plan to do a spot of weeding right after the run. You will need gloves, long sleeved top and trousers (to avoid getting scratched by brambles etc.) and suitable footwear. It would also be good if you could bring some antiseptic wipes and plasters in case you get scratched. The park conservation officer will be there on 19thMay to ensure that we pull up the right weeds and to give any advice necessary.
How hard is it?
It is so easy – the weeds pull out really easily and can be piled in a heap – they don’t need to be bagged – they are annuals so once they are pulled they are dead.
Do we have to sign up for this?
No - just turn up prepared on 19th May and/or any of the following 4 weeks when you are at parkrun and can spare an extra few minutes to do some gardening on a grand scale.
Does this mean that there will be no coffee stop in the Burrell cafe?
Absolutely not! We'll just go after the weed pull! We will let the cafe staff know what is going on and that we will be a little later than usual!
From Pollok Park's Ranger Service
"Pollok Country Park and the Countryside Ranger Service work with a number of community groups to help conserve and take some responsibility for the future quality of the Park and its habitats. We would like to thank any parkrunners who are able to take part in looking after this site by removing Himalayan Balsam, especially where it has reached the woodland floor. This is a task beyond a small number of people but can be tackled if larger amounts of volunteers persevere over time. Hope to see you all on the 19th" –Ian Boyd, Countryside Ranger, Pollok Country Park.
I hope that we can count on you to help out with this project! If you want any more information please get in touch with us at GlasgowOffice@parkrun.com, or see our news page for more information: http://parkrun.org.uk/glasgow/news
Regards
Glasgow parkrun
Background information
Himalayan Balsam is an exotic invasive plant which is visible in many parts of Pollok in the spring and summer notably on the riverbanks. It is also making significant inroads to some of the woodlands and this is causing serious concern. Unfortunately due to its density and height it shades out most other native vegetation and if left unchallenged will have a dramatic undesirable effect on the park. The woods near to the main entrance gate at Pollokshaws Road have been identified as a priority area for the eradication of this weed. Although the plants are Annuals the seeds have a life of 3 years and so it is necessary to continue action for a 3 year period to ensure eradication. It is also essential that the action takes place before the plants flower and seed in July.
To avoid using chemicals which would have a detrimental effect upon other vegetation it is intended that the plants be pulled by hand by volunteers. Some work has already been done by a local school but it is an ongoing problem.
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Glasgow parkrun Event 173, 12th May, 2012 |
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Ian MacDonald's event Report
Good weather yet again – sunny, but cool with a little breeze and this enabled no less than 70 of the 304 runners to obtain p.b’s. The reduction in numbers from the 400’s of the two previous weeks reflected the fact that the annual Glasgow Womens 10K was due to be run the following day.
Richard was in charge for the umpteenth time (thanks Richard) and had the luxury of having all his able volunteers in place by the beginning of the week – always good for the run director’s blood pressure.
Congratulations to Chris Devenney on being the first man home in a new p.b. of 15:55 and to Holly Still (age 14) on being the first lady in 19:02 and also having the best age graded performance. (See below for further details). But well done to Margaret McFadden who finished 303rd. overall but with her 6th. successive p.b. since starting the parkrun on 03/03/12.
Warm congratulations to 18 year old parkrunner, Luke Traynor (Giffnock North AAC) for his third place in the British Universities Athletics Championships 10,000m in the excellent time of 30:41.58 on the new Olympic track the previous Sunday. Luke has the 3rd and 6th fastest times for the Glasgow parkrun and his recent 15:09 is getting ever closer to the 15:01 of Ross Toole (Kilbarchan AAC) which has stood since 12/12/09
Note: Luke’s mum, Conny was one of the willing helpers this week having completed her 55th. Glasgow parkrun in a new p.b. of 27:46 the previous week.
Ian MacDonald
Event Results
Men's placings:
Chris DEVENNEY (SM25-29) of Kilbarchan AAC, was first in 15:55 - 4th win in 4th appearance.
Gary MCBRIDE (SM20-24) of Shettleston Harriers, was second in 16:46.
Steven PRENTICE (SM35-39) of Bellahouston Harriers, was third in 16:59.
Current standing in the Men's annual points competition:
Stuart MACDOUGALL (PwC) 5159 pts.
Paul HOUSTON (Law and District AAC) 4891 pts.
Alastair John MACLACHLAN (Bellahouston Road Runners) 4481 pts.
Women's placings:
Holly STILL (JW14) of Giffnock North AAC, was first (16th overall) in 19:02 - first win in second appearance.
Danielle KELLY (JW14) of Giffnock North AAC, was second (30th overall) in 20:30.
Emma BRYSON (SW30-34) of Bellahouston Road Runners, was third (40th overall) in 21:06.
Current standing in the Women's annual points competition:
Lynne GOLDIE (Unattached) 5354 pts.
Lesley WHITEFIELD (Unattached) 4781 pts.
Eva EVANS (Unattached) 4722 pts.
The following runners recorded the best Age Grade scores:
Holly STILL (JW14) was graded 83.89 % for the time 19:02 (16th overall).
Irene ANDERSON (VW60-64) was graded 81.34 % for the time 24:55 (150th overall).
Chris DEVENNEY (SM25-29) was graded 81.05 % for the time 15:55 (first overall).
This week there were 304 runners, of whom 44 were first timers and 70 recorded new Personal Bests. Representatives of 24 different athletics clubs took part.
Glasgow parkrun started on 6th December 2008, and since then 7,112 different runners, including participants from 227 athletics clubs, have completed 41,196 runs covering a total distance of 205,980 km, and there have been 10,244 new Personal Bests.
The Women's course record is held by Freya MURRAY who ran in a time of 16:32 on 31st December 2011 (event number 153).
The Men's course record is held by Ross TOOLE who ran in a time of 15:01 on 12th December 2009 (event number 51).
The Age Grade course record is held by Robert QUINN who recorded a 89.82 % run (15:33) on 21st March 2009 (event number 16).
Today's full results and a complete event history can be found on the Glasgow parkrun Results Page.
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Event Report for 5th May 2012 |
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Glasgow parkrun Event no 172 on 5th May 2012
What a fabulous day for a run- cool sunny and bright – great for personal bests- no less than 131PBs were recorded. Pollok Park was looking wonderful in the spring sunshine and the 427 parkrunners of whom 146 were women gave it their best. Many of the women runners were doing a bit of final training in preparation for the Women’s 10K on 13 May.
The volunteers did a fantastic job as usual although earlier on in the week we were struggling to fill several volunteer spaces. Please note that apart from the photographer and report writer all the volunteer spaces for 12May have been filled.
The results were as follows
MEN'S PLACINGS
Neil GOURLEY (JM15-19) of Giffnock North AAC, was first in 16:17 - second win in 10th appearance.
Kevin DOWNIE (VM40-44) of East Kilbride AAC, was second in 16:46 - 1 previous win.
An unknown runner was third.
Current standing in the Men's annual points competition:
Stuart MACDOUGALL (PwC) 4914 pts.
Paul HOUSTON (Law and District AAC) 4891 pts.
Alastair John MACLACHLAN (Bellahouston Road Runners) 4481 pts.
WOMEN'S PLACINGS
Jacqui THOMSON (VW45-49) of Victoria Park City Of Glasgow AC, was first (24th overall) in 19:00 - 11th win in 22nd appearance.
Ruth FRASER-MOODIE (VW35-39) (Unattached) was second (36th overall) in 19:52.
Jennifer CLARK (VW40-44) of Bellahouston Harriers, was third (40th overall) in 20:08.
Current standing in the Women's annual points competition:
Lynne GOLDIE (Unattached) 5115 pts.
Lesley WHITEFIELD (Unattached) 4531 pts.
Eva EVANS (Unattached) 4473 pts.
AGE GRADED SCORES
The following runners recorded the best Age Grade scores:
Jacqui THOMSON (VW45-49) was graded 86.14 % for the time 19:00 (24th overall).
Alexander CHISHOLM (VM55-59) was graded 84.55 % for the time 18:20 (12th overall
Graham MC GRATTAN (VM55-59) was graded 83.29 % for the time 18:27 (16th overall).
STATISTICS
This week there were 427 runners, of whom 40 were first timers and 131 recorded new Personal Bests. Representatives of 37 different athletics clubs took part.
Glasgow parkrun started on 6th December 2008, and since then 7,068 different runners, including participants from 226 athletics clubs, have completed 40,892 runs covering a total distance of 204,460 km, and there have been 10,172 new Personal Bests.
The Women's course record is held by Freya MURRAY who ran in a time of 16:32 on 31st December 2011 (event number 153).
The Men's course record is held by Ross TOOLE who ran in a time of 15:01 on 12th December 2009 (event number 51).
The Age Grade course record is held by Robert QUINN who recorded a 89.82 % run (15:33) on 21st March 2009 (event number 16).
The full results and a complete event history can be found on the Glasgow parkrun Results Page.
Liz Corbett
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Report from Sarah, in verse, no less.... |
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Glasgow Parkrun #165 – The View of a First-time Visitor
At Stupid o’clock I was on the M8
Got to Glasgow early, and settled to wait.
I’d agreed with a friend we’d run it together,
But was really surprised we’d got such lovely weather.
As people arrived, I met some of the guys,
Expressed my concerns; should I say my goodbyes?
“It’s hilly”, they said, and I felt myself frown.
“But every hill up is followed by down!”
Too soon it was time to head to the start,
Listen to the briefing, with fluttering heart.
"Keep to the left" - just like my home run,
And all of a sudden, the race had begun.
I plodded along, as my ability allowed,
There at the back, watching the crowd.
The twisting course meant I soon lost sight
Of many a runner so fleet footed and light.
Onwards I plodded, running and walking,
Completely incapable of doing any talking.
The Park as a setting was pretty and green –
A change from the coastal Edinburgh scene.
The beautiful scenery I couldn’t admire;
My pace was sporadic, my breathing was dire.
The front runners lapped me at 2k with ease.
Fast, lean, impressive; some in red 50 tees.
It was all I could do to keep plodding along,
Passing 3k then 4k, feeling calmer and strong.
So then came a downhill and I decided to push,
Lengthened my stride and felt my face flush.
Is this what it’s like to run like a pro?
To stretch out my legs, and let myself go?
Normally I’m wishing for the torture to end,
I don’t enjoy running, but it fills my weekend.
I do love the post-run feeling that comes;
The flush of the skin, the heartbeat that drums.
So when the finish line appeared in my sight,
I couldn’t help smiling, though my legs felt so tight.
Crossed over the line and took my place token
Over to register, my relief went unspoken.
My first time at Glasgow went just as I'd thought -
Friendly and challenging; 5k well fought.
Well done to the runners, and the plodders, that race,
And all the volunteers who help it take place.
I'll be back at Edinburgh next week, you see,
But warm thanks to Glasgow – next time, a PB!
Many thanks to Sarah Self for her excellent contribution.
Just to remind everyone about SPARKLE ((study of parkrun on lifestyle and exercise). It's being carried out by Loughborough University and Imperial college NHS Healthcare Trust. They are exploring the link between parkrun and the low cost way of helping to improve public health. They would like as many parkrunners as possible to register (just google parkrun sparkle and that will lead you to their page, you need your barcode athlete number). Unfortunately for juniors it is for the 18 and overs.
Finally the weekly stats.
Stuart MACDOUGALL (SM25-29) of PwC, was first in 17:42 - third win in 54th appearance.
David MACKINTOSH (SM20-24) of Kilbarchan AAC, was second in 17:48.
Kevin CORNES (SM20-24) (Unattached) was third in 17:53.
Current standing in the Men's annual points competition:
Stuart MACDOUGALL (PwC) 3681 pts.
Paul HOUSTON (Law and District AAC) 3492 pts.
David MACIVER (Unattached) 3089 pts.
Women's placings:
Joanne MCEVOY (SW30-34) of Calderglen Harriers, was first (29th overall) in 20:55 - first win in 7th appearance.
Shona DONNELLY (VW45-49) of Bellahouston Road Runners, was second (33rd overall) in 21:01 - 3 previous wins.
Lynne PEASTON (SW25-29) (Unattached) was third (34th overall) in 21:02.
Current standing in the Women's annual points competition:
Lynne GOLDIE (Unattached) 3479 pts.
Eva EVANS (Unattached) 3139 pts.
Angela CASSIDY (Unattached) 3125 pts.
The following runners recorded the best Age Grade scores:
Liz CORBETT (VW65-69) was graded 85.41 % for the time 24:06 (121st overall).
Alastair John MACLACHLAN (VM50-54) was graded 79.14 % for the time 18:56 (7th overall).
Ian TAGGART (VM50-54) was graded 76.12 % for the time 19:41 (11th overall).
This week there were 387 runners, of whom 54 were first timers and 84 recorded new Personal Bests. Representatives of 25 different athletics clubs took part.
Glasgow parkrun started on 6th December 2008, and since then 6,768 different runners, including participants from 218 athletics clubs, have completed 38,249 runs covering a total distance of 191,245 km, and there have been 9,466 new Personal Bests.
The Women's course record is held by Freya MURRAY who ran in a time of 16:32 on 31st December 2011 (event number 153).
The Men's course record is held by Ross TOOLE who ran in a time of 15:01 on 12th December 2009 (event number 51).
The Age Grade course record is held by Robert QUINN who recorded a 89.82 % run (15:33) on 21st March 2009 (event number 16).
Today's full results and a complete event history can be found on the Glasgow parkrun Results Page.
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Latest club t-shirts |
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T-shirt update
parkrun's sponsor Adidas supports the parkrun clubs: http://www.parkrun.com/about/parkrunclubs - and to recognise the achievements of runners achieving these milestones, offers a gift of a t-shirt to those runners.
We've received another batch of these t-shirts. Unfortunately they're still struggling to work through the backlog, so please bear with us. T-shirts we have received listed below. Please bring your barcode with you, and speak to Christiane preferably before the event, to collect your t-shirt.
If you were hoping to receive a t-shirt, and aren't on the list (and definitely emailed back to the email you will have received from Ray, with your size details), please bear with us (particularly for our younger runners). There's a huge backlog, and Ray and Anne (the t-shirt pixies) have over a hundred events to send deliveries to now, which I'm sure you can appreciate is becoming a massive task.
Note we've still a few from the previous delivery. See further below for the list.
Thanks for your patience, and thanks too to our sponsors Adidas.
10 club t-shirts
D Carson, E Greenan, M Taylor, E Miller, T Wilson, C Wighton, C Mason, M Lancaster
50 club t-shirts
A Wilson, R McEleney, D Moore, W Jones, R Beetham, D Shand, K Brydie, B Williamson, R Leyton, L Goldie, M Robinson, J White, G Keegan, I Reid, C Stelfox, K Laidlaw, N Ash, J Reid, C Dow, S McQuaid, P Dow, S Macdougall, P McKendry, P Wynne
100 club t-shirts and jackets
J Gilhooly, A Maclachlan, B Reid
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