Event 26: half-year up at Highbury Fields, and a grey, cold morning – more early February than early May – saw a 44-strong field (including 10 first timers).

Today’s winner (and next week’s Race Director) John LENEHAN, of City of Derry AC, was one of fourteen athlete’s to notch-up a PB (17:05 – 4^th best time to date on course). This was also John’s third win in as many appearances at Highbury Fields. Tom CAMPBELL was second in 18:44, followed by Nick MANNERS in 19:50 (third overall for the second week running).

First timer Catriona WALKER was first woman today (15^th overall) in 23:09. Second placed woman and 19^th overall was Charlotte WINDERAM in 24:04. Michelle ONG of Mornington Chasers was third (22^nd overall) in 24:18.

Just to let you know there are a few Highbury Fields parkrun specials coming up this summer. On Sunday 24 June, we will be hosting a leg of the north London based Longest Run 2012. Details are still being finalized, but it is likely that Highbury will be the third of 6 or 7 parkruns, all taking place consecutively on the day.  You can take part in as many or as few legs as you want, so even if you don’t fancy going elsewhere, it would be nice to see you at the Fields. Further details will be published shortly in the weekly newsletter.

Then, on Thursday 26 July, there will be a one-off lunchtime parkrun, taking place as part of Islington Council-led celebrations to herald the passing of the Olympic torch through the borough. Again, final details are to be confirmed, but this will be an official run, counting towards individual run totals.

Thanks as always to today’s volunteers – Liam, Chris and Agatha. We are entirely dependent on volunteers. Please get in touch if you are able to help out one Saturday soon.

See you all soon. Happy running!

Hello all –  a quick report from a soggy Highbury Fields, event 25, Saturday 28 April.

First home today was Paul KELLAND, notching his third victory at Highbury in an impressive 19:07 – tantalizingly close to a targeted sub-19 minute performance! Keep it up, Paul – it only a matter of when…. Second overall was Kai BARRON, who was also close to a PB with his finishing time of 19:21. Today’s bronze medal placing went to Neil MANNERS, who clocked a PB-equalling 19:59.

The first woman over the line (11^th overall) was Christina Rose BRIDGE , who recorded a second victory at Highbury Fields in 22:21. Close behind was Katie DOMINEY (13^th overall) in 23:08, followed by Rebecca MILLER (16^th – 23:26).

As these times show, conditions for a run or jog were pretty good this morning, despite the drizzle. Today’s field of 37 was down from last week’s bumper 62 – I blame the rain – but it was still great to see so many first timers and ‘tourists’ (hello Len VORALIA from Milton Keynes – don’t forget to upload your photos!).

A quick look at the annual points table sees today’s victor Paul nosing ahead of Gavin O’SHEA in the men’s race, while Karen CATTINI continues to lead the way for the women.

Just a note to let you know that we will continue to use Starbuck’s at Highbury corner for our post-run coffee while the conditions remain, ahem, spring-like. But as soon as weather conditions improve, we’ll return to the Oasis café in the park (north of the finish line). Listen out in the pre-run briefings….

It’s my watch again next week. Thanks to Steve and Jane for some great recent events and to all our volunteers. Our newest Race Director, John, then takes up the reins on the 12^th. If you are able to help out one Saturday soon please get in touch – highburyfieldsoffice@parkrun.com.

Happy running - David

With the tricky business of summer dealt with for another year – well, most likely anyway, at least around London, N5 – it was time to concentrate once again on the important matter of running, and in particular, the 21^st Highbury Fields parkrun.

And what a day it was. There was a record field of 53 runners, of whom an incredible 34 were running at the Fields for the first time. A warm welcome to you all – we hope to see you again very soon. We also continued with the Highbury tradition of welcoming ‘tourists’ from far and wide. Among these, a big hello to Graeme LAWSON (7^th position today; Linlithgow AAC and Falkirk parkrun); Alister Neil ROBSON (10th) and Jacquie ROBSON (26^th – both of Elvet Striders and Durham parkrun); and the two chaps whose names I didn’t catch but who were a bit off their usual Saturday morning turf of Phoenix Park, Dublin. Alister was limbering up for a run round the Olympic park this afternoon, alongside our race director Steve – you lucky people! Hope you had a great time.

It was fantastic to see so many new faces. A special mention to Ellysia and Jessi, who are embarking on a trip that could see them competing in a half marathon later this year. Welcome also to the Armet’s, Alicia and David, and Francesca, who joined us for a post-run coffee.  We’re still heading for Starbucks at Highbury corner, but will be transferring back to the Oasis when warmer weather is established.

So, to the results. The first man home today, on his third visit to Highbury, was Jonathan SANDERSON of Serpentine RC in 19:14. Next up was Matty HASSAN in 19:17 – it was a tight finish - followed by Gavin O’SHEA (19:48). First woman across the line was first-timer Michaela LYNN (13^th overall – 22:34), followed in second position by Fiona HIGGINS (19^th overall – 23:30) and Claudia PATTERSON (21^st overall - 23:53). In the battle of the sexes, the women easily won out today, with 29 finishers.

As always, a big hand for our volunteers Agatha, Fiona, Declan and Paul, without whom none of this would have been possible. Please feel free to put your name down to help out one week soon – highburyfieldsoffice@parkrun.com. There is nothing as satisfying as a stint in a parkrun hi-vis jacket (and it’s a lot less knackering than running 5k).

Finally, the spring marathon season is upon us. Please get in touch if you are running London (or Paris, or Brighton, or Hamburg – anywhere really) and we’ll give you a Big Up at the pre-run briefing.

Have a good week and see you next time.

David

Helen from Gunpowder parkrun has written to announce the following orienteering event in Stratford in a few weeks time. Sounds like it could be a lot of fun. Details are:

Sunday 15 April at Westfield Shopping Centre, Stratford City (before the shops
open!).  The race is a 45 minute orienteering score course (several timed mass
starts) around the four floors of the shopping mall.  Entries must be made online and
£2 of the entry fee goes to Richard House Children's Hospice in Newham.  N.B.  This
is WESTFIELD at STRATFORD CITY 

Here is the link for full details:
http://joshjenner.co.uk/2012/03/02/orienteering-at-westfield-stratford-city-15th-april-2012/

It will be a fun, exciting and novel race - and no previous orienteering experience
is necessary!