On May 19th we're going to shake things up and add a bit of a change to the normal route.  We're going to lay the course out in reverse.  So we'll start at the finish (stay with me) and leaving the field, then along the newly tarmaced path towards the hospital,  entering the woods from that end, following the usual track (but in the opposite direction) and then popping back out by Eddies corner for a second a lap, into the field for a lap and up towards the finish (usually the start).

Confused don't worry we'll have plenty of tape and arrows to guide us all along, should be a very different week at Worcester parkrun.

It'll be a real eye opener to see how used to course we have become and how different the course can be with a subtle twist.

Rich, James, Sally

Hi All,

Being absent in body but not spirit, text, emalil, facebook, twitter at 9:00 a.m on a Saturday morning was a very odd feeling, so my recolections of this weeks parkrun are all third hand.  

Before the run got started Sally announced our parkrunner of the month to Bethan Stimson, who was pretty shocked, best of luck with the shopping at Sweatshop.

There were a couple of largish puddles on the course, but it was still safe to run, and we had a great turn out of volunteers.  We are so glad each week that you give up your time to make this happen, if it wasn't for you we wouldn't be able to do this each week.

So massive thanks to Andrew Jonathan Banham, Ann and David Gray, Dan Cale, Derek Hobby, Ed Freemantle, Ian Hobby, James Goldby, Leonardo Taggio, Megan Judge, Richard Drewett, Sally Guillaume, Simon Wright, and Steve Roode.

There we some good times posted and remarkably 17 pb's so well done to you.  The course will get quicker as the puddles dissappear.

Few dates for the diary on the 19th May we're having a "reverse" run so we're going to lay the course out backwards to give our regular parkrunners a treat.  On the 27th May the volunteers from MAGS day centre, lead by our own Ian Hobby, will be down with a bacon butty rally to raise some money for a very worthy cause.

Don't forget your barcode as our resident poet Cat Sales sums up in poetry....

Turn up at Worcester for the 5k Parkrun

it's a relaxed atmophere and lots of fun.

The course is marked out, so there is no doubt.

Just follow the lead and go at your own speed.

There'll be people there to cheer you on,

so give it a go you can't go wrong.

At the end hand in your barcode

and wait for your time online to upload.

Here  are the statistics form this weeks run....

Men's placings:

Jon MANSFIELD (VM40-44) of Tewkesbury AC, was first in 17:59 - third win in 8th appearance.

Andrew HODGSON (VM40-44) of Brackla Harriers, was second in 18:01.

James Paul SMITH (SM20-24) (Unattached) was third in 18:40 - 1 previous win.

Current standing in the Men's annual points competition:

Michael CONNOR (UKnetrunner) 3179 pts.

Simon WRIGHT (Unattached) 2763 pts.

Dan CALE (Black Pear Joggers) 2652 pts.

Women's placings:

Maia HAWKINS (JW14) of Worcester AC, was first (16th overall) in 21:31 - third win in 4th appearance.

Kelly KLEIN (SW25-29) of Worcester AC, was second (18th overall) in 21:50.

Anne O'CONNELL (VW35-39) of Worcester AC, was third (23rd overall) in 22:12 - 1 previous win.

Current standing in the Women's annual points competition:

Nichola Clair ROBINSON (Black Pear Joggers) 3149 pts.

Madeleine PAUL (Black Pear Joggers) 3080 pts.

Yvonne RALPHS (Unattached) 2950 pts.

The following runners recorded the best Age Grade scores:

Carol COWLEY (VW60-64) was graded 82.85 % for the time 23:25 (37th overall).

Jon MANSFIELD (VM40-44) was graded 78.22 % for the time 17:59 (first overall).

Andrew HODGSON (VM40-44) was graded 75.76 % for the time 18:01 (second overall).

This week there were 121 runners, of whom 21 were first timers and 22 recorded new Personal Bests. Representatives of 12 different athletics clubs took part.

Worcester parkrun started on 18th June 2011, and since then 954 different runners, including participants from 104 athletics clubs, have completed 3,553 runs covering a total distance of 17,765 km, and there have been 1,048 new Personal Bests.

The Women's course record is held by Rebecca L SMITH who ran in a time of 19:23 on 24th March 2012 (event number 41).

The Men's course record is held by Anthony WHITEMAN who ran in a time of 14:52 on 31st March 2012 (event number 42).

The Age Grade course record is held by Anthony WHITEMAN who recorded a 91.82 % run (14:52) on 31st March 2012 (event number 42).

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

We always like parkrunners to try and volunteer 3 times a year to give everyone a chance to run, so if you fancy a week off come along grab some hi-viz.  Let us know when you’re free via WorcesterHelpers@parkrun.com.

Keep telling your friends as we rely on your “word of mouth” to promote the event to new parkrunners. 

See you all next week.

FACEBOOK & TWITTER

We have an active and growing community on both Facebook and twitter, with news, photos and important race day announcements being made on these sites, so please try and follow us if you are able to.

PARKRUN STORIES, FEEDBACK AND COMMENTS...

We want to hear from you! If you have any feedback, suggestions, comments or you would like to tell us your parkrun story, please email worcesteroffice@parkrun.com .

Happy running

 Soggy bottom trail prevented a lot of PB’s this week with a measly 16 pushing hard through the puddles.  Nevertheless the 35 first timers managed to post a their first ever parkrun times so next time with the course dried out you should get under your time from this week.

Some of the newbies came from the Worcester Junior triathlon club, until I had an email from David Hunter, their trainer, I didn’t even know you could do this sport unless you were classed insane, as their training plans make Mo Farrah look lazy.  Must admit their kit was pretty darn cool.

We had a debut on from the Organisers on the briefing bench with Sally giving us the pre-run talk with the aid of a megaphone for the first time, thanks Sally.  I think she has become a little too attached to the megaphone though; she didn't need it to order her coffee in the Orchard Café.

The race got underway and we saw the quick’s blast off, whilst I enjoyed a pacing run with Yvonne searching for a PB, if you want someone to pace you to a PB let us know and we’ll find you a pacer. 

Eli Gibney brought the Men’s run home, and Liz Tillott the Women’s run in her first appearance. 

There were no reported spills thankfully given the puddles around the course so trust you enjoyed our run.

The Virgin London Marathon took place this weekend with lots of parkrunners taking part.  If you’ve not done a marathon my advice is don’t you’ll only want to keep doing it over and over as it’s addictive.  The feeling of satisfaction when you finish is amazing. So well done to all those parkrunners who got around both this week and last week at Worcester.

Here are the stats from this weeks run…

Worcester parkrun. Event number 45, 21st April 2012

Men's placings:

Eli GIBNEY (JM14) of Worcester AC, was first in 18:57 - first win in 6th appearance.

Clive ANDREWS (VM45-49) of Black Pear Joggers, was second in 19:20.

Chris GARRATT (SM35-39) (Unattached) was third in 19:23.

Current standing in the Men's annual points competition:

Michael CONNOR (UKnetrunner) 3053 pts.

Simon WRIGHT (Unattached) 2684 pts.

Dan CALE (Black Pear Joggers) 2469 pts.

Women's placings:

Liz TILLOTT (VW45-49) (Unattached) was first (5th overall) in 19:52 - first appearance.

Wendy HOLMES (VW45-49) of Cani-Cross, was second (7th overall) in 20:12 - 1 previous win.

Rachel WARD (VW50-54) of Worcester Tri Club Juniors, was third (26th overall) in 22:58.

Current standing in the Women's annual points competition:

Madeleine PAUL (Black Pear Joggers) 3001 pts.

Nichola Clair ROBINSON (Black Pear Joggers) 2955 pts.

Yvonne RALPHS (Unattached) 2872 pts.

The following runners recorded the best Age Grade scores:

Liz TILLOTT (VW45-49) was graded 82.38 % for the time 19:52 (5th overall).

Wendy HOLMES (VW45-49) was graded 79.37 % for the time 20:12 (7th overall).

Tony LEWINGTON (VM55-59) was graded 79.17 % for the time 20:05 (6th overall).

This week there were 127 runners, of whom 35 were first timers and 16 recorded new Personal Bests. Representatives of 12 different athletics clubs took part.

Worcester parkrun started on 18th June 2011, and since then 922 different runners, including participants from 102 athletics clubs, have completed 3,348 runs covering a total distance of 16,740 km, and there have been 1,015 new Personal Bests.

The Women's course record is held by Rebecca L SMITH who ran in a time of 19:23 on 24th March 2012 (event number 41).

The Men's course record is held by Anthony WHITEMAN who ran in a time of 14:52 on 31st March 2012 (event number 42).

The Age Grade course record is held by Anthony WHITEMAN who recorded a 91.82 % run (14:52) on 31st March 2012 (event number 42).

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

We always like parkrunners to try and volunteer 3 times a year to give everyone a chance to run, so if you fancy a week off come along grab some hi-viz.  Let us know when you’re free via WorcesterHelpers@parkrun.com.

Keep telling your friends as we rely on your “word of mouth” to promote the event to new parkrunners. 

See you all next week.

FACEBOOK & TWITTER

We have an active and growing community on both Facebook and twitter, with news, photos and important race day announcements being made on these sites, so please try and follow us if you are able to.

PARKRUN STORIES, FEEDBACK AND COMMENTS...

We want to hear from you! If you have any feedback, suggestions, comments or you would like to tell us your parkrun story, please email worcesteroffice@parkrun.com .

Happy running

Worcester parkrun
Event number 43
7th April 2012

Men's placings:
Marc TURNER (SM35-39) of Halesowen A & CC, was first in 17:01 - second win in second appearance.
James Paul SMITH (SM20-24) (Unattached) was second in 17:12 - 1 previous win.
Paul CHILDS (SM30-34) of Black Pear Joggers, was third in 17:23.

Current standing in the Men's annual points competition:
Michael CONNOR (UKnetrunner) 2922 pts.
Simon WRIGHT (Unattached) 2524 pts.
Ian ALCOCK (Unattached) 2320 pts.

Women's placings:
Vikki SIVERTSEN (VW45-49) of Malvern Joggers, was first (23^rd overall) in 20:08 - 5^th win in 5^th appearance.
Cat BOUNDS (SW25-29) of Cambridge University Hare & Hounds, was second (26^th overall) in 20:38.
Rebecca SELVEY (VW35-39) of Bromsgrove & Redditch AC, was third (31^st overall) in 21:24.

Current standing in the Women's annual points competition:
Madeleine PAUL (Black Pear Joggers) 2920 pts.
Nichola Clair ROBINSON (Black Pear Joggers) 2758 pts.
Yvonne RALPHS (Unattached) 2729 pts.

The following runners recorded the best Age Grade scores:
Carol COWLEY (VW60-64) was graded 86.29 % for the time 22:29 (44^th overall).
Vikki SIVERTSEN (VW45-49) was graded 79.64 % for the time 20:08 (23^rd overall).
Marc TURNER (SM35-39) was graded 79.63 % for the time 17:01 (first overall).

This week there were 128 runners, of whom 25 were first timers and 48 recorded new Personal Bests. Representatives of 20 different athletics clubs took part.

Worcester parkrun started on 18th June 2011, and since then 863 different runners, including participants from 99 athletics clubs, have completed 3,122 runs covering a total distance of 15,610 km, and there have been 974 new Personal Bests.

The Women's course record is held by Rebecca L SMITH who ran in a time of 19:23 on 24th March 2012 (event number 41).
The Men's course record is held by Anthony WHITEMAN who ran in a time of 14:52 on 31st March 2012 (event number 42).
The Age Grade course record is held by Anthony WHITEMAN who recorded a 91.82 % run (14:52) on 31st March 2012 (event number 42).

 Saturday morning I was laying out the course listening to the Ipod Joni Mitchell came on and sang Big Yellow Taxi and the words “You don’t know what you’ve got till its gone” rang in my ears.  So I got to thinking on what I used to do instead on a Saturday mornings; watch Soccer AM for 3 hours, go the gym, go for a coffee in town.  I don’t miss any of these things instead I look forward to a parkrun with 100 other folks and have our coffee with new friends  and one thing you can be sure off at parkrun is that every week is different.

So what was new this week then, well I broke the record for the number of “OK’s” in a briefing, Sally Race Directed (with her new red hair) and we had a new siren to start the run. 

I think I know we’ve got a lot of people who enjoy parkrun and just want to say thanks for all the comments we get every week at the run and on email and facebook and just in case your concerned we’re going nowhere.

So after the briefing we got underway, there were a few dogs literally in the pack to dodge but its good fun and added a new twist to the run. Not sure who was pulling who but suffice to say I need a bit of help for a pb so may be down Danemere Rescue Centre offering my services to dog “walk”.

The pack thinned out and we all got going and soon everyone saw the improvement in the course, little if any mud, and great weather made for some enjoyable conditions.  Marc Turner came home first in the mens, and Anna Louise Brook was the first female home.

Again we enjoyed seeing Katie Brookes and Jemima Hobby race it out in the juniors with their sprint finishes.  There were lots of other great runs and a total of 32 pb’s special mention to Annie Dendy (36 second improvement), Michael Conner (broke 24 minute barrier). 

Great to see so many people having a brew after in the Orchard Café after.

To hear more during the week you can follow us on Facebook (Worcester parkrun page) and Twitter (worcparkrun).

Have a great week and see you next week here are the stats!

Worcester parkrun, Event number 40, 17th March 2012

Men's placings:
Marc TURNER (SM35-39) of Halesowen A & CC, was first in 17:04 - first appearance.
Christopher PALMER (SM30-34) of Westbury Harriers, was second in 17:55.
Mark ZIKKING (VM40-44) of Evesham Vale Running Club, was third in 18:00.

Current standing in the Men's annual points competition:
Michael CONNOR (UKnetrunner) 2744 pts.
Simon WRIGHT (Unattached) 2380 pts.
Ian ALCOCK (Unattached) 2247 pts.

Women's placings:
Anna Louise BROOK (SW20-24) (Unattached) was first (23^rd overall) in 22:44 - first appearance.
Ellen WINTER (SW20-24) (Unattached) was second (26^th overall) in 23:01.
Claire Louise MARTIN (VW40-44) of Canix, was third (33^rd overall) in 23:42.

Current standing in the Women's annual points competition:
Madeleine PAUL (Black Pear Joggers) 2667 pts.
Yvonne RALPHS (Unattached) 2509 pts.
Nichola Clair ROBINSON (Black Pear Joggers) 2470 pts.

The following runners recorded the best Age Grade scores:
Barry SWINDELLS (VM70-74) was graded 83.40 % for the time 21:41 (16^th overall).
Brian HUGHES (VM65-69) was graded 81.19 % for the time 20:39 (9^th overall).
Marc TURNER (SM35-39) was graded 79.39 % for the time 17:04 (first overall).

This week there were 104 runners, of whom 24 were first timers and 32 recorded new Personal Bests. Representatives of 16 different athletics clubs took part.

Worcester parkrun started on 18th June 2011, and since then 774 different runners, including participants from 87 athletics clubs, have completed 2,751 runs covering a total distance of 13,755 km, and there have been 822 new Personal Bests.

The Women's course record is held by Vikki SIVERTSEN who ran in a time of 20:38 on 5th November 2011 (event number 21).
The Men's course record is held by Nathan SHRUBB who ran in a time of 16:34 on 27th August 2011 (event number 11).
The Age Grade course record is held by David CHILD who recorded a 85.93 % run (17:18) on 30th July 2011 (event number 7).

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

We always like parkrunners to try and volunteer 3 times a year to give everyone a chance to run, so if you fancy a week off come along grab some hi-viz.  Let us know when you’re free via WorcesterHelpers@parkrun.com.

Happy running