Bracknell parkrun # 268
18th September 2021

Report writer: Rhona Stainthorp

Saturday September in Great Hollands and another perfect day for a parkrun.

There were 260 people representing 25 different clubs who clearly looked out of their bedroom windows and couldn't wait to get out an join in. All that was needed was for Andy to give them the signal to set off round the two circuits.  There were 229 people who had all enjoyed the event before.  The routed must have been perfect because 55 people were able to post up a personal best.  Well done to all of them.

We were joined by 31 people who were experiencing the joys of the woods, the allotments and the football fields for the first time, and of these there were 10 parkrun debutantes. This was a good week  to start the parkrun journey.  At the other end of the scale there were 11 people entitled to wear the coveted green top for having completed more than 250 runs.

There was one special achievement to celebrate this week.  Rob Bradshaw made his  50^th run so joins the 50 club with the right to wear the red top.

The first three males into the funnel were:

1. Simon BENNISON (VM35-39) from Bracknell Forest Runners in time of 18:53; 70.70%
2. Gavin MEAD (VM35-39) from Bracknell Forest Runners 19:11; 68.03%
3. Simon GOWING (VM45-49) from Defence and Sports Recreation in 19.52; 71.39%. This was Simon’s first visit to Bracknell

The first three females were:

1. Marnie  FIELDSEND (JW11-14) from Bracknell AC in 20:27 , 78.08%. This was a great new PB for Marnie
2. Bernadette MAHER ALLAN (VW35-39) from Wimbledon Windmilers in 20:27, 78.08%
3. Sarah WHEELER (VW50-54) in 24:15; 72.71%

Both Bernadette and Sarah were first timers, too.

This week, the top three age grade runners were all women:

1. Marnie again came first with 78.08%

Followed by

2. Anne WRIGHT (VW70-74) with 73.56%; 30:46
3. Kay HOUSE (VW55-59) with 72.82%; 25:12

These special runners and indeed every runner, jogger and walker all owe grateful thanks to the  22 volunteers who made the day possible. Stephen DOWLING • Mary WANG • Chris VAAL • Andy SCOTT • Rhonda HARROWER • Blanche BARNES • Alan WARRINGTON • Steve FORSTER • Doug BRADY • Rhona STAINTHORP • Jenny MASH • Heather SINCLAIR • Kaz TULLEY • Anna COVENEY • John BAKER • Kerry SCOTT • Nathalie PREVOST-SNELL • James SPALL • Danny MCIVOR • Gwen CAMPBELL • Anne BEST • Jenny DAWSON

If you want to add your name to the volunteer roster for the next few weeks just go to future roster page by clicking on the volunteer tab here, chose the task you fancy trying and then send an email to bracknell@parkrun.com  No experience required and all training given. It really is fun.  Volunteering gives you a whole different perspective on parkrun and the more  people who join in the better it is for everyone.

 

The weather this week has been very kind for running or walking. Those of you you like the early morning blue light will have been very happy.  It’s obvious that autumn is definitely on its way with very heavy dew.  But that is good for the Great Holland’s running route.  Enough moisture to keep the path smooth and soft, but not enough to create the glorious mud patches we know are coming. Saturday will another perfect day.

 

 

We didn’t have an official photographer but I managed to capture a few wobbly iPhone pictures from the field.  Here they are:

 

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The full  results and a complete event history can be found on the webpage.

https://www.parkrun.org.uk/bracknell/results/eventhistory/

The male record is held by Richard ALLEN who recorded a time of 16:46 on 10th December 2016 (event number 91).
The female record is held by Sophie QUIRK who recorded a time of 17:54 on 29th July 2017 (event number 125).
The Age Grade course record is held by Jessica WHITE who recorded 88.45% (23:05) on 11th January 2020 (event number 253).

Bracknell parkrun started on 4th April 2015. Since then 11,007 participants have completed 82,167 parkruns covering a total distance of 410,835 km, including 13,826 new Personal Bests. A total of 832 individuals have volunteered 6,766 times

Report writer: Rhona Stainthorp

If run #265 was the last run of summer, then run #266 must have been the first run of autumn.  As yet the woods are not turning to the colours of autumn, but if you have time to peak over the allotments’ fence you can see the seasonal fare.

September 4^th was another prefect morning for running, jogging or walking: cloudy with a comfortable temperature, and yet again no rain in the previous 7 days, so no mud anywhere, making it perfect going under foot.

This week 288 people ran, jogged and walked the course, of whom 34 were first timers and 58 recorded new Personal Bests. Representatives of 27 different clubs took part.  That’s a good turnout given Sunday was the Bracknell Half Marathon where parkrun was well represented.

Parkrun is of course only made possible because of posse of wonderful volunteers.  This week there were 26: just under 10 volunteers for each runner.  They were led for the first time by Jane Ralls, who now adds Run Director to all her other volunteering tasks.

Grateful thanks from everyone go to: Gary GIBBONS, Ellie GOSLING, Ian GOSLING, Richard COOPE, Andy SCOTT, Sally KENT, Rhonda HARROWER, Susan THOMAS, Rachel STOCKDALE, Doug BRADY, Rhona STAINTHORP, Heather SINCLAIR, David WATLER, Andy HAZELL, Marina CANTON, Jane RALLS, Richard SKELTON, Evie KING, Kerry SCOTT, Samantha WOOD, Kay HOUSE, David BLACKBURNE, Matthew HUTCHINGS, Ashley PAYNE, James SPALL, and Anne BEST. If you want to join in then just click on https://www.parkrun.org.uk/bracknell/futureroster/ to choose your slot and then send an email to bracknell@parkrun.com.

This week there were no special milestones to celebrate, but in truth we all reach our own personal milestone every week. And I note that there are quite a few people about to hit 100 and 50 in the coming weeks.

The first three males into the funnel were:

1. Duncan LAURIE-PILE (VM45-49) from Sandhurst Joggers with a new PB of 19:05 and an age grade of 74.32%
2. Hector DANIEL (JM15-17) from Bracknell AC in 19:08 with an age grade of 72.74%
3. Arthur BOLE (JM15-17) in 19:15 with an age grade of 72.29%

The first three females into the funnel were:

1. Josie FIELDSEND (JW15-17) with a new PB of 24:30 and an age grade of 62.45%
2. Heather SINCLAIR (VW50-54) in 25.03 with an age grade of 68.60%
3. Lynsey HANKIN (VW40-44) with a new PB of 25:12 and an age grade of 60.71%

The top three age grade runners were:

1. Wendy CUDMORE (VW60-64) from Windle Valley Runners with an age grade of 76.78% in 25:16
2. John BODDINGTON (VM45-49) with an age grade of 74.41% and a new PB of 19:40
3. Duncan LAURIE-PILE (VM45-49) added to his first position over all with this age grade of 74.32%

The full results and a complete event history can be found on the Bracknell parkrun Results Page.

This week we had no official photographer but here is a little pictorial record of the day.

 

The beginning

 

The end

 

And a few points in between

 

Nearly there

 

Almost a smile!

 

A real smile

 

Everyone should warm down

 

 

See you next week

 

And speaking of next week……. the road works along South Road were still there with three-way lights from Nine Mile Ride.  Who knows when they will be completed so remember the generosity of the Golden Retriever who provide additional free parking on parkrun mornings as well as cooking up excellent brunches (Obviously not free!)

 

As I write this it is gloriously hot, but by Saturday it should have cooled down slightly.  A little rain is forecast for Thursday and Friday, but Saturday should again be perfect for another great Bracknell parkrun.

 

Bracknell Official Statistics

 

The male record is held by Richard ALLEN who recorded a time of 16:46 on 10th December 2016 (event number 91).

The female record is held by Sophie QUIRK who recorded a time of 17:54 on 29th July 2017 (event number 125).

The Age Grade course record is held by Jessica WHITE who recorded 88.45% (23:05) on 11th January 2020 (event number 253).

 

 

Bracknell parkrun started on 4th April 2015. Since then 10,947 participants have completed 81,652 parkruns covering a total distance of 408,260 km, including 13,708 new Personal Bests. A total of 828 individuals have volunteered 6,719 times.

 

Bracknell parkrun

Event #265 28^th August 2021

 

Report writer: Rhona Stainthorp

 

It was the last run of summer this Saturday.  Just like the last rose of summer it was a truly blooming event.  Although, one could almost have been forgiven for thinking that autumn must have arrived early because Great Hollands was decided cloudy – not a ray of sun to be spied.  However, this meant it was absolutely perfect for a morning 5k.  The course was soft but NOT MUDDY and the Bracknell Foresters had made sure that the path was nicely open.  And of course the amazing volunteer team had been out with their marker cones and root marking flour to ensure every runner could just glide along.  The result of all this meant that, of the 226 participants who were not first timers, 62 ran a Personal Best.  That’s an amazing 27%.  Good to know that so many people have more than maintained their fitness over the last 18 months.

 

The total field on Saturday was 265 people with 39 first timers, of whom 10 were parkrun debutantes.  It’s great to see tourists checking us out and new people taking their first parkrun steps with Bracknell.  Long may it continue.  Everyone is welcome, but perhaps a special mention can be made of first timer Kirsty Bangham.  Definitely not her first parkrun ever.  Kirsty made her 630^th parkrun appearance this Saturday.  What a record!  We hope she enjoyed her outing with us.

 

Along with Kirsty there were 6 other members of the 250 club, and they were joined by Ian Matthews from Bracknell Forest Runners who ran his 250^th on Saturday.  Congratulations Ian.  Alas no photographs to record the day, but hopefully there is a personal snap somewhere.

 

There were four other milestones to celebrate.  Peter Burch from Thames Valley Triathletes made his 100^th run.  Then Lydia Burch, Priscilla Pyle and Kieran Sawyer all made their 50^th run.  Both Priscilla and Kieran crowned the day by posting a new PB.  It was obviously a good day for the Burch family because Jared ran a new PB and only has two more runs before he joins the 50 club.

 

Now to mention the Gallant 26.  These are the people without whom there could be no parkrun.  We runners set off at 9:00, but an hour before that the course is set out, the funnel marked, and everything made ready.  This does not happen by magic.  Then think about the support from marshals on the way round, the accurate time keeping, the handing out of finish tokens and the scanning of barcodes to marry each runner with their time. And then it really does seem almost magic that before Saturday lunch I can look at my latest time.  Volunteers are like gold dust.  So thank you to: Andy HAZELL, Andy SCOTT, Anna COVENEY, Anna MATTHEWS, Anne BEST, Barry HILLER, Carol BROMBLEY, Claire NICHOL, Eilidh MATTHEWS, Fynn BRISCOE, Heather SINCLAIR, James SPALL, Jane RALLS, Janet ROGERS, John BAKER, Kerry SCOTT, Lisa PLUMMER, Liz GUTHRIE, Miriam STALLARD, Paul SLIWINSKI, Rhona STAINTHORP, Rhonda HARROWER, Richard COOPE, Robin BRISCOE, Tom WILSON, Vanessa BURRELL.

Particularly, as we move into Autumn more volunteers will be needed.  The place to find a task is by clicking on the “future roster” tab of the Bracknell website, choose your preferred empty slot, and then email bracknell@parkrun.com to sign up. No experience required.  Friendly training given.

 

Now to celebrate some fast people.

The first person into the funnel was yet again that illusive pimpernel Unknown

Then the first three men into the funnel were:

1. Robert JERRETT (VM35-39) from Sandhurst Joggers in 18:22 (72.33% age grade).  This was a new PB for Robert.
2. Simon BENNISON (VM35-39) from Bracknell Forest Runners in 18:47 (71.07% age grade).
3. Peter LAWRIE (VM40-44) in 18:59 (74.10% age grade).

 

The first three females into the funnel were:

1. Claire WELCH (VW45-49) in 22:13 (72.17% age grade).  This was a new PB for Clare.
2. Katherine PRIESTLEY (VW45-49) from Windle Valley Runners in 23:59 (67.55% age grade).  This was also a new PB for Katherine.
3. Arabella GILBY (SW30-34) in 25:03 (59.08% age grade).

The three people with the highest age grade were:

1. Peter LAWRIE (VM40-44) with 74.10%.
2. Robert JERRETT (VM35-39) with 72.33%.

Swapping place there chaps! and

3. Hector DANIEL (JM15-17) with 73.12%.

Since this is a “Newsletter” – here is some important news.  On Saturday there were road works along South Road meaning parking was restricted.  There were two-way signals from Nile Mile Ride to the carpark entrance due to activity by the Gas Network Cadent.  These are apparently due to end at Midnight on Friday, but I suspect this cannot be guaranteed. So beware and take care. Don’t forget that the Golden Retriever make their car park available to parkrun on a Saturday morning.  This is a great public service.  They also serve full English Breakfasts – another great public service!

The weather forecast for this week looks to be dry, mild and calm.  Could be a chance to make a PB and then treat yourself to a drink or an icecream from the café, or even a breakfast from the Golden Retriever.

Bracknell parkrun event statistics

Today's full results can be found on the Bracknell parkrun Results Page.

Events: 265                 Finishers: 10,913                                Finishes: 81,364

Average finishers per week: 307       Volunteers: 824          PBs: 13,650

Average finish time: 00:31:58            Average finishes per participant: 7.5 Clubs: 600

 

Female record: Sophie QUIRK – 17:54 – Event 125 (29 Jul 2017)

Male record: Richard ALLEN – 16:46 – Event 91 (10 Dec 2016)

Age graded record: Jessica WHITE - 88.45% 23:05 – Event 253 (11 Jan 2020)

 

 

Bracknell parkrun, Event #261 31^st July 2021

Report writer: Rhona Stainthorp

Well there we were back again on Saturday.  It’s almost becoming a habit again.  For this second return there were 359 people who ran, jogged or walked twice round the Great Holland course. The average number of finishers over the years has been 307.5 so to see 359 people happy to take part is really heartening.  The downpours throughout the week hadn’t dampened anyone’s enthusiasm.

Needless to say the rain meant there was a little mud for this event, but best to call the going soft not boggy. This enabled 56 people to record a new PB.  Congratulations to all of them.  There were also 64 first timers to Bracknell of whom 29 were parkrun debutantes.  We hope they enjoyed themselves and recognised the amazing organisation which leads to the brilliant, smooth administration of Bracknell parkrun.

This week there were 30 wonderful volunteers who got the chance to show off the lovely raspberry hi viz jackets. Everyone’s thanks go to: Jenny L GRIFFITHS • Stephen DOWLING • Adam ROBINSON • Andy SCOTT • Rhonda HARROWER • Blanche BARNES • Alison WINDERS • Rachel STOCKDALE • Katherine PRIESTLEY • Sian MCBRIDE • Carol BROMBLEY • Pete BROMBLEY • Paul SCOTT • Tom WILSON • Rhona STAINTHORP • Jenny MASH • Sarah AUSTIN • Janet ROGERS • David WATLER • Andy HAZELL • Sarah CLARKE • Anna COVENEY • Vanessa BURRELL • Jane RALLS • Richard SKELTON • Kerry SCOTT • Samantha WOOD • Gary COOK • Danny MCIVOR • Anne BEST.

Without these people nothing would happen.  How can you get a mention in the list and wear a great jacket?  Just click on the “future roster” tab of the Bracknell website, choose your preferred empty slot, and then email bracknell@parkrun.com to sign up. No experience required.  Friendly training given.

Now for some important results.

The first person into the funnel was that illusive pimpernel Unknown

Then the first three men into the funnel were:

1. Simon Bennison (VM35-39) from Bracknell Forest runners in 18:48, age grade 71.01%.
2. Tobias Robinson (SM20-24) in 19:01, age grade 68.54%.  This was Tobias’s first time with Bracknell. We hope it was to his liking with this great run.
3. Paul Herbert (VM4044) also from Bracknell Forest Runners in 19:05, age grade 72.58%.

The first three women in to the funnel were:

1. Claire Welch (VW45-49) in 22:55, 69.96%.  A new PB for Claire.
2. Rhian Wooldridge (VW35-39) from Blackwater Valley Runners in 23:06, 64.94%.
3. Kelly Robinson (VW35-39) in 24:16, 62.64%.  A new PB again for Kelly this week.

The three people with the highest age grade were:

1. J. d Daniel (VM55-59) with 75.44%. and his time of 20:54 was also a new PB.
2. Paul Herbert featuring here too with his age grade of 72.58%.
3. John Boddington (VM45-49) with 72.46% in 20:02.  This was John’s first time at Bracknell.

The eagle eyed of you may have noticed that the photo of the start banner above was not quite taken at the start of the run.  Indeed the leisurely relaxed runners had all successfully completed their 5k in style. Why is this?  Well this week we had no photographer so the visual record this week is shaky iPhone snaps taken at random visual record this week is shaky iPhone snaps taken at random.

 

I’m sure anyone can do better than these.  Apologies to everyone captured ad hoc here!

There is quite a bit of rain forecast for this week, but with a bit of luck we’ll be able to dodger the dips an drops on Saturday so it should be another glorious Bracknell parkrun on the 7^th.  See you there.

Bracknell parkrun event statistics

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

The male record is held by Richard ALLEN who recorded a time of 16:46 on 10th December 2016 (event number 91).
The female record is held by Sophie QUIRK who recorded a time of 17:54 on 29th July 2017 (event number 125).
The Age Grade course record is held by Jessica WHITE who recorded 88.45% (23:05) on 11th January 2020 (event number 253).

Bracknell parkrun started on 4th April 2015. Since then 10,752 participants have completed 80,259 parkruns covering a total distance of 401,295 km, including 13,404 new Personal Bests. A total of 812 individuals have volunteered 6,589 times.

 

Bracknell parkrun #260

Report writer: Rhona Stainthorp

Photographer: Simon Light

 

As I was saying before we were so rudely interrupted……………………………

 

It’s been 71 weeks; or 497 days; or 11,128 hours to get to run number 260. However, the sight of 281 happy smiling parkrunners, both old and new, shows it’s been worth the wait.

 

parkrun is a family and families stick together and celebrate each other. Bracknell parkrun is the perfect example of this. I know people have supported each other throughout the COVID-19 pandemic even if it has just been waving to each other across the many trails in the woods, parks and roads around the area. Everyone has been affected by the pandemic over the last 16 months in one way or another. We know there are friends unable to return yet and we send them all love and hope to see them soon.

 

 

The first thing to do now is to acknowledge the core team: Andy, Kerry, Jane, Lisa, Rachel, Martin and Robin who have worked tirelessly with parkrun HQ and Bracknell Town Council to make sure that 9:00 am July 24^th was our freedom run day. Not surprisingly everything ran as smoothly as ever. Possibly even better than ever. Those snazzy raspberry hi viz jackets look sooooo stylish. How do you get to wear one? Just click on to www.parkrun/Bracknell/volunteer and look for how you too can help to keep Bracknell running smoothly.

 

This week thanks go to these great people: Adam ROBINSON  •  Alison WINDERS  •  Andy HAZELL  •  Andy SCOTT  •  Anna COVENEY  •  Anne BEST  •  Anthony WILSON  •  Blanche BARNES  •  Charlotte DAVIES  •  Chris PROWSE  •  Claudia ROBINSON  •  Danny MCIVOR  •  Daryl COPLESTON JOBLING  •  Dave NORTON  •  David LAMMING  •  Doug BRADY  •  Fynn BRISCOE  •  Jane RALLS  •  Jenny MASH  •  Ken TOOGOOD  •  Kerry SCOTT  •  Miriam STALLARD  •  Paul SCOTT  •  Rhona STAINTHORP  •  Rhonda HARROWER  •  Samantha WOOD  •  Sarah AUSTIN  •  Sarah CLARKE  •  Simon LIGHT  •  Sophie FALKINER  •  Sophie SCOTT  •  Stephen DOWLING  •  V TAYLOR

 

The importance of parkrun has been acknowledged by the BBC and most news outlets over the pandemic months. They have given so many shout outs and provided a voice for parkrun supporters who managed to influence those landowners nervous about letting events back. The BBC ensured no one had an excuse for not knowing about the glorious 24^th. From 6:00 onwards Radio 4 was constantly reminding us that “parkrun is returning”. Mind you by 6:30 Bracknell could have been forgiven for turning over and staying under the duvet. The weather forecasters had been very accurate and there really was thunder, lightning and a downpour. However, the weather gods smile on parkrun. By 8:30 it was dry, the perfect temperature for a morning outing and after 14 months the course was looking really good. Literally no puddles and no mud. Let me repeat that NO MUD!!

 

Everyone has got used to social distancing. It’s now the new normal, so it’s amazing how 281 people could smoothly distance themselves to listen to Andy’s briefing at the new starting point. All very efficient and then off. The course preparation fairies had been out marking the route. Lots of flour highlighting tree roots. I wonder how many Bracknell veterans could have honestly said they remembered the route exactly: but once you get going muscle memory kicks in and the body just predicts all the twists and turns and even leaps over “friendly” roots.

 

Now to some happy statistics. So many people have obviously been able to keep themselves going over the last year. There were 51 PBs. That’s 18% of the field. Congratulations. Of course for this run everyone did a best time for the year so we all get a pat on the back.

 

We welcomed 42 first timers to Bracknell including 15 who were making their parkrun debut. We hope they will have been enthused by the event and will begin to make Saturday 9:00 Great Hollands a regular diary date.

 

A special mention must go to Steven Black. After all these months he was finally able to make his 250^th run. His green shirt will join his 100 black, 50 red and 25 volunteer purple. What a decision to make every Saturday.

 

Now for some results important results.

The first three men into the funnel were:

1. Robert Ingoldby (VM40-44) from Aldershot, Farnham and District Athletics Club in 18:16, 77.01%. This was Robert’s first visit to Bracknell
2. Joel Enoch (VM35-39) from Hartree JETS Ecosse in 18:17, 74.11%. Also a first visit from Joel
3. Paul Herbert (VM40-44) from Bracknell Forest Runners in 18:29, 74.53%

 

The first three women in to the funnel were:

1. Alice Newsted (SW29-29) in 24:29, 64.86%. A new PB for Alice.
2. Kelly Robinson (VW35-39) in 24:22, 62.38%. Also a new PB for Kelly
3. Jane Birkett (40-44) from Aldershot, Farnham and District Athletics Club in 24:45, 63.10%

 

The three people with the highest age grade were:

1. Robert Ingoldby (VM40-44) with 77.01% giving him a first position in both categories.
2. Peter Lawry (VM40-44) with 75.56% and his time of 18:29 was a new PB
3. J. d Daniel (VM55-59) with 75.08%. and his time of 21:00 was also a new PB

 

Let us turn from words to the story of run #260 through the wonderful photographs taken by Simon.

Here are just a selection. Just go click on the photographs tab of this website and you can see the hundreds of great pictures capturing this superb return to running in Great Holland’s

 

To begin at the beginning

Andy briefing all the wonderful volunteers in their raspberry jackets

 

Paul briefing our first timers

 

Here’s how 281 people socially distance

 

……………… and we’re off!!

 

Everyone is happy

 

Including the great posse of tailwalkers

 

Just as they are strolling from the cricket field end the front runners are already in the forest

This is a story of smiles all the way from start

To finish

And all the way in between

 

 

And without the great volunteers nothing would have happened

 

So, this was just the start. We must keep our fingers crossed that all goes well so that Great Hollands can see all the smiling faces every Saturday from now on.

 

 

Bracknell parkrun event statistics

Events: 259         Finishers: 10,646             Finishes: 79,619

Average finishers per week: 307.4              Volunteers: 805

PBs: 13,297         Average finish time: 00:31:59

Average finishes per participant: 7.5          Clubs: 578

Female record: Sophie QUIRK – 17:54 – Event 125 (29 Jul 2017)

Male record: Richard ALLEN – 16:46 – Event 91 (10 Dec 2016)

Age graded record: Jessica WHITE - 88.45% 23:05 – Event 253 (11 Jan 2020)