Didcot parkrun
Event number 160
5th May 2018

 

 

 

This week 224 people ran, jogged and walked the course, and for the first time in ages there were no recorded first timers and no recorded new Personal Bests.

 

Congratulation to the following runners for reaching milestone parkruns this morning:

Michael Fletcher – 10 runs (junior)

Billy McCartney – 50 runs

 

A big thank you and well done to Olly Marks who completed the volunteering element of his Duke of Edinburgh (DofE) Bronze Award with us at Didcot parkrun this morning.

Olly has volunteered with us on 14 occasions since October 2017 taking in various marshalling roles along with Funnel Manager and finish Tokens this morning.

 

 

 

 

 

The event was made possible by 20 volunteers who were led by Run Director Helen:

Martin CAPSTICK • Robert BRIND • Helen BRIND • Carol MARTIN • Chris MARTIN • Lyn ABSOLOM • Andrew SHEARD • Lewis COUSINS • Hayleigh GASCOIGNE • Miranda HABERMEL • Paul ABSOLOM • Gordon JACKSON • Phil DAVIES • Lucie COTMORE-BROWN • Rachel KENNEDY • Charlie MARTIN • Anna SHANNON • Anna GUTTERIDGE • Annabel BROWN • Oliver MARKS

 

The male record is held by Jonathan CORNISH who recorded a time of 15:58 on 15th April 2017 (event number 106).

The female record is held by Izzy FRY who recorded a time of 17:40 on 7th October 2017 (event number 131).

The Age Grade course record is held by Tracey LASAN who recorded 88.29% (21:04) on 7th May 2016 (event number 58).

Didcot parkrun started on 21st February 2015. Since then 3,699 participants have completed 23,276 parkruns covering a total distance of 116,380 km, including 4,498 new Personal Bests.

 

 

Didcot parkrunner of the Month - March 2018 – Anna Gutteridge

 

 

Anna was surprised but thrilled to be chosen as our Didcot parkrunner of the month for March 2018 and has kindly answered or questions on her parkrun likes, dislikes and goals.

 

Anna has been selected this month after volunteering at four consecutive events taking her volunteer total to 41 events which is even more impressive as Anna has never even run at parkrun before.

 

1) Runs completed / PB's earned / Number of times volunteered

No runs completed, No PB’s, 41 Volunteered

2) How did you hear about Didcot parkrun?

I heard about parkrun from Ed my brother, it explained why all these people ran by my house on a Saturday morning.

3) What did you do on a Saturday morning at 9am before Didcot parkrun?

Before parkrun if I wasn’t at work I started the day with a leisurely cup of tea.

4) Your Barcode - is it paper, laminated, permanent or other?

I have to confess to not having a barcode as I’m a committed non-runner!

5) Do you have any parkrun goals?

My parkrun goal is never to be late for the 08.15 volunteer role call!

6) Do you have a favourite parkrun moment?

I think I have a favourite moment every week, the last time I was a marshal at number 8 spot at least 2 people went for a big sprint finish & they weren’t from the speedy bunch at the front, they just dug deep & finished with a flourish. I think that is what parkrun is about. 

7) Has parkrun changed your attitude to running, fitness and general wellbeing?

Has it changed my attitude to running? It’s nice to get out & about on a Saturday morning but the only thing I shall be running is the risk of a dunking from a heavy shower!

8) What advice would you give to someone considering coming to Didcot parkrun?

My advice to anyone thinking shall I go to parkrun is go for it, if you don’t want to get hot & breathless you can volunteer & watch others suffer.

9) Which do you prefer……Laps on the field or the long path to the finish?

Oh dear I’m not qualified to answer however if(which translates as never!)I was to run I think I’d prefer the long path to the finish & the promise of cake at the end.

10) What’s your favourite volunteer role?

I do like the marshal role, I get to see people improve week after week.

11) What is your favourite parkrun to date?

My favourite parkrun would have to be the Christmas Day ones, I’ve volunteered at 2 now & it’s a different, fun start to a Christmas morning with a great atmosphere.

 

Thanks for answering our questions Anna and we hope that Anna can inspire more people to join us in volunteering one weekend.

 

***** Advanced Notice *****

Event Cancellation - Didcot parkrun 28th April 2018

***** Advanced Notice *****

 

We're having to cancel the event on Saturday 28th April 2018 due to the Fun Fair using Ladygrove Park and the start of Didcot parkrun.

We don't currently have an alternative route so to get your parkrun fix then we highly recommend the following local events:

• Abingdon parkrun
• Harcourt Hill parkrun
• Oxford parkrun 
• Newbury parkrun
• Henley-on-Thames parkrun

Please check their websites for any cancellations too as we don't want you having wasted journeys!

Thanks for your understanding and see you soon.

#loveparkrun

 

Didcot parkrun
Event number 156
31st March 2018

This week 164 people ran, jogged and walked the course, 18 were first timers at Didcot parkrun with 8 taking in their first EVER parkrun…………welcome to the parkrun family.

Today saw 12 people recording new Personal Bests with representatives of 18 different clubs taking part including a fantastic group from Didcot Town u11’s Girls Football Club.

 

 

Congratulations to the following parkrunners who reached milestone runs today: James Barber – 10 parkruns Andrea Stacey – 50 parkruns

 

 

 

 

 

Led by RD Lewis Cousins and today’s trainee RD Chris Martin, today’s event was made possible by 19 volunteers who were:

Hayley THORNE • Sue NAYLOR • David RAYNER • Samantha COUSINS • Carol MARTIN • Chris MARTIN • Geoff JACKSON • Lyn ABSOLOM • Geoff ROBERSON • Lewis COUSINS • Paul ABSOLOM • Gordon JACKSON • Anna SHANNON • Anna GUTTERIDGE • Martin WOOD • Diane WOOD • Alan BROWN • Annabel BROWN • Dave ACKROYD

 

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

The male record is held by Jonathan CORNISH who recorded a time of 15:58 on 15th April 2017 (event number 106).

The female record is held by Izzy FRY who recorded a time of 17:40 on 7th October 2017 (event number 131).

The Age Grade course record is held by Tracey LASAN who recorded 88.29% (21:04) on 7th May 2016 (event number 58).

Didcot parkrun started on 21st February 2015. Since then 3,602 participants have completed 22,284 parkruns covering a total distance of 111,420 km, including 4,401 new Personal Bests.

Didcot parkrun # 154 - 17/03/2018
Run Director Lewis Cousins

I arrived in the snow to find Lewis and his Band of merry helpers eagerly clutching the set-up equipment poised to hear the days details.
I was greeted by Lewis and reassured that I was indeed in the correct place. The Snow was falling whilst thrashing around in the wind and getting thicker. As you will have gathered it was very cold.

I hid in the shamefully as the hardworking volunteers set about their task. After 10 minutes I ventured into the weather and found the start area. People started to arrive in dribs and drabs
and began to gather. at this point I noticed someone familiar stretching their legs and was pleased to see Max Costley, a Southampton/Hampshire runner. It's always good to see familiar faces. He was stopping off to run on his way to collect his younger brother from University. I also managed to chat to several visitors from as far away as Manchester. That's dedication for you. I am from Eastleigh near Southampton and was looking forward to the much talked about Didcot parkrun friendliness. I was not disappointed. Volunteers and other runners all offering advice and support.

So, with a very wintery, magical scene set 139 crazy runners set out into the snow blizzard after an informative brief from Lewis. Volunteers were giving fantastic encouragement.
It must have been cold for them standing there and for their part I for one am very grateful. It was noted that there were lots of people choosing to start with coats on myself included.
After a short loop coats and tops were being discarded and the hardy parkrunners were knuckling down to another Saturday ritual. Three grass loops of the sports field passing the parkrun tree went very quickly and it was time to head for the tarmac path to the finish.

A great chain of faces shouting praise to each other as the distance ticked down.
The much more sheltered path was a welcome relief to the open bluster of the field.
Runners were now gaining some pace as the promise of another finish came ever closer. Some managed to real in several people who all shouted words of support as they were passed. Great spirit. At the finish, at this point snow abated to some degree there were friendly volunteers, who as we can all agree are the real parkrun heroes.
yet another successful parkrun delivered. well done Didcot.

Christopher Stocks
A208050