Didcot parkrun #173 - 4th August 2018
By Carol Martin

 

parkrun is a like a big family of special friends and we make more friends the more we participate. Didcot parkrun is even more special, as so many of the regulars know each other.

 

 

 

 

Saturday 4th August...was a bit of at home family planning! Lisa has been a Run Director for nearly 3 years set the date of her last RD, I worked out if I ran every week I could achieve my 100th run at parkrun, and Charlie my 5 year old grandson could achieve his 25th volunteer role. While Lisa was RD, Charlie and I tail walked so it was win win all round.

 

 

It’s fabulous watching everyone arrive, from the marshals setting up the field with the RD, then getting to their marshaling points, to the runners and walkers arriving. People of all ages and abilities, children with Dad while Mum runs, or vice or versa, people with dogs, on their leads ready for the off.

This week we had 2 Bertie's, one on marshal point 6 (meet and greet), and one running with his human, both extremely lovely dogs. Fellow runners calling out a greeting as the run past other runners, lots saying thanking to the marshals. I love parkrun for the camaraderie that it brings, and the fun it is to take part.

 

This Weekends Stats 
This week 220 people ran, jogged and walked the course, of whom 30 were first timers and 33 recorded new Personal Bests. Representatives of 22 different clubs took part.
The event was made possible by 22 fantastic volunteers:

 

Roni MCGOWAN • Carol MARTIN • Mark James D'SA • Andrew SHEARD • Lewis COUSINS • Peter FOSTEKEW • Antony HICKMAN • Alan WOOD • Karl THOMPSON • Gavin WARRINGTON • Evelyn FOSTEKEW • Lisa MARTIN • Karl ROWAN • Hannah RHODES • Stuart MILSTED • Charlie MARTIN • Karen SPACKMAN • Laura BRENCHLEY • Ewan ACKROYD • Daniel BRENCHLEY • Olivia BRENCHLEY • Naomi 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 4,094 participants have completed 26,231 parkruns covering a total distance of 131,155 km, including 5,065 new Personal Bests.

 

 

*** Post parkrun Refreshments - Saturday 14th July, Didcot parkrun #170 ***

 

 

Unfortunately the Football Club will be closed for post-parkrun refreshments tomorrow so why not join us for some refreshments at the finish area after the run instead.

Some of the Didcot parkrun Core Team and volunteers plan to hang around after the run so why not take advantage of the good weather and join us too.

Normal service will resume next weekend.

Many thanks,

Didcot parkrun

 

 

Scot Wheeler - A1606501
Run Director

146 runs completed (74 at Didcot parkrun)
18 PB’s
31 Volunteered

 

1) How did you hear about Didcot parkrun?

I had not long started running at Abingdon parkrun before hearing the rumours of one being set up at Didcot.

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

A mixture of running at Abingdon parkrun and enjoying a lie-in. When Didcot started on our doorstep, there was no excuse but to be there every week.

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

I received one of the new flatbands as a birthday present replacing the old worn out one; I wear it 24-7 after forgetting it one week.

4) Do you have any parkrun goals?

Loads. If you haven’t done so already, check out the ‘Running Challenges’ Chrome extension. My next one is reaching 50 different parkrun events, currently I’m on 45.

5) Do you have a favourite parkrun moment?

The first time I marshalled at a junior parkrun, witnessing so many enthusiastic juniors taking part in the warm-up and asking for high-fives was fantastic.

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

The social aspect of parkrun has been the catalyst which got me running regularly.

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

Make sure you stay for the great cake in the football club afterwards. And don’t do a fourth lap..

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

Laps on the field. The opportunity for runners of different speeds to wave to a friend and mix is what makes Didcot special.

9) What’s your favorite volunteer role?

It has to be timekeeping, you get to see the start and end of everyone's run.

10) What is your favorite parkrun to date?

I did Eden Project parkrun earlier this year; despite a few big hills, it’s a beautiful place to run with a great cafe and chance to explore the biomes afterwards.

11) Describe what parkrun is to you in three words?

Run with friends

 

Hayleigh Gascoigne - A1086042
Run Director

149 runs completed (71 at Didcot parkrun)
26 PB’s
31 Volunteered

1) How did you hear about Didcot parkrun?

A friend at the gym recommended that I try Abingdon parkrun, so one morning in July 2014 I came along. I’ve never looked back!

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

I can’t remember back that far! Probably had a lie in and watched terrible TV.

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

I have a black wristband. Although, I am looking to upgrade to one of the new apricot ones.

4) Do you have any parkrun goals?

I am a parkrun tourist, having been to 49 different parkruns so far. My goal is to do my 50th different parkrun on my 150th run.

5) Do you have a favorite parkrun moment?

Potentially a lot of the other RDs have written this, but I’ll say it anyway. Geoff is a true inspiration. Well into his 80s, he comes to Didcot parkrun every week. His 250th run was very special. What an achievement!

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

Absolutely, parkrun got me into regular running. Since then I have joined a running club, ran a half marathon, taken part in two 24 hour running events.

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

Really, parkrun is for everyone. It does not matter if you are mega fast, or just a plodder. You will never be last and you will always be cheered on!

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

I like the long path to the finish. You know it’s nearly over when you’re there and also it’s sheltered in the trees, protects you from whatever weather conditions !

9) What’s your favorite volunteer role?

I like tailwalker. I am chatty person, and this role gives me the chance to use this skill! Also, you see the parkrun from a completely different perspective.

10) What is your favorite parkrun to date?

They’re all so good in their own way! I have good memories of running South Bank parkrun in Brisbane, Australia. I think this might just be because we were on holiday. But holiday parkruns are great because you get to meet local people, and see the destination in a different light. This particular one was fantastic because it started in a lovely park, and then you run a long the river with the city scape alongside you. The only downside was they start at 7am over there, and it was already 27oC!

11) Describe what parkrun is to you in three words?

Brilliant weekend starter

 

Gordon Jackson – A1606501
Run Director

32 runs completed (31 at Didcot parkrun)
5 PB’s
46 Volunteered

1) How did you hear about Didcot parkrun?

Online, either the main parkrun website or Didcot Runners one. Can't quite remember.

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

Never been a morning runner so anything but...

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

Just got myself a barcode wristband and keyring tags.

4) Do you have any parkrun goals?

Enjoy thoroughly each and every one.

5) Do you have a favourite parkrun moment?

Pre-run conversations with people I know and don't know.

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

No, always been that way.

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

No pressure, just give it a go

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

The field laps.

9) What’s your favourite volunteer role?

Marshalling on the field, enjoy the banter/encouragement.

10) What is your favourite parkrun to date?

They're all good.

11) Describe what parkrun is to you in three words?

Engaging, Enjoyable, Everyone.