Having never run a London Marathon and being completely reliant on Google for my knowledge, the Not Parkrun Fun Zone entrusted me with the route map.
Jane was ready and waiting with her pom poms to set us off. “Well here I am again...I asked my husband to find me something with Marathon on it so I could put it on my hat. He said they didn't have any marathons so I bought you a picnic. Doh!”
Our first runner of the day set off from Greenwich Park. Sarah gallantly started us off with the first 26 minutes before starting her shift (much love and appreciation for all you and your colleagues do, my brother is also a member of the ‘greens’). Sarah would have just passed Charlton house before passing (the flag, batton, loo roll, sausage roll - you pick) to Penny.
Penny completed the longest distance of the day in what can only be called really hot conditions. Passing the Royal Artillery Barracks, no gun-salutes today I’m afraid. Instead Penny had a lovely view across the Thames. The perks of running more than a parkrun distance meant Penny got to see the historic Cutty Sark.
Carly took the reins after a very busy week organising her “co-workers”. Her senior co-worker has trouble motivating the junior co-workers by all accounts, and the office assistant (the dog) “has continued his quest to inform and/or remind ALL the passers by that they should be IN ISOLATION.” Carly was lucky enough to experience the thrill (I’m crying here, for those that know me well, I don’t do floating concrete), the thrill of running across Tower Bridge. At this point, if Google is keeping me on track, Jane would have cloned herself 100 times as it’s a very popular spectator spot.
One half of Team Nicholls moved the baton past the Tower of London, but due to social distancing no Beefeaters were seen, and they crossed the halfway point. Phew. The other half of Team Nicholls could gaze off into the distance at the Canary Wharf views. No football at Millwall Park……..come back Nicholls no. 2 that’s not our small lap at Manor Fields, yes I know the white lines look the same. After running under and through some very tall buildings (nope I’m not looking up, that’s nearly as bad as looking down) the Baton was passed to Team Jiffy (the Markham family).
Team Jiffy was a man down today but the 3 members brought us over the finish line. They got to enjoy another bridge over Blackwall Basin - not quite the Bower but quite pretty. A quick glance to the right - no Eva that’s not a spaceship that’s the O2 arena. They travelled under Blackfriars Bridge and under Waterloo Bridge. I hope you wanted some hill training.
Team Jiffy finally reach the sights of Big Ben and a view of the London eye, the cheers are getting louder now. Oh look the Royals are out on the balcony to give you all a wave. One last bend and you’re in the Mall. No need to worry about social distancing today……..you’re the only ones out there.
Whoops, Cheers, Flag Waving. You name it we have it as you cross the finish line.
Such a momentous “Not Parkrun” and “Not London Marathon”. It was so good that we thought we’d keep going for a lap of honour. Marie, Amiele, Ryan, Jess and Paula all pushed that up to the 20 mile mark. So close for the double but Paula's legs gave out.
Finally, the Core team would like to say it’s great to see you all out there maintaining your exercise whether that is running, walking or something else. The Manor Field has ‘healed well’ to quote Chris I think it was and we need to think of a new name for “Not Muddy Corner” so get your thinking caps on.
Stay Safe and let’s hope we get to do a real Parkrun during the summer months.
Julie (the “Not Parkrun” wardrobe artist) - come visit us on the Whittlesey Parkrun Volunteers page and that will make sense.