I was in charge at the very last parkrun event before the pandemic took over and that seems a long time ago now. I was actually taking a look through the photos from it and it's hard to imagine how we can ever get back to it the way it was, but I'm keeping positive and I hope its not to long away.

There have been a few virtual challenges going on and running clubs have been doing their own versions as well. I think it would be great if we can do a Pomphrey Hill parkrun virtual challenge. So if you have any ideas or suggestions please contact the team via email before lunchtime on Monday the 8th of June, so we can discuss at our next core team meeting.

Steven Burge

Q1 - What originally brought you to parkrun?

It was free... how cool is that. I was aiming to become my running clubs club champion in the year 2013 and you could gain a point for each mile you ran. 3 miles every weekend for free was a good score for my total. My first parkrun was at the Little Stoke inaugeral event, such a long time ago.

Q2 - Which running or volunteer story are you most proud of?

11/11/17 was an amazing day... our wedding day and what better way to kick it off than a few laps around Pomphrey Hill parkrun, roles reversed. I wore the dress and Anne wore the suit, so many friends came along it was so lovely.

The milestone clubs are great, and I love having something to aim for... so reaching 250 parkruns was amazing. I also love being an RD at Pomphrey Hill and my first stint was on Xmas Eve in 2016, it was a very busy event to say the least.

Q3 - What are you doing to remain positive?

I am very lucky to have not been massively effected by recent times, and I am quite a positive person when it comes to life. I am concentrating and praying for a few racing trips we have booked up later on in the year still taking place. Anne and I have also kept in contact with friends and family as much as possible, and knowing they are all well makes us feel better

Q4 - What are you doing to remain active and fit?

At the start of the pandemic we grabbed a cross trainer, or what could  also be known as a "clothes drier", off of my in laws. We've been doing that quite a bit, but with recent restrictions of one daily exercise allowance being eased, we have tried to get outside more. Anne and I are currently on a running every day streak of 70 days in a row.

Q5 - Apart from Pomphrey Hill, which is your next favourite parkrun and why?

That's a tough question as I've done a few. I would have to say Bushy parkrun, where it all started. I've done it twice, both times were different courses and its such an amazing location. I highly recommend it.

Q6 - Is there anything else you would like to share?

I'm missing everyone involved at Pomphrey Hill parkrun, and hope to see you all very soon.

Emily Pitcher

Q1 - What originally brought you to parkrun?

When I first moved to Bristol my now husband suggested that we went to Pomphrey Hill parkrun. Although I ran at the time, I had never heard of parkrun before.

Q2 - Which running or volunteer story are you most proud of?

For our 50th parkrun I managed to convince my parents to Marshall at Pomphrey Hill parkrun wearing Minnie Mouse ears. They didn't know what to expect and if I'm honest were not keen on the idea but they absolutely loved it and they are now doing a couch to 5k course so they can run their first parkrun.

Q3 - What are you doing to remain positive?

I'm looking forward to races that have been postponed and taking part in brilliant motivational challenges arranged by my running club.

Q4 - What are you doing to remain active and fit?

Walking my dog Jasper who usually attends parkrun with me and training for the London marathon.

Q5 - Apart from Pomphrey Hill, which is your next favourite parkrun and why?

Tamar Lakes parkrun is fantastic, not only do you get to run in Devon and Cornwall in one parkrun but it's also a perfect 5km loop.

Q6 - Is there anything else you would like to share?

Jasper is missing everyone so much, he cant wait to give you all kisses when we get back to normal.

Jack Pitcher

Q1 - What originally brought you to parkrun?

Some guys from work went so I joined them for one back in 2016 and I loved it.

Q2 - Which running or volunteer story are you most proud of?

Got to love Stephen Jenkins at the top of the tarmac hill every week giving encouragement to every runner that goes past!

Q3 - What are you doing to remain positive?

I'm leading a group of people to do virtual running challenges and also have put on an event for the amazing Emersons Green running club, EGRC have also been brilliant in putting on fun challenges to do during lockdown.

Q4 - What are you doing to remain active and fit?

As above I guess! Haha! But also plan to start marathon training again just in case there is an Autumn marathon

Q5 - Apart from Pomphrey Hill, which is your next favourite parkrun and why?

My next favourite one was Roma Pineto cos we went there on Emily's 30th, they were on event 5 and it was great to see a new event taking shape, plus the views of the Vatican weren't that bad I suppose.

Q6 - Is there anything else you would like to share?

Well done everyone for keeping positive through this tough time, it won't be long now until we can all pull on our Apricot and tackle that hill again, can't wait to see you all out there!!

If you'd like to see your name in lights, then please email us at pomphreyhill@parkrun.com with answers to the following questions:

- a photo of yourself (or a link to a photo)
Q1 - what originally brought you to parkrun?
Q2 - which running or volunteer story are you most proud of and would like to share?
Q3 - what are you doing to remain positive?
Q4 - what are you doing to remain active and fit?
Q5 - apart from Pomphrey Hill which is your next favourite parkrun and why?
Q6 - is there anything else you would like to share?

These will be published over the coming days and weeks on our parkrun website and our Facebook page. Wherever you are, we hope you and your family are well and staying safe.

Steven Burge

Run Director @ Pomphrey Hill parkrun

Good afternoon all you lovely people, it seems like parkrun was a strange dream long, long ago. Most of us are now getting used to the new norm and I know that most of you are itching to get back to the best parkrun the world has to offer.  Until this day comes I have some more runners profiles for you. I hope you have been reading them all as I plan to do some spot questions when we are all back so better get studying up. This week I have three more runners for you Julia, Richard and Jules.

Julia Edwards

Q1 - What originally brought you parkrun?

Q2 - Which running or volunteer story are you most proud of?

Severn Bridge parkrun back in February (an out and back route across the old bridge itself). Storm Dennis was in full swing and the bridge was closed to traffic due to high winds but the run was on! Off I set being pushed along by a nice tail wind…..and then the half way point arrived and I turned back into the oncoming wind – oh boy, I’ve never been in such strong winds let alone run in it, it felt like my cheeks were about to get blown off.

Q3 – What you are doing to remain positive?

Been doing a bit of dabbling in the kitchen.

Q4 – What you are doing to remain active and fit?

I joined Emersons Green Running Club in February and although we can't train together we’ve been doing lots of fun challenges like spotting letters of the alphabet while on our solo runs….letters Q and X took a bit of searching!

Q5 – apart from Pomphrey Hill which is your next favourite parkrun and why?

Q6 – is there anything else you would like to share?

Having recently retired from netball (my life for 30 years) I was looking for that next ‘something’. Parkruns were that ‘something’ and I’m looking forward to running and volunteering again.

Richard Nuell

Q1 - What originally brought you parkrun?

Having taken part in running events and races since 1987, I was intrigued to give parkrun a try; my first was in July 2011 at Ashton Court and I quickly became hooked! I've now done 206 parkruns at 43 locations, mainly at Pomphrey, Clevedon, Ashton Court and Eastville. Included are 41 at Little Stoke before it ceased.

Q2 - Which running or volunteer story are you most proud of?

I co-led a number of beginners running courses for Bristol City Council and felt quite proud when some of those new to running or returning to it completed their 5k "graduation" at parkrun.

Q3 – What you are doing to remain positive?

I try to remain positive by thinking and hoping that group runs, events and parkruns will return one day.

Q4 – What you are doing to remain active and fit?

Afraid I'm setting a bad example in respect of remaining fit and active. Daily family walks are OK but it's not the same as running! My occasional runs are based on the popular "street name challenge" in which you find roads beginning with the initial letters of a selected keyword such as "PARKRUN", "BARCODE", etc, and running to each, preferably in order. I did "VE-DAY" on 8 May by running to Victoria Road, Etloe Road, Devonshire Road", Alfred Road and York St.

Q5 – apart from Pomphrey Hill which is your next favourite parkrun and why?

My next favourite parkrun was whilst on holiday last year: Bakewell. The route was entirely along the once busy main railway line from London to Manchester, now a superb local railway path for walking, running and cycling. All parkruns are lovely but this captured my idea of perfection and the breakfasts are legendary to those who have been there.

Q6 – is there anything else you would like to share?

I was once part of a "choreographed artwork" near Arthur's Seat at the Edinburgh Festival (and the following year at Salford Quays) called "The Speed of Light". Very emotional and very proud.

I am also one of the small group of Clevedon swimmers appearing in the BBC1 "ident" which appeared before BBC1 programmes until recently. The general reaction from friends has been "oh, no; not him again"!

Jules Dunn

Afternoon everyone, another week and another not-run report aka People Profiles. This is edition 8 which means that it’s now been 2 months since we last met by the Pavilion, ran our course together and then drank coffee, ate cake or bacon butties and cheered everyone else through.

In those two months our world has changed but we are adapting. People who have never run before have taken up running and registrations for parkrun are continuing, ready for the time when we all meet again by the Pavilion, supported by volunteers in hi-vis.

So, until then, we’ll continue to learn some more about members of our community; this week it’s the turn of Anna, Lucy and Gill.

Anna Ford

Q1 - what originally brought you to parkrun?

I ran my first parkrun at Ashton Court in 2014 – as a friend was visiting me in Bristol and she really wanted to give it a go. I did enjoy that first parkrun experience; however, it was over 2 years until November 2016 that I returned to parkrun. I had run a lot as a youngster but had become really inactive in my early twenties – something I had decided I really wanted to change. My friend who encouraged me to go to Ashton Court those 2 years prior, had really caught the parkrun bug, and had continued to go every week. So, I decided to give my, now local, Pomphrey Hill parkrun a go. This time it really stuck – I loved the friendly, inclusive atmosphere, and that it really does not matter how quickly (or slowly) you get around. I think I went every week for at least a year – only missing it if I was on holiday!

Q2 - which running or volunteer story are you most proud of and would like to share?

I think I am generally proud of that fact that since November 2016, running has become such an important part of my life. I am not originally from Bristol, and it is through running, parkrun, and joining a running club, that I have established myself, made friends, and made Bristol a home.

Q3 - what are you doing to remain positive?

As so much of the country has been doing – Zoom has become a really important way of staying connected with loved ones. Lots of Zoom quizzing and zoom exercise classes. Also, as I am in a really fortunate situation, and have been able to remain working from home – I have enjoyed sending little “care packages” to my friends who are working on the front line, or who have been furloughed.

Q4 - what are you doing to remain active and fit?

Running! Before lockdown, I would rarely run by myself, running has always been a very social activity for me, so I was really concerned about how I would cope without that aspect of my favourite thing to do. However, have chosen a “training plan” to carry out, and I am running most days and have found an appreciation for lone running. That said, I cannot wait to be reunited with running friends, and go post-parkrun breakfasts, and social Sunday long runs.

Q5 - apart from Pomphrey Hill which is your next favourite parkrun and why?

I have been fortunate to visit a lot of different parkruns (51) over the last few years, and I love taking the opportunity to try the nearest parkrun if I am away for the weekend. However, I think it would have to be my “second home” parkrun – Bideford in North Devon. It’s the parkrun closest to my parents, and where I grew up – and as it’s nice and flat (sorry Mr Hill!), it’s where my parkrun PB is.

Q6 - is there anything else you would like to share?

Hoping everyone is keeping safe and well – and can’t wait to be back at parkrun and enjoying post-parkrun breakfasts with friends sometime soon.

Lucy Bryant

Q1 - what originally brought you to parkrun?

Wanting to get faster and a good excuse not to have a drink on a Friday evening. An early goal for the weekend.

Q2 - which running or volunteer story are you most proud of and would like to share?

Completing Eastville parkrun in 20 mins and 15 seconds, a PB!

Q3 - what are you doing to remain positive?

I’m trying to beat and train to better the above PB. Virtually running, sprint training and working on speed work. I tried last weekend and only managed 20:33 so have a way to go. #lockdowngoals

Q4 - what are you doing to remain active and fit?

As a triathlete I am lucky to have an indoor smart turbo trainer so I’m cycling online in the virtual world 3-4 times a week, running 1-2 times and weight training at home 1-2 times a week.

Q5 - apart from Pomphrey Hill which is your next favourite parkrun and why?

This is a tough one. Eastville is my closer one but Chipping Sodbury is flat. So great for trying for a PB!

Q6 - is there anything else you would like to share?

Keep up with your fitness. It’s important more than ever at the moment not just for our physical but mental health. Having goals and things to aim for is equally important. DB Max have a free 5K Saturday rainbow run if you need extra inspiration....

Gill Whitehead

Q1 - what originally brought you to parkrun?

My daughter Pamela Goold. I was doing C25k and she suggested we go along to parkrun. It was Halloween 2015 and loads of people were in fancy dress which I wasn't expecting!

Q2 - which running or volunteer story are you most proud of and would like to share?

I really enjoyed marshalling on New Year's Day, I think it was 2018. We had record numbers including a group of men from Ashton Court celebrating a milestone dressed as "laydees", it was freezing cold and pouring with rain but I loved it!

Q3 - what are you doing to remain positive?

Keeping in touch with friends and family on social media and volunteering with Red Cross

Q4 - what are you doing to remain active and fit?

Running and walking on alternate days. I've done some virtual medals, parkrun challenges and challenges with my running club Bitton Road Runners.

Q5 - apart from Pomphrey Hill which is your next favourite parkrun and why?

Got to be Somerdale Pavilion, the Curly Wurly parkrun which is actually now my home parkrun as it's my nearest but I still love coming to Pomphrey Hill when I can!

Q6 - is there anything else you would like to share?

parkrun has been a huge part of my running journey and I'm really looking forward to it starting again but only when it's safe.

Thank you Anna, Lucy and Gill for sharing your stories with us all!

If you'd like to see your name in lights, then please email us at pomphreyhill@parkrun.com with answers to the following questions:

- a photo of yourself (or a link to a photo)
Q1 - what originally brought you to parkrun?
Q2 - which running or volunteer story are you most proud of and would like to share?
Q3 - what are you doing to remain positive?
Q4 - what are you doing to remain active and fit?
Q5 - apart from Pomphrey Hill which is your next favourite parkrun and why?
Q6 - is there anything else you would like to share?
These will be published over the coming days and weeks on our parkrun website and our Facebook page.

Until next time; be safe, stay healthy and look after each other.

Ris