Kingsbury Water Park opened it's gates for Parkrun for the 390th time. It has evolved over time into the two lap beast it is today. I was asked to describe the route to a first timer but I didn't want to ruin their discovery of the pleasant trails and scenery ahead. Instead, inspired by the increase in mental health charity running shirts I see at Parkrun and knowing the mental health benefits (and they are huge) that many people gain from running, I described the route in the style of Joe Tracini (look him up and his interpretive dance commentary as he publicly battles his own mental health issues).
Wait for the gun
Yappy puppies
Flibberty gibberty
Blair Witch
Good morning Sir
Good Morning Madam
Ooh it's tight
Still as a still thing on a bed of stillness
What was that
Turn for the top
Kick ball change
Eye of the Tiger
Little wooden one
Squeezing through
Wait, what, do it again
A Parkrun littered with Marvels at every turn was in store for 252 of us today. 252 braving the early weekend alarm and foregoing the first of two lie-in opportunities (based on a somewhat old fashioned idea of a traditional working week). 252 springing out of bed and going through their pre run superstition laden prep. Left sock first, right shoe first, tie laces twice, banana and peanut butter washed down with a mug of tea and wipe down American Football pads etc etc.
56 with first timer questions borne out of nervous anticipation. How tough is the course? Can I cope with the 4ft of elevation gain? What sauce should I have on my post run breakfast sandwich? It's brown by the way. Always brown. Are the Blair Witch rumours true in the muddy wood? Who put Brown Owl eyes on the butterfly wings? All of these questions were answered in a somewhat formal, legs crossed, fingers on lips session with Miss Griffiths pre run.
32 clubs represented. Club shirts from around the globe grouped together at the start like a scene from The Warriors (1979 for you youngsters too young to know) soon to fan out around the course. Kenilworth taking the spoils on KWP turf with a one two. A notable battle up front between Harry and Ryan. Ryan's 153 Parkruns looked to have given him the advantage by experience only for Harry, with 106 less Parkruns in his legs, to sprint clear and sneak the win 5 seconds ahead of Harry. Both achieved PB's as did Katie Wilshire rocking position 13 overall and leading a 99 strong female contingent.
Overall 21 runners channelled their inner Eilish McColgan and received their result text with the PB fanfare text tone. Unknown placed 9 times over the event with a best finish of 14th!
Robert Rainsley brought up km number 626,248 with Tail Walkers Carolyn and Paul adding km number 626,249 and km number 626,250 to the overall km count since it's inception on 20th July 2013.
Pom Pom support, musical accompaniment, Swan clearance, excessive cheering and encouragement was brought to you today by Mich's Marvels. It's always a pleasure and never a chore. Thank you for the Big Thumbs. You are all awesome and gorgeous too.
Sid
