Thanks to Jo for sending this week’s report of the tenth Isle of Wight parkrun. In her own words. Ed
A moody sky, and the very real threat of rain, welcomed us back to our Medina/Seaclose course, but spirits were great and many runners – who had not been able to run at Ryde – turned up to take part.
Sarturday’s run actually saw our best turn out of runners so far; 44 participants in all including nine first-timers. We also had a small contingent of non-participants who wanted to recce the course ready to start jogging it next week, so I hope they feel inspired enough to join us properly next Saturday!
Our coordinator this week was lovely Ray Scovell, who also took on barcode scanning duties for a change!
Thanks to volunteers
Our thanks to all the volunteers and marshalls today, including Simon Randall and Kev Fry of the IW Road Runners – a group who have been tremendously supportive of IW parkrun. Hope you guys get a chance to run again next week.
Our overall winner this week, in his fifth appearance, was Alan Rowe (VM45-49), of the IW Road Runners, in a time of 20:16. Just about in second place today was Cohan Stephen Tyler (JM15-19) in 20:53, with Steve Rumsey (VM40-44) hot on his heels for third place and the same recorded time.
It was an exciting race between these two today, and I feel sure a grudge match is imminent! This was Cohan’s fourth IW parkrun, and his fourth PB in a row, so keep your eyes on this young man in the future.
Eden wins again
In her 10th consecutive appearance at the Isle of Wight parkrun, it is no surprise that our female winner today – for the 7th week running – was young Eden Crumplin (JW14) of the IW Athletics Club, in a time of 23:32.
I know Eden had a few problems this time, and didn’t record the time she was hoping for, but still did herself – and us – proud. This made her 10th overall today, and she still gave the chaps a good run for their money!
Another IW Athletics Club member was our second female today, Kaya Simpson (JW14). Kaya ran extremely well today and achieved a new PB with 24:17. Our third lady home was unattached runner Rachel Bedford (VW40-44) in 24:40, on what was her first go at the Medina course.
Chris brought along team mates
Special mention must be made of West Wight Road Runner, and parkrun regular, Chris Amy (VW60-64). Chris was actually our fourth lady home, and achieved the best age graded performance score today with 73.98%, a little ahead of winner Alan Rowe’s score of 71.63%.
Chris also brought several team mates with her today, and it was great to see such a good turn out by the West Wight Road Runners – especially as many of them travelled further to most to get here. Many thanks to the WWRRs who were so keen to volunteer at future events too – we couldn’t do it without the help of people like this.
No vets this week
No “veteran” parkrunners took part this week, but both Eden Crumplin and Jay Tuck (who was unwell but still managed to come in 19th today) are the first Isle of Wight parkrunners to have completed every event since we started 10 weeks ago! Congratulations!
In the male points table Jay remains top with 909 points, with his father – Graham Tuck – in second place with 760 and J Lewis third with 719.
In the female points table, Eden is blazing away with 996 points, ahead of Katie Patricia Lewis in 747, and we have a new third place female on the board; Elsie Lewis, who has 661 points.
The Lewis family are doing exceptionally well, and are tremendous supporters of parkrun – participating regularly in both the running and the volunteering. Big thanks to them, and to everyone who took part today.
Personal bests to beat for new runners
I would also like to congratulate Liz and Matthew Kingston. This was the first ever parkrun for new runner Liz and her son, and I found out later that they had enjoyed it very much.
The first run always counts as a Personal Best (PB), and Liz is delighted that she now has a time to beat next week! This is the essence of parkrun for me – personal achievements, a lovely atmosphere and great support for every runner of every ability.
13 new personal bests
This week, as predicted with the return to our flatter course, saw 13 new personal bests, bringing the total since the Medina IW parkrun started to 75. During these 10 weeks we have had 126 runners – representing a total of 15 different clubs – running the equivalent of 319 parkruns and a total distance of 1595 kms!
Overall scores
The overall male course record holder is still the unregistered winner of our first ever parkrun on 7th May, in a time of 17:41, and the overall female course record holder is still Claire Kiely, who achieved an impressive 20:56 at the same event.
Claire won a bronze medal at the recent Island Games, and did the Isle of Wight really proud, and we look forward to seeing her back at parkrun sometime.
Don’t forget you can keep up with all the latest news, and join in group discussions, by joining our parkrun page on Facebook. New runners, please remember to register for your bar-code before next Saturday, so that you don’t have to appear as “unknown” on the results board. You’ve done the hard work so let us praise you for it!
See you all at 8.45am at Medina next week!
