Thanks to Jo for this report from Saturday’s parkrun. In her own words. Ed
Another lovely day developed and we were impressed that 52 runners managed to get up early and turn out at our lovely riverside course despite the Cowes Week fireworks and partying last night.
With Ray away on his hols to wilds of Scotland, where we have learned that there are no parkruns yet but plenty of sheep with their “baa-codes” all ready (thank you Simon and Justine for the comedy), Elaine Tracey has taken over Race Director duties for the remainder of August. Under Elaine’s guidance the event was once again well organised and got off on time with lots of enthusiasm. The line-up this week included 14 first-timers, but there was one clear winner from the very start.
Third win for Aaron
Our winner this week, for the third time in as many parkruns, was Aaron McGrath (SM20-24) in 18:09; despite suffering a tumble on a wet grassy slope during his second lap. It was an excellent performance (and wonderful athletic recovery!) from Aaron. In second place today was Adam Tuck (SM30-34) in his new PB time of 18:43, with Angus Effemey (SM25-29) – an IW parkrun first-timer – in third place with 19:01. Angus is no stranger to parkruns, and this was actually his 42nd to date!
First place for Carla
We had an upheaval in the ladies results today. In first place (and tenth overall), after an impressively strong and consistent run, was Carla Plowden-Roberts (JW15-19) in her first ever parkrun, achieving a winning time of 21:30.
Carla’s performance has brought to an end young Eden Crumplin’s winning streak, but in her 15th appearance at parkrun, and after 11 consecutive wins, Eden still achieved second place today with a time of 23:22.
In third place was Carla Paonessa (VW40-44) of the IW Road Runners, taking part in only her second parkrun, with a time of 24:03. If there was a prize for the most smiley runner this would also have been won by Carla today, who always makes running look so relaxed, enjoyable and easy!
Veteran Tristan’s 42nd parkrun
As well as our third place male today, we also welcomed another parkrun “veteran” this week – Tristan Heald (SM30-34) who was also taking part in his 42nd parkrun to date!
Tristan came 7th in his first go at the IW Parkrun course, and we hope he and Angus enjoyed our course.
Youngest runner
A special mention must go to the best improver since his last parkrun. Our youngest parkrunner is five year old Simon Apsey, who was taking part in his second ever parkrun today with Mum – Claire Apsey.
Simon finished in 46:23 – knocking more than three minutes off his previous time, and doing an amazing sprint finish with the encouragement of his Dad – Steve Apsey. Very well done, Simon – you’ll soon be giving your Dad some competition!
Good scores on the age graded tables
We had some good scores on the age graded performance table today; Andrew McEwen came in 4th today and earned a grading of 75.51%, Peter Watson was graded 73.38% and came 12th overall, and our winning female – Carla Plowden-Roberts – was graded 72.09%.
Leading the IW board overall though is still Graham Tuck with his impressive grading of 85.21% from our second event on 14th May.
Male points table
In the male points table, Jay Tuck is still leading with his excellent 1,241 points, and Michael David Morris of Serpentine RC is back in second place with 1,136 points.
Alan Rowe of the IW Road Runners is now third with 1,087 points.
Female points table
In the female points table, Eden Crumplin is still way ahead of everyone with her incredible 1,495 points, with Katie Patricia Lewis still second with a 1,101 points and young Elsie LEWIS of the IW Athletics Club is back in third place with 1,039 points.
202 different runners in 15 weeks
Saturday saw 11 new personal bests, which brings the total number of PBs since the Medina IW parkrun started to 147. During these 15 weeks we have seen 202 different runners – representing a total of 23 different clubs – running the equivalent of 576 parkruns and covering a total distance of 2,880km!
The overall male course record holder is Will Newnham after his phenomenal 16:35 time last week, and the overall female course record holder is still Claire Kiely, who achieved 20:56 at our very first event on 7th May.
Thanks to volunteers
Many thanks to all the volunteers who have made IW parkrun possible so far, and to everyone who helped today, including Simon Lewis and Ian Jolliffee, who took a week off running to help. We are very grateful for all your help and support.
Don’t forget you can keep up with all the latest news, and join in group discussions, by following the parkrun medina home page, or by joining our “medina parkrun” group on Facebook. If you want to volunteer to help at one of the events, simply phone Elaine or go to the “volunteer” tab on the Medina IW parkrun website, and let her know on which date you will be able to help.
Join us next week for more happy running!
Jo Randall
