Thanks once again to Jo Randall for her report from last weekend’s parkrun. They take place every Saturday morning in Seaclose Park.
Our first ever September parkrun looked as if it would take place on a beautiful, golden morning, but clouds suddenly appeared from nowhere whilst we were travelling to the event. The threat of rain remained nothing more than a threat however, and spirits were high on one of our best attended events to date.
It was also young Eden Crumplin’s birthday, so the atmosphere was especially happy, and we would all like to thank Eden’s Mum – Justine – for the huge tub of sweets she produced afterwards!
65+ runners took part
The official number of participants was 65, but there were also a number of runners who completed just one lap of the course, so we think the total at the start line was actually nearer 70. Out of this line up, 13 of the runners were IW parkrun first-timers, and a total of six different clubs were represented.
We were delighted to welcome back our race director – Ray Scovell – after nearly a month away, and Ray was supported by a fine crew of volunteers and marshalls; including a number of regular runners who took time out to help with the organising, and were all very much appreciated.
Will Newnham first man home
The first man home – for the 4th time in as many runs – was Will Newnham (JM15-19) of the Aldershot, Farnham & District AC, in a time of 16:44. In second place was previous 3-time winner Aaron McGrath (SM20-24), in 17:40, in what was his 6th appearance at parkrun.
Les Cupis of the Ryde Harriers was third in yet another new PB time of 18:54 – despite mentioning before the run that he didn’t feel he had a PB in him because he was wearing the wrong gear! Those cycling shorts worked for you after all, Les!
Carla first lady
Running just slightly slower than last week, but coming 5th overall, was our first lady across the line Carla Plowden-Roberts (JW15-19), of the IW AC. This was Carla’s 4th appearance and 4th consecutive win, and it was another very strong run by this young athlete.
The second lady over the line was last week’s third place lady – Karen Lewis (VW45-49) of the Ryde Harriers – in her new PB time of 22:37. Well done, Karen.
We were delighted to welcome birthday-girl, and 11-times previous winner, Eden Crumplin (JW14) of the IW AC, back into the top three ladies once more, with a time of 24:10. This was Eden’s 18th parkrun, and she is now the only runner to have taken part in every IW parkrun to date!
Veteran runners took part too
Special mentions today go to “veteran” parkrunner, Peter Chiverton, who was completing his 45th parkrun to date and came 22nd overall today, and to my new friend James (pictured above) – who at three years old is too young for a bar-code but has taken part three times with his Mum, and is now completing a whole lap each time.
James uses an interesting technique of running, jumping, marching and making Mum give him a “piggy-back”, to complete the lap, and he certainly gave me a work out when I joined him, his snowman toy “Chilly” and his brave Mum for half a lap today! For me this is what parkrun is all about, and James certainly seems to enjoy it if his constant smiles every week are anything to go by!
Age-graded performance table
In the age-graded performance table today, our winning man – Will Newnham – was graded 78.78%, putting him third on the overall table, and our third place man – Les Cupis – achieved his highest rating so far of 76.81%, which puts him sixth on the overall table.
Our highest graded female today was our first lady over the line – Carla Plowden-Roberts – with 73.58%. Holding first place in the IW board overall though is still Graham Tuck with the 85.21% rating he earned at our second event on 14th May.
In the men’s points table, Jay Tuck retains his lead with 1,422 points, and Michael David Morris is still 2nd with 1,416 points. Steve Apsey, who ran today for the first time since sustaining an injury several weeks ago, is now 3rd overall with 1,220 points.
Eden still leading
In the female points table, Eden is still way ahead of everyone else with her amazing 1,788 points, with Katie Patricia Lewis and her daughter Elsie still in 2nd and 3rd places with 1,185 and 1,126 respectively.
We were delighted to welcome the Lewis back today after their family holiday, and pleased to hear that Dad, Simon Lewis, made them all do a run last Saturday (in the heat of the French sun) even though there was no parkrun they could take part in!
200 personal bests
The total number of PBs since the Medina IW parkrun started is now 200, and during these 18 weeks we have had 250 different runners – representing a total of 30 different clubs – running the equivalent of 765 parkruns and covering a total distance of 3,825km. Here’s some food for thought; 90 of those kilometres were racked up by Eden Crumplin alone!
The overall male course record holder is still Will Newnham, who finished in 16:35 on 6th August, and the overall female course record holder is Carla Plowden-Roberts after her lovely performance last week when she won with a time of 20:46.
Keep dogs on leads
The organisers would like me to ask all runners who bring dogs with them to ensure that the dogs are kept on a lead throughout the run please.
We are now having much larger numbers of runners taking part, and there are lots of areas on the course where runners have to pass each other quite closely.
The health and safety of everyone is our main concern, but with dogs kept under control we will try to keep the “dogs welcome” ethos going as long as possible. Many thanks.
Volunteers welcomed
Don’t forget, if you would like to help at any event over the next six weeks, do please let Ray know in good time. To do this use the Medina parkrun email address, the telephone number detailed or by contacting him through our Facebook group page.
Thanks again to all the volunteers who have helped so far. Next week I am hoping to run again, so I will do another “runner’s view of parkrun” write-up!
Happy running, and many happy returns, Eden!
Jo Randall
