by Dawn Thomas | Jul 26, 2024 | Health And Fitness, Lincoln, Lincolnshire, Lincs Connect, LincsConnect, WhatsOnLincs
Celebrating Our Park Run Volunteers
Having been injured and unable to run much through 2023 I took to running one lap and then volunteering. Today I had volunteered to write the run report about ‘my journey’. I had it all prepared. However listening to Jim, our run director I was reminded that today I was celebrating my 25th volunteer role. I’ve therefore changed tack and will write about celebrating our park run volunteers.
Each week a request for volunteers is made. This week Jim, along with Pooh and Piglet pleaded for help to fill the roster. I didn’t realise until I arrived at our beautiful Boutham Park how many of the Maternity Wing Park Run Group were volunteering today. They all responded to the last minute pleas.
Without volunteers there would be no park run! Each week Lincoln needs a minimum of 18 volunteers for the event to go ahead. A more realistic number of volunteers would be about 28.
As the school holidays start the number of runners and volunteers has taken a dip and filling future rosters is challenging.
The Core VolunteeringTeam
There are regular volunteers at Lincoln, the core team (you know who they are) who often cover several roles each week, but even they need time out from time to time. If you fancy taking over Junes Bridge or Sandras Corner one morning please email lincoln@parkrun.com
Catherine bravely took on marshalling Mozzy Corner. This may not be its official name but it’s on the corner in the wooded section. Plenty of shade makes it perfect conditions for a hot day like today.
Family Friendly
Perhaps you attend our Park Run with your family who spectate and cheer you on? Could you persuade them to Marshall? They still have the opportunity to cheer you on but at the same time help keep park run going for you.
Park Run is a vey family friendly community. The Lincoln Junior Park Run team are taking over the park run on the 10th August and are looking for volunteers for both this event and for the Junior Park Run which will eventually take place on Sundays. Could this be the opportunity for you and your children/grandchildren to volunteer and learn all about Junior Park run? If you are interested in supporting this event please check out the roster on this link: https://www.parkrun.org.uk/lincoln/futureroster/
Celebrating Our Park Run Volunteers – Combining Running And Volunteering
Ella, another one of our Maternity Wing Park Run Group was also celebrating her 25th volunteer role today choosing to bar code scan. I love to bar code scan as you get to speak to 100’s of runners. The first past the post, who to be honest, can’t usually speak as they have just run supper fast. Those who achieved a PB, Park Run tourists, those training for ultra marathons, runners from different running groups, cancer my way participants, the children and walkers.
Jamie, today’s first runner home took on scanning duties as he has on many occasions. Fiona, ran her 200th park run today in a respectable 29m 36s and then took up scanning duties.
Fiona celebrating her 200th run at Lincoln Park Run
Perhaps you finish in the top 52. If so have you ever considered volunteering? I’m sure many of you have, but if not please consider running and bar code scanning just once a year. That’s 52 weeks covered already!!
I’ve dragged my son’s girlfriend to park run on more than one occasion. Charlie has now volunteered more than she has run. Her favourite role is funnel manager.
Today Shirley took control of the funnel and really enjoyed the experience. Again, it’s a great way to meet, greet and congratulate your fellow runners.
Celebrating Our Park Run Volunteers – Familiar Faces
A regular at park run is Keith Mackenzie. Today Keith celebrated his 50th volunteer role by park walking. Along with the tail walker this is a great way to give support and encouragement to those runners and walkers at the back of the pack. It’s an ideal role if you have an injury and need to slow your pace whilst still getting your park run fix and your steps in.
Keith celebrating his 50th Volunteering Role at Lincoln Park Run
Perhaps you have a big event on Sunday and need to rest. Rather than sitting park run out how about being the number checker, finish token manager or time keeper?
There are roles to suite everyone. Try stepping out of your comfort zone and try something different. The first timers welcome is another role you can combine comfortably with your run. This would also suit someone who needs to get away in a hurry after their run.
If you know of any youngster who are participating in the Duke of Edinburgh award then volunteering can count as their service.
Pledge To Volunteer
Park Run UK suggests every runner should attempt to volunteer three times a year. Some will be able to do this easily plus more, whilst others may be able to manage just one. If every regular Lincoln park runner stepped forward just once a year it would make a huge difference to the roster.
Volunteering isn’t difficult and the park run community is really friendly and supportive. Please take a look at roster for the next six weeks and beyond.
Let’s all pledge to volunteer at least once a year.
https://www.parkrun.org.uk/lincoln/futureroster/
Remember, if you are a T shirt collector then volunteer 50, 100 or 150 times and you can send for a volunteer shirt. This is another great way to support park runs future.
Follow: @DawnThomas2311 and @parkrunUK on X (formally Twitter) and Facebook: LincolnParkrun and parkrun UK
by Dawn Thomas | Jun 30, 2024 | Blogging, Health And Fitness, Lincolnshire Blogger, WhatsOnLincs
Park Run Tourism By Dawn – Market Harborough Park Run 17 August 2024
Park Run Tourism by Dawn – Market Harborough Park Run 17 August 2024. Having arranged to visit my sister in Ullesworth and stay for a a couple of days I obviously looked up the nearest park run. To be honest I was hoping there would be one a little nearer than Market Harorough. However, I wasn’t going to miss the opportunity to run at a different park run despite the earlier start and extra traveling distance.
Boultham Park V Welland Park
To prepare myself for the run I looked up the course description. What struck me first was how similar it sounded to my local Park Run in Boultham Park, Lincoln.
Both involve three laps of the park and are obviously in a park. I love my local park run and every tourist park run I attend gets assessed based on it. It’s a hard act to follow. Or is it?
On arrival I pulled into the ‘Farndon Road’ car park only to find it full. I asked a local about parking who advised trying the ‘Welland Park Road’ car park or failing that ‘The Commons’ car park. Luck was on my side and I slipped into a space at the ‘Welland Park Road’ Car park. The car parks are really small as it states on the course web site. If you are from out of area you need to have a back up plan for parking and don’t rely on the ones on site. For more information on your chosen park run visit
www.parkrun.org.uk. (
@parkrunUK)
Sisters
Safely parked, I jogged into the Park and followed the signs to what I thought was the first time brief area. I arrived at the volunteers meeting point and got chatting to regular volunteers & sisters Ann, Dot & Lynette. I was made to feel very welcome, so thank you ladies. They kindly informed me where the first time brief was and the toilets so another jog back toward the carpark. I arrived at the first timers brief just as it was finishing (Sorry Pete!). Emma, another park run tourist and first timer at Market Harborough quickly filled me in. There were no surprises to be had, all seemed fairly standard.
Welland Park, Market Harborough Park Run #132
Park Run Tourism – Market Harborough – The Start
I headed to the start line with Emma to discover there were pacers ready to support the runners looking for new PBs. The run director, Mike, delivered a safety talk, giving a shout out to the volunteers, pacers and to those with milestones. As soon as he was finished he counted down 3,2,1 and we were off.
The start was a little congested, especially as we ran from the wider start path to the narrower path round the first turn. However, it didn’t take long for the runners to spread out and I soon found my pace. I could see the 29 minute pacer in front so decided that was my aim for the run.
Anyone for Tennis?
As I was running I looked around. The park was much busier than my local park in Lincoln. Both the tennis courts and the children play area were busy. It was obvious that there were families of runners in the play area looking out for their mum or dad. I had hoped that my Nephew was going to bring his children down from Lubenham to do the same. Unfortunately they had chosen this week to go to Devon. Maybe next time?
The River Wellend
The river Welland runs down the left side of the course and can be seen through the trees. At the end of this path you loop around to run back on yourself ready to repeat the lap again. Ann and Dot were stood here, shouting encouragement to everyone as they ran past. This is the only section where you have runners heading in the opposite direction so it’s important that you keep left. On the second lap this section resembles a dual carriage way, with the faster runner overtaking. However, it was not a problem as its a lovely wide path.
The finish
On my last lap I chatted to one or two other runners and offered encouragement to them to get them across the finish line. One young lady came up and thanked me at the end which I thought was really kind. I caught up with Emma, who said how much she enjoyed her first run at Welland Park and she commented that the park made for the best warm up she had ever done. The park truly is beautiful and well kept, so take time to look around after your run.
Guided runners
There were two runners with guides on the course today. Amanda was guiding Vanessa and Andy was guiding Simon. I managed to catch up with Andy and Simon as they finished their final lap. It was Andy’s 80th guided run which had not all been with Simon who was on his 80th Park run. What fantastic achievements.
Guided running. Andy and Simon
Post run coffee
There is a fabulous little coffee shop and a kiosk selling coffee, cakes, pastries and ice creams. I grabbed an ice lolly and sat in the shade chatting to a runner who was local to the area. Everyone was really friendly just like my local park run.
The verdict.
Boultham Park V Welland Park. I scored the parks on 10 different categories so I could be objective. Both parks had similar courses, finish set ups and a friendly atmoshere. Boultham scored better on car parking facilities but the cafe and outside seating at Welland outshone Boultham. Overall they came out equal and I would definitely come back.
Park Run Tourism – Belton House 29 June 2024
Park Run Tourism by Dawn –
Belton House on 29 June 2024. There are some serious park run tourists out there, visiting A-Z of park runs around the Globe. I don’t consider myself to be one of them. However, I do confess that if invited to a Wedding, on a weekend away or holiday, the first thing I do is look up the nearest park run. Surely I’m not the only one?
Today I’m with some of the ‘Just Run Lincoln’ crew who are on our monthly tourist tour, visiting different park runs. I already have experience of the course, having been twice before. It’s a two lap course taking you down the long drive, around parkland and past the front of the magnificent Belton House. I would say the course is 80% trail. That’s very different from what our crew is use to.
Park Run Tourism at Belton House
Park Run Tourism By Dawn – Belton House The Start
After a short first timer/ tourist brief we took our places at the start. The start covers an exceptionally wide area with runners on both the grass and the drive. This made for an easier start with no bottle necks. The number of dogs was particularly noticeable and audible. However, both owners and dogs were all very well behaved during the run.
By the time we had reached the turning point (about midway down the drive) the pack had thinned out making it easy to move onto the trail section. A family of swans could be seen sat at the corner watching everyone with interest. With eyes back on the trail it was time to focus on the rabbit holes. I needn’t have worried though as they were marked with little white flags.
Sheep On The Run!
A glance to the right and I could see the park deer in the far field then I noticed the sheep. OMG the sheep were running on mass directly towards the next corner. Watching the runners and sheep ahead I could see that all were being very courteous. Both the runners and sheep seemed to dodge each other without effecting pace. What a relief!
The course isn’t entirely flat as you will find as you run up towards the house to the start of the second lap and eventually the finish funnel. The good news is that final section is flat, wide and on a path. There was plenty of scope to pick up the pace for a fast finish.
Post Run Coffee
Having cheered each other in we piled into the stables cafe to refuel and dissect our run. The others hadn’t run Belton before and were all surprised it was a trail run. The takeaway point here is read the write up
www.parkrun.org.uk to avoid surprises. (
@parkrunUK)
We will be voting on our next park run tour in the coming weeks but in the meantime it’s back to the training. If you fancy a bit of tourism yourselves head to the friendliest park run I know (of course I am biased !) in Boutham Park, Lincoln Happy running everyone.
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