Once again Saturday provided us with windy conditions and torrential rain. Did that stop Ashford Striders getting in a bit of park running? Of course it didn’t!
Ashford Parkrun
Keith Haynes continued his impressive form and was first across the line representing Striders with a time of 20:53, Andrew Maund was next in 21:17 and in bronze position was Mark Niles 21:42. Paul Dunning 24:11, Hazel Turner 24:19 and Jason Kennedy came through in 24:44. Next braving the elements at Ashford were Tamsin Richie, Jason Brice and Paul Baker running 28:08, 28:59 and 29:33 respectively. Special mention to Paul Baker for achieving a sub 30 personal best. Richard Randle was next home 30:01, Lee Standen, 32:52, Lisa Fulcher 32:52 and Sally Davidson-Daniel 34:00, Delia Millen 36:44 and Julie Nicholson 37:43.
Well done to all of our Strider volunteers, Jason Caldwell, Amanda Cooper, Terry Sellen, Kevan Strand, Dermot Carr and Dave Winchester, thank you for you time.
Hilly Fields Parkrun
A few of our Strider ladies ventured to, hilly by name hilly by nature from what I can gather, Fields Parkrun on Saturday. Siobhan Hagan even though mountainous managed a sub 30 coming across the line in 29:50. Next was Michelle Bryant, 31:31 Rebecca Somerford, 33:08, Lisa Gribbin, 33:59 and Rachel Mission 34:29. Ruth Goddard and Tyree Spicer I assume kept each other company when tackling the tough course as they came in practically together with times of 40:43 and 40:44 respectively, well done ladies.
I hear that copious amounts of cake was consumed after the run, well earned I would say.
Burgess Parkrun
Nicola Crawley and I visited Burgess Parkrun on Saturday so I thought I would add a review to this weeks run report in case any of you fancy a visit.
We left Ashford early (6:30ish) as Nic needed to make a delivery to Borough Market. Burgess park is only around 2k away from the market and as it was so early traffic was light. I would maybe estimate that journey time from Ashford would probably be around 90 minutes maybe slightly less. The nearest tube station is Elephant & Castle on the Bakerloo line. We parked in a residential street right by the park and at weekends it is free (bonus no.1). There is a little café (that sells gorgeous and huge cake) by the start, but there are no inside facilities however there is access to toilets (bonus no. 2). The Parkrun itself is a one lap course, which runs out to a pretty lake, you should see The Shard piercing the skyline which is pretty awesome! Bonus number 3 is that the course is FLAT and run on tarmac (apart from the last 100 meters or so which is across grass). The marshals, as with most parkruns, were friendly and encouraging; the lady banging her drum added a little something different. At the finish there was a mass warm down, that people can join as they finish, which was pretty cool. We would definitely recommend Burgess Parkrun if you want a trip to Camberwell. Nicola Crawley finished strong (as always) with a time of 28:34 and Justine Wearn came in with a time that she was pleased with in 31:51.
Forecast for this week looks chilly but thankfully very little rain. I am hoping the whisper of snow is only a vicious rumour! Just call me Mr Fish, you’re welcome! (maybe a reference for some of ‘our more mature’ runners like me). Enjoy your running this week and stay safe.
Report by Justine Wearn.
