🏏 Bats, Bubbles, and Barcode Scans – What a Weekend! 🏃♀️
Before a single parkrun step was taken, the Ashford Striders ladies were already making headlines on Friday night – not on the trails, but on the cricket pitch! Taking part in the fabulously named “Bats and Bubbles” tournament, they swapped running shoes for cricket bats (and possibly Prosecco flutes). While they didn’t walk away with the trophy, they gave it a fantastic effort – full of team spirit, big swings, and plenty of laughs. Let’s just say the only thing more impressive than their bowling was their ability to remain upright after the bubbles. 🥂🏏💙
Parkrun
This weekend, the parkrun posse was out in full force – crossing counties, tackling trails, and showing the UK (and beyond!) how it’s done, one barcode at a time. With nearly as many tourist stops as a coach trip to the seaside, our runners didn’t just run—they ran the show!
Let’s kick off with our Folkestone Festival of Footwork, where practically the whole postcode turned up. Special mentions to:
- Frank Remigio, came in at 18:12 – clearly allergic to taking it easy.
- A mighty Folkestone crew followed in fine form: Harry Scott, Terry Sellen, Elle Weekes, Justin Burden, Michael Ruck, and Stephen Rumsey all kept it sub-28, giving GPS watches a proper workout.
- A warm Parkrun welcome to the back-half brigade: from Jason Sanders at 28:49 to Laura Clarkat 54:29, every single one of you brought the energy and enthusiasm – and possibly the post-run snacks. 💪
Meanwhile, the tourism bug bit hard elsewhere:
🌊 Dover Waterfront had the pleasure of Simon Pharoah, who scorched the seafront in a sizzling 18:04. We assume he ran so fast he caused a small breeze behind him. Local weather reports are being updated accordingly.
🌊 Blyth Links welcomed Eloise Pegg, breezing in at 24:52. If grace and pace had a parkrun lovechild, this would be it.
🎓 In Canterbury, Martin Whittingham took a 52:18 jaunt through the academic air – it’s a thinking man’s parkrun.
🏁 Over in Dereham, Amanda James powered through in 30:18 – because Norfolk’s flat(ish) and she’s fabulous.
🛬 Judarskogen parkrun (yes, that’s in Sweden 🇸🇪) saw Lee Standen jet-set his way to a lovely 30:34 – Nordic trail? Nailed it.
☀️ Leybourne Lakes had a triple treat: Amanda Watson (29:48), Nicola Crawley (32:26), and Marion Fitzpatrick(33:00) – all possibly paddling between kilometres.
🏞️ In Maidstone River Park, George Cromwell and Lucie Shrubsole finished just one second apart (28:20 & 28:21). Suspiciously synchronised? Or just superb pacing? Either way – we approve!
🎢 At the challenging Queen Elizabeth parkrun, Rachel Tomsett tamed the hills in 43:53 – give that woman a medal and an oxygen tank!
🌳 Royal Tunbridge Wells hosted Isabelle Froissart in a lovely 31:11. Royal park, royal pace.
🟩 Over at Mote Park, Gary Tiley clocked an impressive 22:10. Someone’s been sneaking speed sessions into their week!
🌄 In the muddy meadows of Uckfield, David Martins (29:07) and Sarah Martins (33:10) made light work of a course better known for cowpats and character-building.
Sunday: Asics LDNX 10k – Fast Feet & Personal Bests!
The streets of London saw some serious pavement pounding this weekend as Kay Hunt, Adam Thomas, and Frank Remigio took on the Asics LDNX 10k—and they absolutely smashed it.
Leading the charge (and possibly breaking the sound barrier) was Frank Remigio, clocking a blistering 36:54. Frank didn’t just run—he teleported across the course. With that personal best, we’re now checking if he was actually wearing rocket-powered trainers.
Kay Hunt followed with a fantastic performance, crossing the line in 53:43—a shiny new personal best! It seems all those early morning runs and strategic carb-loading (read: pasta and hope) paid off.
Just one second behind (yes, one second!), Adam Thomas came in at 53:44. Whether he was being a gentleman or simply distracted by Kay’s sprint finish, we may never know. But let’s be honest—what’s one second between friends and running heroes?
Congrats to Kay and Frank for smashing their personal bests—and to all three runners for showing up, giving it their all, and reminding us that racing is about heart, hustle, and maybe just a hint of healthy competition.
☕ Sunday Smiles – “Run With It” & Striders Take It Easy(ish)
After a whirlwind of parkrunning, it was time for a gentler gear on Sunday, when Elle’s “Run With It” crew joined forces with Ashford Striders for a lovely Run and Coffee social. Runners, joggers, and walkers came together with a shared mission: move a little, chat a lot, and finish strong with cake 🍰 (objectively the best kind of finish line). Whether it was a speedy dash or a Sunday shuffle, the event was all about well-being, togetherness, and fresh air therapy.
And because Elle knows how to treat her people, there was even a little sock surprise courtesy of her fantastic company, Run With It 🧦 – keeping feet happy and spirits high. A perfect end to a weekend of Strider-style community and connection.
🏅Final Thoughts:
Whether you sprinted, jogged, walked or wobbled, every one of you added to the story this weekend. And remember: it’s not about the time on the clock, it’s the time spent together. (Although we arewatching, Simon and Frank 👀… you two are causing turbulence on the leaderboard.)
Same time next week, barcode in hand?
#parkruntourism #legendsinlycra #sweatybutproud
