parkrun & GRL reports

parkrun organises free, weekly (Saturday 9am), 5km timed runs in the UK and around the world. They are open to everyone, free, and are safe and easy to take part in http://www.parkrun.org.uk/

They are great for all abilities, from those just starting out to families of all ages, for the novice as well as the elite runner. Many Joggers regularly take part and volunteer with local events being hosted in Brandon, Bury St Edmunds, Cambridge (Milton Country Park and Coldham’s Common), Clare Castle, Haverhill, Littleport, Thetford and Wimpole Hall Estate. Once registered you can enjoy them anywhere around the country, in fact around the world!  You are welcome to walk, jog or run these events according to your preference and level of fitness.

Another free weekly timed 5km that has now appeared on the local scene is Great Run Local (GRL), which starts at the bottom of Newmarket Heath’s Warren Hill on a Sunday at 11:15am., see: www.greatrunlocal.org/  There is also the option of a shorter 2.5km run for children and adults. The nearest alternative GRL courses are at Walsham-Le-Willows and Needham Lake, which start on Sundays at 9:00am and 9:30am respectively.

Newmarket Jogger and keen parkrunner Chris Aylmer has kindly offered to write a weekly report on how the Joggers have got on. Abbreviations:  PB = all-time parkrun personal best, cPB = course PB, YB = best parkrun time so far this year.

NJ GRL report for Sun 13th Oct 2019 @11:15am

5K: Elke Hausler 24:01, 4th of 37 overall, 2nd of 4 known female runners. Great run Elke!

2.5K: Lilly Basing (Junior Jogger) 14:58 PB!, 4th of 35 overall and 2nd of 9 female participants. Well done Lilly!

Thanks to all the volunteers including: Gaye Margarson, David Merchant, Paul Forshaw, Sue Scargill, Helen Wass, James Plowman, Giles Macrow.

NJ parkrun report for Sat 12th Oct 2019

LOCAL VENUES: Brandon (97 participants): James Thomson 21:36; Iain Perry 26:42; Alan Thornhill 32:29. Bury St Edmunds (273): Stephanie Greenwood 30:02. Cambridge (391): Richard Jones 23:10. Clare Castle (96): Alison McKenzie 26:00 cPB! =YB! =PB! Coldham’s Common (246): Brian Munns 22:58; Jim Withers 26:47. Littleport (138): Emma Reader 36:07. Thetford (244): Elke Hausler 22:58.

TOURIST VENUES: Greenwich [Avery Hill, SE London] (295): Joe Cormack 24:03. Huntingdon (262): Jan Holmes 22:47 cPB!; Sarah Kinston 31:38. Kettering [Wicksteed Park in Northamptonshire] (461): Emma Newman 23:11. Rutland Water (296): James Tweed 21:18.

FIRST IN AGE GROUPS: Jan Holmes 1st of 8; Elke Hausler 1st of 7 & 2nd F of 113; James Thomson 1st of 7. NEXT BEST: Emma Newman 2nd of 18; Richard Jones 2nd of 16; Brian Munns 2nd of 15; James Tweed 5th of 28; Sarah Kinston 7th of 25; Joe Cormack 8th of 21; Alison McKenzie 3rd of 7.

Looking at the tourist venues this week, Kettering parkrun (est. 2016) brings back childhood memories, taking place inside Wicksteed Park, which was one of the first amusement parks to be opened in the UK back in 1921. The land was owned, developed and supplied with play equipment by Charles Wicksteed, son of a Unitarian minister, who is credited as being the original inventor of the children’s slide, which was made from bare planks of wood in those days, with no hand rails. All the amusements were free for the local children. His project was philanthropic and a way to give thanks for the end of the First World War. He envisaged creating a type of people’s model village with an open space and playground for the children. This never exactly materialised and his energies went more into the spreading of his amusement park ideas to other towns, cities and abroad. Commercially, he could supply these parks with play equipment. He also introduced (not invented) his own designs of waterchutes, maypoles, swings, miniature railways and fairground carousel rides. I can’t remember whether it was a primary school outing, a church choir day out or something else, but I remember going on a coach trip to Wicksteed Park in Northamptonshire when I was around 8-10 years old. I remember particularly enjoying a train ride on the miniature railway. As for the parkrun, it is quite a varied 2.5 lap route, going around the boating lake, over parkland, beside the River Ise, over the railway line at several points and running across pontoon bridges, which probably makes your legs feel funny.

Greenwich parkrun might seem slightly confusingly named as it is situated over 3 miles to the southeast of Greenwich Park and the Royal Observatory. However it is very close to the University of Greenwich secondary campus in Avery Hill, which houses sporting facilities, university buildings and student accommodation. The original college buildings were erected in Woolwich on the south bank of the Thames in 1891, and were called Woolwich Polytechnic, the first polytechnic in the UK. It later merged with other polytechnics to become the Thames Polytechnic in 1970 and then the University of Greenwich in 1993, when it moved into the Old Royal Naval College buildings in Greenwich as its main campus. The parkrun itself is a well established one, which started out in 2010. It’s a 3 lap route around Avery Hill Park in attractive landscape, with some tree-lined pathways and tree cover around the perimeter. There is a very nice cafe in the park to enjoy refreshment after the run.

Huntingdon parkrun (est. 2013) is a nice shady 2 lap route in Hinchingbrooke Country Park, run largely through woods on well kept pathways with some open parkland too. The open part of the route passes by an ornamental lake and then goes beside Alconbury Brook as it meanders through the woods. Like Greenwich parkrun, there is a very nice cafe in the park to enjoy refreshment and a chat afterwards. This parkrun verges on being classed as “LOCAL” on these pages, being 31 miles from Newmarket and around a 46 minute car journey according to Google. It will be certainly be quicker and nicer to travel to when all the roadworks on the A14 are complete.

We’ve described Rutland Water parkrun (est. 2015) a few times, but no harm repeating. It’s a lovely, picturesque out & back route around part of one side of Rutland Water, which is about 20 miles northwest of Peterborough, 61 miles from Newmarket. It starts and finishes near the “stunning” Normanton Church, which is situated on its own tiny island in the water. It was saved from the deliberate flooding of the area while constructing the  Rutland Water dam in the 1970s. The lower half of the church was below the required water level and the church was de-consecrated and ready to be demolished. After a public outcry, it was filled with cement and rubble from the floor up to the level of the windows to avoid any flooding; then it was surrounded by an embankment to prevent water ingress and provided with a causeway to reach it from the mainland. It’s now used primarily as a wedding venue. The parkrun route is flat and fast over mainly hard paths with the midway turnaround point of the parkrun situated halfway across the dam, which should provide tremendous views of the surroundings. Again, there is a nice, convenient cafe at Normanton Park Hotel, near the church location.

NJ GRL report for Sun 6th Oct 2019 @11:15am

5K: Jon Brooker 26:29 PB! 10th of 21 overall (possibly ran with daughter Eadie?).

2.5K: No Joggers ran.

Thanks to all the volunteers, including: Anna Mayhew, Gaye Margarson, Sue Scargill, Helen Wass and Janet J.

NJ parkrun report for Sat 5th Oct 2019

LOCAL VENUES: Brandon (132 participants): Mike Sales 26:49; Sarah Sales 29:12. Bury St Edmunds (307): Neville Clarke 22:00; Anna Mayhew 26:13; Alison McKenzie 26:17 cPB!; Ruth Eberhardt 29:20. Cambridge (436): Emma Newman 22:43; Rebecca Fordham 24:58; Iain Perry 25:52 YB!; Aaron Burns 27:57. Clare Castle (128): James Tweed 22:26. Coldham’s Common (314): Brian Munns 22:43 cPB!; Richard Jones 23:17; Adrian Whittle 24:59; Jim Withers 26:13 cPB! YB! Littleport (175): Jan Holmes 27:18; Sophie Adams 28:49 YB!; Sarah Kinston 29:25; Christine Windsor 29:33; Rachel Allen 35:18 YB!

TOURIST VENUES: Wimbledon Common (520): Henry Hamilton & Amber 21:17 Amber PB! York (484): Kate Warboys 28:47 YB!

FIRST IN AGE GROUPS: Emma Newman 1st of 24; Rebecca Fordham 1st of 22; Neville Clarke 1st of 10; James Tweed 1st of 8; Sarah Sales 1st of 7; Jan Holmes 1st of 6. NEXT BEST: Anna Mayhew 2nd of 16; Brian Munns 2nd of 15; Alison McKenzie 3rd of 16; Richard Jones 3rd of 15; Henry Hamilton 4th of 13; Sarah Kinston 6th of 19; Sophie Adams 4th of 12.

 

Above: Henry Hamilton at Wimbledon Common parkrun with PB achiever Amber. Photos: Thanks to Henry Hamilton

NJ GRL report for Sun 29th Sep 2019 @11:15am

5K: Malcolm Osbourn 28:23, 14th of 28 overall; Chris Aylmer 32:50, 20th.

2.5K: Cerys Bithell 11:51, 1st Female of 11 and 2nd of 30 overall…well done!; Lilly Basing 14:57 PB!, 5th  F; Connor Bithell 20:39, 10th overall.

Thanks to all the volunteers, including David Merchant, Helen Wass, James Plowman, Caroline Mcintosh, Gaye Margarson, Paul Forshaw and Joe Cormack.

NJ parkrun report for Sat 28th Sep 2019

LOCAL VENUES: Brandon (132 participants): Clive Purbrook 26:03; Belinda Schofield 29:21. Cambridge (536 ): Richard Jones 24:27; Rebecca Fordham 25:21; Adrian Whittle 25:32; Malcolm Osbourn 27:04; Baz Colley 30:33; Carol Mcintosh 34:34; Jenny Osbourn 35:46. Clare Castle (125): James Tweed 21:43. Coldham’s Common (347): James Thomson 21:56; Sophie Adams 29:39 YB!; Stephanie Greenwood 29:54; Sarah Kinston 31:49; Rebecca Hannah 32:01; Rachel Allen 37:45. Great Cornard (179): Paul Dockerill 19:44 cPB! Haverhill (53): Chris Aylmer 29:41. Littleport (164): Christine Windsor 29:07; Emma Reader 34:30 cPB! YB! Thetford (272): Jason Beeton 23:26 YB!; Giles Macrow 28:08.

TOURIST VENUES: Melton Mowbray [Leicestershire](160): Emma Newman 22:58. Sloughbottom [Norwich](235): Alan Thornhill 29:38 YB! Victoria Dock [East London](183): Phil Blundell 20:39 YB! PB!

FIRST IN AGE GROUPS: Rebecca Fordham 1st of 24; Emma Newman 1st of 5; Paul Dockerill 1st of 4; Jenny Osbourn 1st of 2; Christine Windsor 1st of 2; Belinda Schofield 1st of 2. OTHER GOOD PERFORMANCES: James Tweed 2nd of 13; Richard Jones 5th of 23; Malcolm Osbourn 2nd of 7; Carol Mcintosh 2nd of 6; Jason Beeton 4th of 12; Phil Blundell 6th of 18.

At the local venues, Rebecca Fordham continues to impress. It’s the third week in a row that she has been first finisher in her sizeable age group of FV45. Emma Reader is making headway and posted her best parkrun time this year at Littleport, as did Sophie Adams at Coldham’s Common and new member Jason Beeton at Thetford.

Looking at the tourism scene, Emma Newman tried out the reportedly stunning Melton Country Park (no Milton spelling error!) in Melton Mowbray. This is a 2 lap course which crosses little wooden bridges, goes round the side of a lake and under a disused railway arch as it meanders around the picturesque parkland. It started out well in January 2015 but hit a low point in 2016 when numbers sank well below 100 for a while. Now it can count on at least 150 most weeks and sometimes 200. Emma had a very good run for her first time here, coming first in her age group by 4 minutes.

Alan Thornhill chanced by Sloughbottom parkrun in Norwich, perhaps not the most attractively named parkrun in the UK. It started only in May this year and is already bringing in over 200 participants a week, so very popular with the locals. It’s a single lapper over hard path and grass, starting and finishing in Sloughbottom Park, with an out & back section terminating in a loop around another smaller park. Alan was in good form with his best parkrun time this year.

Phil Blundell went one better at Victoria Dock parkrun in East London, with an all-time parkrun PB to his name. This parkrun started in March 2018 and after a fairly slow start has really established itself over the past year, attracting 150 to 200 weekly. It’s an unusual double out & back horseshoe-shaped route around first the north and then the south side of the dock with plenty of dockland scenery to interest the eye. Giles Macrow was the first Jogger to run here in 2018 and ran it again in June this year.

Newmarket Joggers parkrun report for Saturday 21st September 2019

LOCAL VENUES: Brandon (67 participants): Brian Munns 23:38; Stephen Cousins 24:06; Danielle Jones 26:09; Jim Withers 27:20. Bury St Edmunds (319): Elke Hausler 23:37; Ruth Eberhardt 28:28; Paul Dockerill 30:28. Cambridge (481): Richard Jones 24:24; James Thomson & Norah in buggy 24:45; Rebecca Fordham 25:29; Aaron Burns 30:33; Christine Windsor 32:02. Clare Castle (215): James Tweed 22:24; Iain Perry 27:02. Coldham’s Common (263): Phil Blundell 20:53 (cPB! =YB! =PB!); Melanie & Harvey Tindale volunteers; thanks! Haverhill (62): Chris Aylmer 28:08. Littleport (192): Neville Clarke 20:57. Thetford (236): Giles Macrow 26:17.

TOURIST VENUES: Cardiff (820): Emma Reader 38:09. Fulham Palace (542): Henry Hamilton 19:52 (150th parkrun!). Heslington (307): Emma Newman 22:41 (cPB!).

BEST IN AGE GROUPS: Rebecca Fordham 1st of 21; Emma Newman 1st of 15; Elke Hausler 2nd of 17; Phil Blundell 2nd of 15; Ruth Eberhardt 2nd of 14; Neville Clarke 1st of 5; Henry Hamilton 7th of 35; Brian Munns 1st of 4; James Tweed 3rd of 12; Richard Jones 7th of 25; Giles Macrow 8th of 18; Chris Aylmer 1st of 2; Stephen Cousins 2nd of 4; James Thomson & buggy 17th of 34.

 

Newmarket Joggers GRL report for Sunday 15th September 2019 @11:15am

5K: Wayne Hargreaves (27:23 PB!) 14th of 25; Sianie Painter (32:31, speedy tail walker….watch out Callum and George Wilkinson!). Well done Wayne, who is improving rapidly on this route.

2.5K. No Joggers involved.

Newmarket Joggers parkrun report for Saturday 14th September 2019

LOCAL VENUES. Brandon (139): Adam Maltpress (23:19). Bury St Edmunds (304): Paul Dockerill (22:16); Rebecca Hannah (34:38). Cambridge (435): Iain Perry (28:33). Littleport (208): Emma Newman (22:40, 1st female finisher!).

TOURIST VENUES. Whitstable [Kent](358): Hannah Parsons (23:34 YB! PB!). Netley Abbey [Southampton](274): Adrian Whittle (28:39). Loch Neaton [Norfolk](162): Aaron Burns (29:43).

BEST IN AGE GROUPS: Emma Newman 1st of 15 and 1st female finisher of 91; Hannah Parsons 2nd of 16; Adam Maltpress 2nd of 7; Paul Dockerill 3rd of 10.

Newmarket Joggers GRL report for Sunday 8th September 2019 @11:15am

5K: Baz Colley  (26:52) 24th of 44 overall; Giles Macrow (31:50, volunteer helper) 38th. The best time this year from Baz, not quite a PB which was 26:48 in 2018.

2.5K: Sianie Painter (14:38 PB!) 14th of 48 overall and 3rd female of 12. Well done Sianie on a good 2.5K hilly time trial.

Newmarket Joggers parkrun report for Saturday 7th September 2019

LOCAL VENUES. Cambridge (566): Baz Colley (24:17 cPB! YB! PB!); Rebecca Fordham (24:50 cPB! YB! PB!); Aaron Burns (30:09). Clare Castle (107): James tweed (21:03 cPB!). Coldham’s Common (303): Phil Blundell (22:15); Brian Munns (22:48 cPB!); Jim Withers (26:42); Kate Warboys (29:17 cPB! YB!). Littleport (200): Emma Newman (23:20, 1st female finisher!); Jan Holmes (26:26 cPB! YB!); Christine Windsor (29:34); Sarah Kinston (30:24); Emma Reader (34:41 cPB! YB!).

TOURIST VENUES. Fountains Abbey [N.Yorkshire](353): Ruth Eberhardt (23:49). Netley Abbey [Southampton](280): Adrian Whittle (25:05). Newcastle (672): Chris Aylmer (29:26). Stewart [Middlesbrough] (301): Alison McKenzie (26:00 cPB YB! PB!).

BEST IN AGE GROUPS: Rebecca Fordham 1st of 33; James Tweed 1st of 9; Emma Newman 1st of 8 and 1st female of 94; Ruth Eberhardt 3rd of 23; Alison McKenzie 2nd of 15; Christine Windsor 1st of 5; Phil Blundell 4th of 20; James Thomson 3rd of 10 with Norah in buggy!; Baz Colley 17th of 38; Jan Holmes 1st of 2.

Newmarket Joggers GRL report for Sunday 1st September 2019 @11:15am

5K(23): Elke Hausler (24:53), 5th of 23 overall & 1st Female of 10; Wayne Hargreaves (31:01) 15th; Rebecca Fordham (35:04) 9th F.  2.5K(20): Rebecca Fordham (10:51) 1st of 20 overall & 1st Female of 9; Anna Mayhew (28:13), volunteer helper.

The area behind the woods was closed off due to the Newmarket Town Charity Ride, so the 5K course consisted of two laps of the 2.5K course in front of the woods, a much harder course than normal with the steep ‘Kenyan Hill’ to climb twice. Elke Hausler did very well to come home first female finisher in a good time. New member Wayne Hargreaves got his first taste of the Newmarket GRL and coped well. Rebecca Fordham put all her effort into the first 2.5K lap and then carried on for a second lap as a recovery, so got times for both distances. Her time of 10:51 for 2.5K is among the best recorded for this course.

Newmarket Joggers parkrun report for Saturday 31st August 2019

LOCAL VENUES. Brandon (151): Neville Clarke (21:47); Stephen Cousins (23:39); Iain Perry (28:35). Bury St Edmunds (376): James Thomson & Norah in Buggy (26:51); Ruth Eberhardt (26:52); Paul Dockerill (29:41) with daughters Abbie (29:40) and Chloe (29:53). Cambridge (531): Brian Munns (22:31 YB!); Richard Jones (24:17); Jim Withers (26:24 =YB!); Aaron Burns (31:47). Clare Castle (124): James Tweed (21:00). Littleport (199): Christine Windsor (31:31); Emma Reader (35:36 cPB!).

TOURIST VENUES. Cardiff (712): Henry Hamilton (20:05). Conkers [Leicestershire] (710):  Sarah Kinston (30:43). Netley Abbey [Southampton] (285): Adrian Whittle (24:42). Kesgrave [Ipswich] (331): Chris Aylmer (29:00). Heslington [SE York] (287): Emma Newman (22:44). Thomas Mills [Framlingham] (117): Giles Macrow (26:10).

BEST IN AGE GROUPS. Brian Munns 3rd of 24;  Ruth Eberhardt 4th of 27; Christine Windsor 1st of 6; Stephen Cousins 1st of 5; James Tweed 2nd of 10; Henry Hamilton 10th of 41; Adrian Whittle 5th of 18; Emma Newman 4th of 14; Jim Withers 4th of 14; Sarah Kinston 20th of 59.

Top: Cardiff parkrun. Photo: Henry Hamilton. Middle left: Emma Newman’s 50th parkrun at Heslington. Photo: Emma Newman. Middle right: James Thomson at Bury St Edmunds parkrun with Norah in buggy. Photo: James Thomson. Bottom: Kesgrave parkrun. Photo: Chris Aylmer.

Newmarket Joggers GRL report for Sunday 25th August 2019 @11:15am

5K: Neville Clarke (22:53) 5th of 24 overall; Sianie Painter (31:30) 14th & 2nd F of 5; Chris Aylmer (33:09) 17th; Anna Mayhew (42:35, volunteer helper) 23rd & 5th F. No Joggers in 2.5K. Elke Hausler was actually 1st female finisher in the 5K, so congratulations to her, but she unfortunately forgot her timing chip.

The 5K and 2.5K routes were altered to avoid using the Warren Hill descent next to the Moulton Road while the Soapbox Derby was in progress. So 5K runners never entered the woods at all but continued along the back edge and far side of the woods and descended down the ‘Kenyan Hill’ (nickname from Newmarket Joggers training sessions), the one the 2.5K runners have to run up. It was a hot morning at around 27-28°C in direct sun and no easy effort for the participants.

Thanks to the volunteers: David Merchant, Sue Scargill, Helen Wass, Debbie Read, Paul Forshaw, Gaye Margarson, James Plowman, Anna Mayhew & a couple of new marshals behind the woods, whose names I apologise for not knowing. The Facebook reports no longer come through to the GRL page on my computer….they got wise!

Newmarket Joggers parkrun report for Saturday 24th August 2019

LOCAL VENUES. Brandon (93): Adam Maltpress (25:56); Clive Purbrook (26:13); Kate Warboys (31:31). Bury St Edmunds (331): Elke Hausler (22:21); Ruth Eberhardt (25:48); Iain Perry (30:10).  Cambridge (506): Emma Newman (23:38); Adrian Whittle (25:09); Richard Jones (25:13); Alison McKenzie (27:17); Jan Holmes (27:37); Sarah Kinston (30:56); Aaron Burns (32:29); Rachel Allen (36:23). Clare Castle (153): Joe Cormack (24:54); Chris Aylmer (29:56). Coldham’s Common (260): Brian Munns (23:02 cPB!); Jim Withers (26:24 cPB! YB!). Littleport (224): Neville Clarke (20:34 cPB! YB!); Emma Reader (35:50). Wimpole Estate (446): Wayne Hargreaves (27:54).

TOURIST VENUES. Braunstone [near Leicester](439): Rebecca Hannah (33:14). Gladstone [Hendon, NW London](187): Giles Macrow (27:17). Mole Valley [Surrey Hills](297): James Thomson (22:36). Nonsuch [Cheam, SW London](744): Henry Hamilton (19:46). Sheringham [North Norfolk coast](367): Paul Dockerill (29:53) ran with daughter Chloe (29:51).

BEST IN AGE GROUPS. Jan Holmes 2nd of 23; Brian Munns 1st of 10; Emma Newman 2nd of 19; Elke Hausler 2nd of 18; Neville Clarke 1st of 7; Alison McKenzie 2nd of 13; Henry Hamilton 9th of 38; Clive Purbrook 1st of 4; Sarah Kinston 8th of 29; Adrian Whittle 9th of 28.

 

James Thomson enjoyed the scenery at Mole Valley parkrun, nestling in the North Downs of Surrey, but maybe not so much the hills! This parkrun takes place on the Denbies Wine Estate, the biggest producer of English wine in the country. Rows and rows of vines stretch for 265 acres in the surrounding countryside. The course is a 1-lapper that snakes along corridors between hedgerows and vines and is certainly hilly with 289 ft of climb. The parkrun began in March last year and already attracts around 300 participants per week, with a record of 390 earlier this month.

Giles Macrow tried out Gladstone parkrun in Hendon, NW London, which started life in 2012 with only 53 runners but set a record of 270 in January this year. The park itself was designed in late Victorian times and named after erstwhile Prime Minister William Gladstone, who use to spend time here relaxing and, who knows, maybe chopping down the odd tree. A partly disused railway line, used only for freight now, bisects the park and runners are taken over the railway bridge near the start and finish for some extra excitement.

Staying in London, in the SW near Cheam, Henry Hamilton clocked up Nonsuch parkrun, a flat and fast 2-lapper in Nonsuch Park, mainly on hard paths with some grass. It started in 2011 with an average attendance of a bit over 100 for the first few months, but has grown exponentially. The record attendance now stands at 949 in May this year.

Paul Dockerill returned to Sheringham parkrun on the Norfolk coast and ran with his daughter Chloe. This is a tough one lap course over rough, undulating and uneven wooded terrain, with a steep climb towards the finish and plenty in the way of tree root hazards. It began in 2012 with 85 participants and now regularly attracts over 200 per week, with a record of 44o in April this year.

It was the third visit of Rebecca Hannah to Braunstone parkrun, near Leicester, an attractive, moderately undulating, 2-lap course in Braunstone Park, mainly over hard paths. It has a wooded section and passes by two small lakes on the way. It started in September 2010 with only 54 participants but attracted a record 753 in January this year, so huge progress.

Newmarket Joggers GRL report for Sunday 18th August 2019 @11:15am

5K(24): Neville Clarke (21:44 cPB!) 1st of 24 overall; Hannah Short (27:25) 8th & 1st F; Malcolm Osbourn (27:54) 13th. No Joggers in the 2.5K run.

Neville Clarke was 1st overall finisher and set himself a new GRL PB of 21:44, so a great effort from him. Hannah Short also put in a fast run to finish 1st female in 27:25, with Malcolm Osbourn consistent as ever and close behind in a very good time of 27:54. Thanks to the volunteer helpers: David Merchant, Sue Scargill, Gaye Margarson, Paul Foreshaw, Joe Cormack, Chris Aylmer and Alice.

Newmarket Joggers parkrun report for Saturday 17th August 2019

LOCAL VENUES  Cambridge (465): Stephen Cousins (23:37); Rebecca Fordham (26:41). Bury St Edmunds (335): Paul Dockerill (22:06); Ruth Eberhardt (26:15); Anna Mayhew (26:42). Thetford (248): Elke Hausler (21:42, 1st F finisher!); Emma Newman (23:30); Clodie Rolph (30:17 YB! cPB! PB!); Sarah Kinston (31:09 50th parkrun!); Rebecca Hannah (32:08); Rachel Allen (35:24). Clare Castle (133): Neville Clarke (21:38). Littleport (189): Christine Windsor (29:15). Coldham’s Common (259): Brian Munns (23:07); James Thomson & Norah in Buggy (24:56).

TOURIST VENUES  Wimbledon Common [SW London](472): Henry Hamilton (20:24 cPB!). Whinlatter Forest [Lake District](193): James Tweed (25:19 cPB!). Holkham [North Norfolk](278): Chris Aylmer (30:07).

BEST IN AGE GROUPS: Elke Hausler 1st of 11 and 1st F of 120; Rebecca Fordham 3rd of 25; Anna Mayhew 2nd of 15; Henry Hamilton 4th of 25; Paul Dockerill 3rd of 16; Ruth Eberhardt 5th of 21; Brian Munns 2nd of 8; Emma Newman 2nd of 7; James Tweed 4th of 14; Stephen Cousins 3rd of 10; Sarah Kinston 8th of 26; Neville Clarke 1st of 3; Clodie Rolph 6th of 15; Christine Windsor 1st of 2.

Henry Hamilton and James Tweed both returned to previously visited tourist venues for a second attempt and both gained course PBs. Henry was at Wimbledon Common parkrun, which is an attractive, nearly flat, two lap course around the Common, through wooded parkland, twice passing by King’s Mere Lake and finishing within close view of the iconic windmill. It started in January 2007 when there were 51 participants, so one of the earliest to appear on the scene. Now the record stands at 659 in June this year….that’s progress!

James revisited Whinlatter Forest parkrun in the Lake District, which began in January 2018. This is the parkrun with more climb than any other parkrun in the UK, maybe in the world; officially 674 ft, but according to James’ Garmin 568 ft (173 m) of climb. More frightening still, it doesn’t come back down very much and finishes about 250 ft higher than it starts…just not fair! To compensate for this, there is very nice scenery, with excellent views of Derwent Water and the surrounding hills, if you have the breath to enjoy it.

I visited Holkham parkrun in North Norfolk, before doing a recce for Stage 3 of the Round Norfolk Relay. Holkham Park is a classic 18th Century ‘Capability Brown’-style stately park (actually landscaped mainly by William Kemp), with fashionable (at the time, now considered invasive) Mediterranean evergreen oak trees, sweeping, undulating lawns, an ice-house, an obelisk, a monument and even a neoclassical temple, not to mention an adopted herd of wild fallow deer and, of course, stately Holkham Hall itself. The Lord of the Manor, Thomas Coke, 8th Earl of Leicester, still actually lives with his family in a part of the Hall, which has well over 100 rooms, while his estate covers 25,000 acres of park and farmland.

It’s such a nice gesture that they allow free parking every week for parkrunners; no money grabbing here. The course is a scenic undulating one lap route over immaculately kept gravel and tarmac pathways. In this vast park, there is even ample room to hold the one lap Holkham 10K race, which takes place in July. The parkrun began in 2015 with 96 participants and the record attendance stands at 531 in April this year. Well recommended for a visit, with a lovely cafe near the Hall, full of home-baked goodies, and the poshest toilets (sorry, lavatories) I’ve ever visited at a parkrun!

Above left: Holkham parkrun start/finish. Above right: Holkham Hall hiding behind a tree. Photos: Barry Bye

Newmarket Joggers GRL report for Sunday 11th August 2019 @11:15am

5K (45): Stephen Cousins (23:46) 4th of 45 overall; Hannah Parsons (24:15) 6th and 1st F of 17; Joe Cormack (25:40) 8th; Giles Macrow (26:15) 10th; Rebecca Fordham (27:27) 3rd F; Malcolm Osbourn (27:31) 16th; Sophie Adams (31:44 PB!) 9th F; Caroline Mcintosh (32:56 PB!) 12th F; Jenny Osbourn (37:35) 17th F. 2.5K (22): Cerys Bithell (11:49 PB!) 1st of 22 overall and 1st F of 6. Ellie Bithell (12:25 PB!) 3rd and 2nd F.

Another great run in the 2.5K by Cerys Bithell, first finisher and a PB to boot! Trying to keep up with her daughter, Ellie Bithell also achieved a PB and took 2nd female position. Well done to both. Stephen Cousins and Hannah Parsons were top Joggers in the 5K event, with Hannah 1st female of 17 participants, so in top form. Well done Sophie Adams and Caroline Mcintosh, who both achieved new PBs on this course.

Newmarket Joggers parkrun report for Saturday 10th August 2019

LOCAL VENUES: Bury St Edmunds (275): Jason Bevan (18:50 cPB! YB!); Brian Munns (24:42); Ruth Eberhardt (24:57); Jim Withers (27:47); Stephanie Greenwood (31:13); Paul Dockerill (31:42) running with daughters Chloe (31:09) and Abbie (31:41). Thetford (272): Giles Macrow (25:08). Littleport (232): Emma Newman (23:14).

TOURIST VENUES: Ipswich [Chantry Park](340): Adrian Whittle (26:17); Gunnersbury [West London near Chiswick](541): Henry Hamilton (19:52); Margate [north Kent coast](157): Jan Holmes (27:49); Loch Neaton [Watton in Norfolk](158): Chris Aylmer (29:37).

BEST IN AGE GROUPS: Jason Bevan 1st of 16; Emma Newman 1st of 14; Jan Holmes 1st of 12; Henry Hamilton 7th of 38; Ruth Eberhardt 5th of 21; Brian Munns 4th of 16.

A particularly good week for Jason Bevan at Bury St Edmunds, with his best parkrun time since 2014 and 1st of 16 runners in his age group. Emma Newman and Jan Holmes were consistent as ever, both winning their age groups easily; Emma by over 3 minutes at Littleport (also 3rd female overall of 118) and Jan by nearly 2 minutes at Margate. Margate is a north Kent double out & back coastal run, mostly on tarmac promenade, with a stunning view of Palm Bay as it passes by Cliftonville. The parkrun dates back to 2013 and, apart from the initial 2 events, struggled to attract more than 30-40 participants per week until 2015. Since then the trend has been steadily upwards, with the record attendance 196 in April this year. Henry Hamilton’s travels took him to Gunnersbury parkrun in Gunnersbury Park in West London, near Chiswick. It has been going since 2011 and numbers have steadily increased over the years, from about 100 to a record 686 in January this year. This is a beautiful two lap course passing by a boating lake and circling Potomac Lake, a large fish pond.

Talking of lakes, I was at Loch Neaton parkrun, not in Scotland but in good old Norfolk, in Watton. The parkrun just began in March this year and is already attracting around 150 per week. The course starts along by Loch Neaton, a lovely small lake with water lilies and surrounded by trees. Then it goes for 3 laps around playing fields at Watton Sports Centre before returning to the lake for the finish. There is an interesting story about how Loch Neaton came into being and why it was so-called. In 1875 they were extending the Thetford/Watton railway line to Swaffham and needed thousands of tons of earth for the construction of a rail embankment about a mile long to the north. It was a monumental task with only some steam-powered equipment to help. Two huge holes were excavated in Neaton (a hamlet just outside Watton at the time) and the earth moved to where the line was to be laid. The railway builders were Scottish construction workers called navigators or ‘navvies’ for short in the 19thC.

In the years after the railway line was constructed, one of the holes, the smallest and furthest one away from Watton, began to fill with water from the River Wissey, but the one nearest the town remained dry. A deliberate philanthropic project was begun to turn the excavated hole nearest the town and its surrounds into a lake and pleasure garden. Water was eventually brought to the hole from a nearby natural spring by using a wind pump, after chanelling from the River Wissey had failed. It was called a ‘Loch’ out of respect for the Scottish railway construction workers who had worked so hard to dig out the earth. For many years, up to the First World War, it was a popular leisure attraction, with fishing and boating lake, swimming pool, tennis courts, bowling green and bandstand. It also became a fashionable venue for music concerts, outdoor opera and the like. There was even an annual Whit Monday Marathon race that started at the lake in Edwardian times, possibly spurred on by the famous marathon in the 1908 Olympics in London, where the runner was disqualified for being helped over the line when he collapsed from exhaustion. Nowadays the Loch has been more or less returned to a place for walking and relaxation (bar the weekly parkrun!), with active sports transferred to the Sports Centre nearby, but is no less pleasing for local people.

The sad end to this story is the closing of the railway line from Thetford to Swaffham in the 1960s,  less than 100 years after all that back-breaking work. This was part of the massive cuts enforced by Dr. Beeching’s railway restructuring plans, when around half the stations in the UK were closed and a third of the railway lines ripped up. Several of the low railway bridges near Watton have been dismantled for getting in the way of traffic and there doesn’t even seem to be a footpath to walk or run along the original route of the line from Watton to Swaffham.

 

Newmarket Joggers parkrun report for Saturday 3rd August 2019

LOCAL VENUES. Brandon (88): Adam Maltpress (23:03), Brian Munns (23:33), Jim Withers (27:14), Alan Thornhill (31:21). Bury St Edmunds (326): Neville Clarke (21:48), Ruth Eberhardt (25:06), Adrian Whittle (26:18). Cambridge (610): James Tweed (20:51 cPB! YB! PB!), Stephen Cousins (23:06), Rebecca Fordham (25:15, PB 25:14!). Clare Castle (133): Chris Aylmer (29:54). Littleport (196): Phil Blundell (20:55 cPB! YB! PB!). Thetford (260): Elke Hausler (23:55), Malcolm Osbourn (27:34), Giles Macrow (32:25, Pacer), Carol McIntosh (33:03), Jenny Osbourn (36:33).

TOURIST VENUES. Felixstowe [Suffolk coast] (234): Paul Dockerill (20:44). Queen Elizabeth [Hampshire Downs] (120): Henry Hamilton (21:15). York [racecourse] (495): Emma Newman (22:21).

BEST IN AGE GROUPS. Rebecca Fordham 2nd of 24; Elke Hausler 1st of 11; Ruth Eberhardt 2nd of 21; Neville Clarke 1st of 8; James Tweed 5th of 36; Caroline Mcintosh 1st of 6; Henry Hamilton 1st of 6; Stephen Cousins 3rd of 18; Emma Newman 4th of 21; Jenny Osbourn 1st of 5; Paul Dockerill 3rd of 15; Jim Withers 1st of 4; Phil Blundell 3rd of 10; Brian Munns 1st of 3; Adam Maltpress 1st of 3.

 

Newmarket Joggers GRL report for Sunday 4th August 2019 @11:15am

5K (44): James Tweed (22:25), 4th of 44 overall; Ellie Bithell (25:30), 12th & 1st F of 10; Hannah Short (27:39), 22nd & 3rd F; Anna Mayhew (28:13), 23rd & 4th F; Sianie Painter (29:37), 28th & 6th F. 2.5K (28): Cerys Bithell (12:46), 3rd of 28 overall & 1st F.

Well done the top Newmarket Joggers duo of Ellie Bithell and daughter Cerys Bithell, who were first female finishers in the 5K and 2.5K respectively. Well done also to James Tweed, who was first Jogger home and 4th overall in the 5K, only 11 seconds short of his GRL PB. Hannah Short, 2nd claim member of the Joggers, was only 20 seconds from her best GRL time after 7 runs in the 5K, while Anna Mayhew and Sianie Painter both put in solid efforts. Ben Phillips (9:34), a young local runner (not a club member), was a very speedy first finisher of the 2.5K event in only his 3rd GRL, taking nearly half a minute off his PB. His pace works out at 6:09/mile, especially impressive over this very hilly course. He has also done one 5K Newmarket GRL in 19:05, so definitely a runner to look out for.

Message from Dave: A nice morning on the gallops today, great weather and a good turn out! Thank you to all of today’s volunteers: Giles Macrow, James Plowman, Joe Cormack, Gaye Margarson, Helen Wass, Sue Scargill, Debbie Read, Anna Mayhew & David Merchant. See you all next week, Dave GRLN

Newmarket Joggers parkrun Report for 27th July 2019

LOCAL VENUES. Brandon (122 participants): Kate Warboys (32:28). Bury St Edmunds (258): Neville Clarke (21:38), Adrian Whittle (24:44), Ruth Eberhardt (25:40), Sophie Adams (30:55 YB!), Stephanie Greenwood (31:20). Coldham’s Common (275): Brian Munns (23:02 cPB!), Jim Withers (26:24 cPB! YB!). Clare Castle (122): James Tweed (21:39). Littleport (180): Emma Newman (22:58), Chris Aylmer (28:53). Thetford (242): Giles Macrow (25:03).

TOURIST VENUES. Lyme Park [Disley, Cheshire](113); Jason Bevan (34:49). Sherwood Pines [Nottinghamshire] (271): James Thomson without buggy! (20:33). Upton Court [Slough, Berkshire] (120): Henry Hamilton (21:20).

BEST IN AGE GROUPS: Brian Munns 1st of 10; Neville Clarke 1st of 8; James Tweed 2nd of 16; Emma Newman 1st of 7; Henry Hamilton 2nd of 13; Ruth Eberhardt 3rd of 16.

Nice to see Brian Munns back at the top of his age group. Brian and Jim both seem to get on well at Coldham’s Common, with Jim recording his best parkrun time this year and also a course PB. Emma Newman is coming back to top form and achieved her best parkrun time since her injury earlier this year. Sophie Adams also did well to get a Year Best time at Bury St Edmunds.

On tour at Sherwood Pines parkrun, James Thomson allowed himself a run without the buggy, coming 4th of 11 in his age group. His partner Poppy took over buggy duties and finished in 38:47. Sherwood Pines Forest is a few miles south of the famous Sherwood Forest of the Robin Hood legend, the latter consisting of native deciduous trees. Established in 2015, the parkrun route is a scenic one lapper along trails and stony paths through the forest, maybe somewhat similar to the equally coniferous and man-made Thetford Forest.

Henry Hamilton was down at Upton Court parkrun in Slough, which has been going since 2012. This is a 2 lap circuit around fairly open parkland and fields, with some stretches alongside woods and along cycle paths.

Jason Bevan called in at Lyme Park parkrun, near Stockport, which started in 2014. This is a beautiful National Trust parkland area on the western edge of the Peak District, in Cheshire. with panoramic views towards Manchester and beyond. The parkrun is a one-lap route along open trails and through woods. Jason was running with a friend or relation at a more relaxing pace than usual for him.

 

Above left: James Thomson with Norah; above right: the start at Sherwood Pines parkrun. Photos James Thomson

Below left: Henry Hamilton at Upton Court parkrun; below right: a view of the finish area. Photos Henry Hamilton.

 

Newmarket GRL report for Sunday 28th July 2019 @11:15am

5K (37 participants): Malcolm Osbourn (28:12) 10th of 37 overall, Jenny Osbourn (38:00) 29th & 8th F. 2.5K (8): Cerys Bithell (12:30) 1st finisher of 8 overall & 1st F.

Well done Junior Jogger Cerys Bithell, who put in a great run in the 2.5K to come home first overall finisher by over a minute and a half. Malcolm and Jenny Osbourn put in consistent performances for Newmarket Joggers in the 5K, as they have done week after week.

There was a new and very talented young runner in the 5K GRL this week: Sophie Tooley, who last ran a GRL at Needham Lake in August 2017, achieving a PB of 19:22. She finished 2nd overall and first female in an impressive time of 21:27 on this difficult Newmarket course. She is or was a member of West Suffolk AC and has a brilliant school track, cross country and parkrun record dating back to 2010, with a parkrun PB of 18:18 and top age grade of 87% in 2012 (aged only 13). Her form in the English Schools Cross Country Championships of 2012 had her selected to represent GB at a junior level. Since Feb 2018, she has no recorded runs on her Power of 10 record, so may have taken time out to concentrate on her studies at university. Let’s hope we see more of her high class running at the Newmarket GRL and that she fulfills her undoubted potential as a top athlete. George Redhead, an unattached young local runner, achieved his fourth 1st finish from 5 runs at Newmarket, coming home 1st of 37 in 19:27.

Message from Dave: Great to see you all turn out this morning! The going on course today was officially good to soft, muddy in places. A little better weather for running, after the 38.7c heat in Cambridge on Thursday, we are now back to a balmy 16c & rainy with a bit more rain! Thank you to today’s volunteers Gaye Margarson, Paul Forshaw, Helen Wass, Sue Scargill, Debbie Read, James Plowman, Giles Macrow and David Merchant. Lost property: A orange Asics top was left behind. It will be back next week if anyone wants to claim it.

See you next Sunday, Dave GRLN

Newmarket Joggers parkrun Report for 20th July 2019

LOCAL VENUES: Brandon (105 participants): Adam Maltpress (24:00), Clive Purbrook volunteer; thanks! Bury St Edmunds (321): Paul Dockerill (20:36), Ruth Eberhardt (25:52). Cambridge (423): James Tweed (21:12). Coldham’s Common (313): Phil Blundell (21:18, all-time PB!), Melanie Tindale volunteer; thanks! Littleport (186): Neville Clarke (20:46). Thetford (226): James Thomson & Buggy (22:48), Joe Cormack (25:45).

TOURIST VENUES: Castlewellan [N.I.] (253): Jim Withers (26:29 YB!). Concord [Sheffield] (178): Henry Hamilton (21:59). Conkers [Leicestershire] (634): Sarah Kinston (30:27) and volunteer, thanks! Netley Abbey [Southampton] (353): Adrian Whittle (24:09). Rutland Water (291): Emma Newman (23:12). Stewart [Middlesborough] (269): Alison McKenzie (26:51, all-time PB!). Thomas Mills [Framlingham] (114): Alan Thornhill (30:23).

BEST IN AGE GROUPS: Emma Newman 1st of 16; Paul Dockerill 1st of 14; James Tweed 3rd of 28; Alison McKenzie 1st of 9; Ruth Eberhardt 3rd of 25; Joe Cormack 1st of 6; Adrian Whittle 4th of 18; Phil Blundell 4th of 17; Neville Clarke 1st of 3; Jim Withers 2nd of 6; Sarah Kinston 15th of 43; Alan Thornhill 1st of 2.

Some interesting tourist venues this week. Adrian Whittle hails from Southampton but it was his first trip to Netley Abbey parkrun. The picturesque 2-lap course in Royal Victoria Park, close to Southampton Water, normally goes around a chapel and through bluebell woods but on this occasion there was another event in the park, so the run became a frantic 5 and a half laps around a large field. It’s slightly odd that this parkrun should have been called Netley Abbey when the course does not pass within a mile of the Abbey ruins on the other side of Netley village. However, no doubt all the pasture and woods surrounding Netley were once part of the vast Abbey estate. Royal Victoria Park has its own heritage. It was the site of an ostentatious and architecturally attractive military hospital, built in 1855 during the Crimean War, with support from Queen Victoria as its main patron and benefactor. Public sentiment regarding the suffering of soldiers in Crimean hospital camps had been swayed by Florence Nightingale and there was an outcry for provision of an up-to-date military hospital to cater for soldiers wounded in foreign conflicts. Similar to the Millenium Dome in 2000, there were many critics of the project at the time. Florence Nightingale was not too keen on the building (good looks, poor practicality) but gave it her approval in the end after much persuasion. At a quarter of a mile, it was the longest building in Europe and was quite a regal presence looking out over Southampton Water. It was much used later during the Boer War and in World War I & II but fell into disuse by the 1960s and was pulled down after a fire in 1966. Sadly, for our architectural heritage, all that remains is the hospital chapel, around which the parkrun wends its way on a normal Saturday.

Jim Withers was likely visiting his family or relations in his native Northern Island. The parkrun at Castlewellan is around 30 miles south of Belfast and consists of one lap of the beautiful Castlewellan Lake. Jim obviously enjoyed the run and it was his best parkrun time so far this year.

Emma Newman had been looking forward to her first parkrun at Rutland Water, which began in 2015. The out & back course along the edge of the reservoir and partway along the Rutland Dam causeway affords great views of the water and surrounds, along fast, smooth cycle paths. Emma is right back on form now after injury earlier in the year and finished 1st of 16 in her age group.

Alison McKenzie achieved her best ever parkrun time at Stewart parkrun in Middlesborough, which was established in 2012. The 2-lap course in Stewart Park is around very attractive open and wooded parkland areas, mainly on tarmac paths.

Henry Hamilton was up in Yorkshire on racing business and had pre-planned his trip to Concord parkrun in north Sheffield. The 2-lap course in Concord Park is flat and fast over tarmac paths and began way back in 2011. Henry admitted he was a little the worse for wear after the night before, but enjoyed his run nevertheless.

Sarah Kinston has done a good many parkruns at Conkers, where she has family or relations. Its a very attractive out & back course, starting at Conkers Waterside Centre, the head water of the Ashby Canal, and going along trails and beside the Canal for part of the way.

Alan Thornhill paid a visit to Thomas Mills parkrun in Framlingham which came into being just a month or two ago. It’s a wiggly, looping, 2-lap course around the playing fields surrounding Thomas Mills School. It’s a little bumpy in places and the grass slightly longer than ideal around some of the fields but it is a great asset to the local community, who have not previously had a parkrun within easy reach.

Newmarket GRL report for 21st July 2019 @11:15am

5K: Neville Clarke (21:49 PB!) 2nd of 39 overall; James Tweed (23:10) 4th; Malcolm Osbourn (27:08) 16th; Chris Aylmer (29:49) 23rd; Jenny Osbourn (36:58) 11th F. No Newmarket Joggers in the 2.5K.

Newmarket Joggers parkrun Report for 13th July 2019

Brandon (103): Adam Maltpress (22:35), Kate Warboys (31:26 YB!). Bury St Edmunds (310): Adrian Whittle (23:59 cPB!), Anna Mayhew (25:48 cPB! YB!), Stephanie Greenwood (29:18), Rebecca Hannah (32:47), Ruth Eberhardt (volunteer, thanks!). Cambridge (420): Richard Jones (24:31 & volunteer, thanks!), Jessica Podd (25:41 YB!). Clare Castle (127): James Tweed (21:27). Coldham’s Common (264): James Thomson & daughter in buggy (24:06 & volunteer, thanks!). Haverhill (72): Henry Hamilton (19:44 cPB!), Chris Aylmer (29:09). Thetford (286): Elke Hausler (21:26, 1st female finisher!).

A brilliant run by Elke Hausler who was first female finisher at Thetford and hopefully getting over an annoying Achilles injury. Course PBs and/or year bests for Adrian Whittle, Anna Mayhew, Jessica Podd and Henry Hamilton too.

BEST IN AGE GROUPS: Elke Hausler 1st of 8 and 1st of 143 female finishers; Jessica Podd 1st of 8; Henry Hamilton 1st of 5 and 2nd of 72 finishers; Anna Mayhew 4th of 23; James Tweed 2nd of 11; Adrian Whittle 7th of 20; Stephanie Greenwood 4th of 11; Adam Maltpress 2nd of 5, Richard Jones 9th of 22; Chris Aylmer 1st of 2.

Newmarket GRL report for 14th July 2019 @11:15am

Just Giles Macrow (30:43) recorded a 5K run for Newmarket Joggers at the GRL on Sunday, probably after starting the races. There were two very fast runners in the 5K, both recording 18 minute PB times, by the name of John Beardsworth (18:18) and George Redhead (18:41). Neither is in a running club and only George is listed on Runbritain with a 2.8 handicap. They have both done this GRL before and George has done a lot of local parkruns.  Well done Junior Jogger Connor Bithell, who ran the 2.5K in a time of 14:47. Most of all, well done the volunteers who managed to keep the show on the road!

Newmarket Joggers parkrun Report for 6th July 2019

Cambridge (499): James Tweed (21:07) led the way from Brian Munns (23:14), Richard Jones (24:21), Jim Withers (26:47) and Sophie Adams (30:57 cPB YB!). It was Sophie’s best parkrun time since 2016 so a great effort by her. James was only 12 seconds from his all-time parkrun PB of 20:55, so is in great form. Bury St Edmunds (271): Adrian Whittle (24:19 cPB!) was first home, closely followed by Ruth Eberhardt (24:38), Malcolm Osbourn (26:43 cPB!), Paul Dockerill (30:34, running with daughter Chloe), Alan Thornhill (31:07) and Jenny Osbourn (38:19). Excellent running by Adrian and Malcolm, who both recorded course PBs, and from Ruth, who finished 1^st of 17 in her age group. Coldham’s Common (253): Another great buggy run by James Thomson (23:07), with Norah on board. Haverhill (62): Chris Aylmer (29:15).

Best in age groups: Ruth Eberhardt 1^st of 17; James Tweed 5^th of 38; Brian Munns 5^th of 25; Richard Jones 8^th of 25; Malcolm Osbourn 2^nd of 6; Jenny Osbourn 2^nd of 4.

Newmarket GRL report for 7^th July 2019 @11:15am

No Newmarket Joggers running in the 5K or 2.5K events this week, with the Marcus Gynn Newmarket 10K at Stetchworth drawing most of our members as volunteer helpers as well as participants in the senior and junior races. Message from Dave: Thank you to today’s volunteers: Jill Mayhew, Gaye Margarson, Alix Jones, Alice Morrison Lebbon, Sue Scargill, Giles Macrow, James Plowman & David Merchant. We had another lovely mild dry day today and you managed to get a total of 10 PBs, Well done everyone!

See you next week,
Dave GRLN

Newmarket Joggers parkrun Results 29th June 2019

Cambridge (471): Chris Howell (19:34); Jon Brooker (21:10); Phil Blundell (22:36); James Thomson + Norah in Buggy (22:54); Adrian Whittle (24:19); Alan Shand (24:31); Ruth Eberhardt (24:47); Joe Cormack (25:56); Baz Colley (26:20); Danielle Jones (26:40); Sophie Adams (31:47); Rachel Allen (36:07) and Sara Brown (43:33, about 15 min late starting).  Thanks to all the volunteers, including NJs: Rachel Allen, Chris Aylmer, Jon Brooker, Baz Colley, Joe Cormack, Ruth Eberhardt, Elke Hausler, Jan Holmes, Lisa Jennings, Richard Jones, Sarah Kinston, Lynda McCormack, Adam Orriss, Sonia Orriss, Jenny Osbourn, Malcolm Osbourn, Sianie Painter, Hannah Parsons, Mike Sales, Sarah Sales, Christine Shand, Alexia Smithson, James Thomson, Kate Warboys and Jim Withers.  Sheringham, Norfolk (199): Paul Dockerill (20:47 cPB!). Brandon (80): Adam Maltpress (22:34). Jersey Farm, St Albans, Herts (206): Henry Hamilton (21:34). Aachener Weiher Cologne, GER (50): Rebecca Hannah (32:42). Coldham’s Common: Thanks to volunteers Melanie & Harley Tindale.

Best in Age Groups: Paul Dockerill 1st of 17; Jon Brooker 2nd of 34; Chris Howell 2nd of 31; Ruth Eberhardt 2nd of 20; Phil Blundell 3rd of 25; Alan Shand 2nd of 15; Adrian Whittle 9th of 34; James Thomson & Buggy 4th of 13; Adam Maltpress 2nd of 6.

It was Alan Shand‘s first ever parkrun this week (hopefully not his last!) and he did well to come 2nd of 15 in his age group at Cambridge. Of particular note was James Thomson‘s phenomenal run with his daughter in the buggy….a time of 22:54 and 4th of 13 in his age group, despite such a huge handicap with the narrow paths and crowded field to negotiate as well.

Rebecca Hannah was a surprise tourist in Cologne in Germany at the Aachener Weiher parkrun and enjoyed her run, coming 11th of 17 female runners. There are now 23 parkruns in Germany after the first one started in December 2017, so a rapid expansion in a short time. Aachener Weiher began in March this year. There were 50 participants this week, their second biggest field so far, but at least half were tourists from UK running clubs and there were only about 10 runners with German sounding surnames. The route is a double lap around the Aachener Weiher Park and Hiroshima-Nagasaki Park, which goes through a Biergarten on the way….great for post run refreshments!

Paul Dockerill took on the difficult Sheringham parkrun for the third time, with its uneven trails, tree root hazards and challenging uphill near the finish. He did a great job, coming 5th of 199 overall and 1st of 17 in his age group, taking 46 seconds off his previous course PB. Henry Hamilton went in search of the elusive “J” parkrun and found it in Jersey Farm parkrun, near St Albans in Hertfordshire. He came 14th of 206 overall, so a top run.

Newmarket GRL Sunday 30th June 2019 @11:15

5.0K: First finisher by over 5 minutes was top veteran runner David “Taffy” Williams (19:19), who used to be a Newmarket Jogger until fairly recently and does a lot of his training with fellow ace veteran Jogger Paul Holley. Of the current members of the club, well done Joe Cormack (25:28, 5th of 32 overall) who was first Jogger home, followed by first female finisher Anna Mayhew (26:24 1st F of 9), Rebecca Fordham (27:22 3rd F) and Chris Aylmer (30:04 20th). There were no Joggers running in the 2.5k.

Message from Dave: Well done everyone taking part today.
We had one first timer and a total of seven PBs!  Thank you to all of today’s volunteers: Helen Wass, Sue Scargill, Richard Jones, Alice Morrison Lebbon, Ian Buchen, Gaye Margarson, Chris Aylmer, James Plowman, Angie Underdown, Anna Mayhew & David Merchant. See you next week, Dave

Newmarket Joggers parkrun Results 22nd June 2019

York (367 participants): Emma Newman (23:51). Cambridge (550): James Tweed (21:16); Brian Munns (22:49 YB!); Richard Jones (24:11); Rebecca Fordham (25:14 PB!); Mike Sales (25:44); Jim Withers (27:29); Stephanie Greenwood (28:04); Sarah Sales (29:06); Aaron Burns (30:57). Bury St Edmunds (256): Paul Dockerill (20:19); Neville Clarke (22:00); Ruth Eberhardt (24:58); Malcolm Osbourn (27:20); Carol Mcintosh (34:23); Jenny Osbourn (37:24). Homewood (102): Henry Hamilton (20:50); Brandon (124): Clive Purbrook (24:40); Belinda Schofield (28:22). Thetford (235): Giles Macrow (24:35). Haverhill (77): James Thomson (21:04). Coldham’s Common (312): Jon Brooker (24:09); Eadie Brooker (24:58).

Best in Age Groups: Rebecca Fordham 1st of 21; Emma Newman 1st of 12; Neville Clarke 1st of 8; Ruth Eberhardt 2nd of 13; Paul Dockerill 2nd of 12; Brian Munns 6th of 35; Eadie Brooker 1st of 5; Henry Hamilton 1st of 5; James Tweed 9th of 37; Jim Withers 3rd of 11; Sarah Sales 8th of 29; Belinda Schofield 1st of 3 by 22 min; Clive Purbrook 1st of 3 by over 5 min; Jon Brooker 5th of 15.

Rebecca Fordham is in fine form and has been setting new PBs regularly throughout the season. It’s good to see Brian Munns on the come-back with his best parkrun time this year, following a succession of injury problems. Emma Newman also had a big injury set back earlier this year but is fighting back and regularly topping her age groups in parkruns. This week she ran in her parents’ local parkrun in York, which she has completed many times; a fast and flat run around the inside of York Knavesmire racecourse. Meanwhile Henry Hamilton called in on Homewood parkrun for the first time, in Ottershaw, Surrey. This picturesque 3 lap course starts and finishes on playing fields but spends much of its time weaving through woods, along the woodland trails of Ether Hill. Henry may have been in this vicinity due to Ascot racecourse being fairly nearby.

Newmarket GRL Sunday 23rd June 2019 @11:15

5K: Neville Clarke (22:17, 2nd of 50 overall) put in a great performance for Newmarket Joggers. This was on top of his Friday evening 5 mile race at Bury St Edmunds, where he won his age category trophy, followed by a first finish in his age group in the parkrun at Bury on Saturday morning, so he’s firing on all cylinders. Junior Jogger Cerys Bithell (26:53 PB! 2nd F) had a great PB run and was next home for the club, accompanied by mother Ellie Bithell (26:53, 3rd F). Next came Malcolm Osbourn MV70 (27:45, 18th) putting in his usual top class consistent run. Sianie Painter (32:30, 8th F) had already been on a longish run before the GRL and went even further afterwards with Malcolm and Caroline, so was sensibly going at a gentler pace than normal. Rachel Allen (37:12 PB! 12th F) did very well to post a new PB time.

2.5K: There’s no stopping Junior Jogger Tilly Maxwell (12:24, 1st of 34 overall), so very well done on yet another overall first finish. Isla McCulloch (13:43 PB! 2nd F) came next followed closely by Oscar Sowerby (13:49 PB! 7th), father Stuart Sowerby (13:52 PB! 8th) and Connor Bithell (14:13, 9th).

From Dave: “Another cracking morning on the gallops. There was a total of 6 PBs as well as 10 1st timers. Also we had a lot of unknown runners, so please register online, so that we have your emergency contact details. Thank you to today’s volunteers: Gaye Margarson, Paul Forshaw, Sue Scargill, Debbie Read, Caroline McIntosh, Helen Wass, Alice Morrison Lebbon, Chris Aylmer, Richard Jones & David Merchant”.

Newmarket Joggers parkrun Results 15th June 2019

Brandon (121 participants): Clive Purbrook (24:20); Malcolm Osbourn (27:47); Belinda Schofield (28:33); Jenny Osbourn (37:53). Bury St Edmunds (306): Danny Peeling (18:33 First ever parkrun!); Ruth Eberhardt (25:15); Chris Aylmer (marshal). Cambridge (480): James Walker (20:13, First ever parkrun!); Jon Brooker (20:29 cPB!); Baz Colley (24:35 PB!); Eadie Brooker (24:50); Rebecca Fordham (25:35 =PB!). Clare Castle (137): James Tweed (21:26 100th parkrun!). Coldham’s Common (265): Brian Munns (23:56); James Thomson with Norah in buggy (25:27); Jim Withers (27:06); Melanie & Harley Tindale (volunteers, thanks). Littleport (223): Adrian Whittle (23:40). Thetford (264): Paul Dockerill (26:14) ran with daughter Chloe (26:11, near a PB!).

Tourist Venues. Clover Point [CAN] (49): Henry Hamilton (19:16 YB!). Exeter Riverside (311): Phil Blundell (22:20).

Best in Age Groups: Jon Brooker 1st of 34; Rebecca Fordham 1st of 25; Danny Peeling 1st of 13; Eadie Brooker 1st of 5; Henry Hamilton 1st of 4; Belinda Schofield 1st of 2 by over 20 minutes; Clive Purbrook 1st of 2 by nearly 10 minutes; Malcolm Osbourn 1st of 2 by over 4 minutes; James Tweed 2nd of 15; Ruth Eberhardt 4th of 21.

Newmarket GRL Sunday 16th June 2019 @11:15am

Newmarket Joggers in the 5K (33 registered participants, 44 in all): Malcolm Osbourn (27:37) 14th overall; Cerys Bithell (28:11 PB!) 16th, 8th F; Ellie Bithell (28:13) 17th, 9th F; Sianie Painter (28:40) 19th, 10th F. Well done Cerys for 5K PB! 2.5K (7 registered, 29 in all): Tilly Maxwell (12:06) 1st overall, 1st F. Well done Tilly for first finisher!

Message from the Team: “Well we missed the rain again today, lucky us, although it was windy, (but we won’t talk about that). Well done to everyone taking part and superb effort by the 11 runners who achieved new PBs” 🎖

Thank you to today’s volunteers Helen Wass, Sue Scargill, Debbie Read, Gaye Margarson, Lauren Bithell, Paul Forshaw, Richard Jones, David Merchant & Chris Aylmer.

 

Newmarket Joggers parkrun Results for 8th June 2019

Brandon (127 participants): Clive Purbrook (24:30), Malcolm Osbourn (28:43), Carol Mcintosh (33:00 cPB!). Cambridge (413): Stephen Cousins (23:19). Clare Castle (150): James Tweed (21:37). Coldham’s Common (281): Phil Blundell (21:42 PB!), Brian Munns (24:21), Jim Withers (27:27), Chris Aylmer (28:54), Emma Reader (34:54), Jeremy Reader & Jude in buggy (no time). Haverhill (72): Ruth Eberhardt (23:04 YB!). Renton USA (22): Henry Hamilton (20:12). Southampton (964): Adrian Whittle (22:53). Thetford (240): Sophie Adams (31:35). Victoria Docks (150): Giles Macrow (24:20). Wimpole Estate (407): James Thomson & Norah in buggy (34:53).

Best in age groups:  Henry Hamilton 1st overall finisher of 22 and 1st of 5 in age group; Ruth Eberhardt 2nd F finisher of 27 & 1st of 6; Carol Mcintosh 1st of 4; James Tweed 2nd of 16; Adrian Whittle 12th of 52; Stephen Cousins 3rd of 11; Clive Purbrook 2nd of 7; Phil Blundell 8th of 21; Brian Munns 5th of 12.

Three notable runs this week, from Ruth Eberhardt, Carol Mcintosh and Henry Hamilton. Carol achieved a course PB at Brandon and is improving all the time, little by little, bit by bit. Ruth achieved her best parkrun time so far this year at Haverhill, the same course at which she achieved her best parkrun time last year, despite running there only the once; and all because Bury St Edmunds parkrun was cancelled due to the preparations for the Race For Life run in Nowton Park on Sunday. Brian Munns and Jim Withers also achieved year best times at Haverhill a few weeks ago. So Haverhill is an excellent choice for a PB as long as it is avoided in the soggy wet winter weather when the ground can get waterlogged, muddy and boggy. At that time of year, it is excellent practice for the cross country season and metal spikes can still get you a decent time.

Wild West story: Henry Hamilton was the globe-trotting, heavy medal-toting Johnny-come-lately in downtown Seattle over the weekend. He was there for the big-time Rock ‘n’ Roll Seattle Marathon on Sunday and rumours started to circulate that he’d probably suss out the local parkrun in small-time Renton on Saturday to make a few local joggers dance and show a little respect. It darned near scared the lot of ’em away. Only 21 brave kinsfolk showed up to stand in his way at 9:00am that fateful morning…..

Well, Henry did show up at Renton and deservedly claimed his first finish on US soil but they needn’t have worried. He was armed only with his Garmin and smartphone for taking some nice pictures, as well as his sun shades and a smile. For the sake of the good and peaceful folk of Renton, he was saving most of his energy for the next day.

This is a beautiful course; an almost flat out & back along the Cedar River Trail that stays close to the River Cedar, crossing over it on an attractive metal bridge a couple of times. The trail is actually a 17 mile section of disused railway line which was part of the Milwaukee Road Company’s ambitious Pacific Extension railroad, opened in 1909 and connecting Chicago to the Pacific North West. It was an extraordinary feat of engineering skill, crossing several mountain ranges on the way, including the Rockies and Cascades. Sadly, the railroad was eventually closed in 1980, spending much of its life in and out of bankruptcy. On the part near Renton used by the parkrun, there’s a smooth, level tarmac surface, flanked on either side by woods and forested hills, while further along it becomes gravelly. The traffic is confined to pedestrians, bikers and horse riders making it ideal for a parkrun. The parkrun began in Nov 2017 and generally attracts somewhere around 40 runners per week but this week was particularly low in numbers for some reason….maybe there was a grain of truth in the story above….

Newmarket GRL Sunday 9th June 2019 @11:15am

Newmarket Joggers in the 5K (37 registered participants): Ellie Bithell (24:16) 3rd overall, 1st F (female) of 17; Danielle Jones (26:10) 10th, 6th F ; Rebecca Fordham (26:44) 11th, 7th F; Malcolm Osbourn (27:29) 15th; Sianie Painter (28:47) 17th, 9th F; Chris Aylmer (29:28) 19th; Giles Macrow (37:14) 32nd.  2.5K (20 registered participants): Tilly Maxwell (11:31 PB!) 1st overall, 1st F of 11; Connor Bithell (13:10) 6th; Cerys Bithell (13:20) 7th, 3rd F; Lauren Bithell (26:02) 18th, 9th F.

A message from Dave and Anna: “What a gorgeous morning it was today. The Gallops were looking as pristine as always, the Sun was out and there was a nice light wind.
We had well over 💯 runners taking part! 😀
14 PBs 🎖 6 New registered participants and loads of new faces, families & friends.
Thank you to Cerys Bithell for handing out some delicious Orange and Chocolate Meringues!”

Cheers to today’s volunteers – Debbie Read, Helen Wass, Gaye Margarson, Paul Forshaw, Sue Scargill, James Plowman, Giles Macrow, Anna Mayhew & David Merchant.

See you next Sunday!
Dave & Anna GRLN 🐕🏃‍♀️🏃‍

Newmarket Joggers parkrun Results for 1st June 2019:

Brandon (147 participants): Adrian Whittle (24:08); Clive Purbrook (25:04); Belinda Schofield (28:47). Bury St Edmunds (325): Neville Clarke (21:37); Ruth Eberhardt (24:18); Paul Dockerill (31:35), ran with daughter Abbie Dockerill (31:33 PB!). Cambridge (535): Emma Newman (24:15); Richard Jones (25:00) 25 minute pacer, thanks; Rebecca Fordham (25:38); Sianie Painter 29:19; Caroline Mcintosh (34:06); Jenny Osbourn (36:13); Iain Perry (37:33, carrying 20lb weight). Clare Castle (140): James Tweed (21:17). Coldham’s Common (333): Chris Aylmer (27:52); James Thomson, barcode scanner, thanks. Thetford (285): Elke Hausler (21:44).

Best in Age Groups: Rebecca Fordham 2nd of 28; James Tweed 1st of 10; Elke Hausler 1st of 9; Neville Clarke 1st of 6; Sianie Painter 5th of 27; Ruth Eberhardt 4th of 20; Emma Newman 4th of 20; Jenny Osbourn 1st of 2; Clive Purbrook 3rd of 6.

Newmarket Great Run Local, Sunday 2nd June @ 11:15am:

5K : Neville Clarke (22:04 PB!), 2nd of 45 overall; Elke Hausler (23:02) 1st of 12 F, 4th  overall; Anna Mayhew (25:59 YB!), 2nd F; Giles Macrow (28:24), 16th; Chris Aylmer (29:27), 19th. Neville and Elke both put in a top performances, with Elke an impressive first female finisher once again and new member Anna Mayhew following on in 2nd female spot with her best GRL time this year. For Neville it was a PB in his third top effort in as many days.  On Friday evening he won the MV65 age group trophy in the Kirton Friday 5 mile race near Felixstowe and then topped his age group in the parkrun at Bury St Edmunds yesterday.  2.5K: No Newmarket Joggers involved as far as is known. However, Elke Hausler’s husband Michael (14:44) did well to finish 3rd of 26 overall and first named finisher.

From the GRL team: Good effort today, a bit of a breeze but still hot & humid.
We had 6 first timers & 6 PB’s 💪👏 Thanks to today’s volunteers: Sue Scargill, Debbie Read, Helen Wass, Sianie Painter, Gaye Margarson, James Plowman, Giles Macrow, Angie Underdown, Anna Mayhew & David Merchant.

For previous archived reports from January 2019 please follow link:

Archived parkrun & GRL reports

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

:09) and Abbie (31:)