parkrun & GRL Results

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.

Newmarket Jogger and keen parkrunner Chris Aylmer has kindly offered to write a weekly report on how the Joggers have got on:-

Trying out a new format now that the numbers of Joggers doing parkruns has exceeded critical mass. First a summary of the results, followed later by comments highlighting the main achievements when I get the chance!  Sorry that not everybody will get a mention. PB = all-time parkrun personal best, cPB = course PB, YB = best parkrun time so far this year. 

Latest parkrun News:  Newmarket Joggers will be “taking over” Cambridge parkrun at Milton Country Park on 29th June 2019. This means it will be organised and marshalled almost entirely by members of Newmarket Joggers, all in club colours; a great way to advertise our club to local people. Watch the NJ Facebook page or this page for further information. You’ll need to let Sarah Kinston know you would like to volunteer and let her have your parkrun barcode number too. There will be a relaxing run around the course for all helpers after the parkrun has finished, so come in your running gear! From lunchtime to late on the same day, there will also be the NJ Summer BBQ at Jeremy and Emma Reader’s to look forward to.  Other News: Framlingham held its first parkrun on the 8th June in the grounds of Thomas Mills School (after which the parkrun takes its name) and it won’t be long before Stowmarket is open for business. Also, there is a parkrun planned for the grounds of Fulbourn Hospital, near Cherry Hinton in Cambridge.

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.

Newmarket Joggers parkrun Results for 25th May 2019

Brandon (81 participants): Iain Perry (32:24, carrying weights). Bury St Edmunds (322): Neville Clarke (21:29), Rebecca Hannah (32:38), Alice Greenwood (37:35 YB!). Thanks to volunteer helper James Thomson. Cambridge (517): Richard Jones (23:32), Jan Holmes (26:16), Chris Howell (19:40). Haverhill (81): Brian Munns (22:52 YB!), Jim Withers (26:38 YB!), Chris Aylmer (28:27). Littleport (255): Jamie Sales (17:53 YB!), Emma Newman (24:49), Mike Sales (25:28 cPB! YB!), Sarah Sales (25:57 cPB! YB!), Sarah Kinston (30:39). Mountbatten School (178): Stephanie Greenwood (28:26). Sizewell (145): Giles Macrow (25:13).

Best in Age Groups: Jamie Sales 1st of 1, 2nd of 255 overall; Chris Howell 2nd of 30; Emma Newman 1st of 9; Neville Clarke 1st of 8; Jan Holmes 3rd of 24; Richard Jones 6th of 29; Giles Macrow 2nd of 8; Mike Sales 5th of 18; Sarah Sales 2nd of 7; Sarah Kinston 7th of 22; Brian Munns 3rd of 6.

A great return to top form for Jamie Sales this week, who was back into the 17 minute zone at Littleport, while his parents Sarah and Mike achieved course PBs and year best times. Also well done Alice Greenwood, Brian Munns, and Jim Withers who all put in year best times. Stephanie Greenwood tried out Mountbatten School parkrun, a new event north of Southampton, near Romsey in Hampshire, which started in March this year. It is run over 3 laps of playing fields surrounding the school, including some wooded areas and is already attracting around 150 people per week. Policeman Iain Perry was carrying 13lb of weights at Brandon parkrun, as part of his training for the COPS 30 mile load-bearing ‘yomp’ across the Cheviot Hills in Northumberland on 14th Sept, alongside a troop of Royal Marine Commandos. This event is limited to 50 members of the police force and raises valuable funds for the Care Of Police Survivors charity. Iain will have to carry 32lb of weight in a rucksack, not including additional food and water, replicating the Royal Commandos’ stiff ‘coming-out’ test across Dartmoor. See Iain’s fundraising page:

https://www.justgiving.com/search?q=Iain%20Perry

 

Newmarket Great Run Local, Sunday 26th May @ 11:15am:

5K: James Tweed (22:14 PB!), 2nd of 55 overall; Ellie Bithell (24:41) 1st Female of 19, 6th overall; Jill O’Grady (22:07 PB!) 4th F; Alison McKenzie (27:31), 9th F; Sianie Painter (29:12), 12th F. 2.5K: Tilly Maxwell (12:12) 1st of 37 overall, 1st F of 9; Cerys Bithell (12:24) 3rd overall, 2nd F; Connor Bithell (16:27) 11th overall, Lauren Bithell (25:17) 7th F.

Newmarket Joggers parkrun Results for 18th May 2019

Brandon (80 participants): Adrian Whittle (23:29), Brian Munns (24:32), Jim Withers (27:44), Belinda Schofield (28:20), Kate Warboys (32:00 YB!). Giles Macrow and Clive Purbrook volunteer helpers, thanks. Bury St Edmunds (302): Ruth Eberhardt (24:15), Stephanie Greenwood (28:19 cPB!), Chris Aylmer (29:30). Cambridge (495): Phil Blundell (22:00 cPB!), Richard Jones (22:26), Eadie Brooker (24:31), Jon Brooker (24:32), Mike Sales (25:35), Rebecca Fordham (25:35 PB!), Sarah Sales (26:20 cPB!), Iain Perry (26:56). Clare Castle (123): James Tweed (21:18), Jan Holmes (27:22 cPB!). Littleport (286): Emma Newman (24:59). Thetford (240): Elke Hausler (21:39), Henry Hamilton (22:02). Best in age groups: Emma Newman 1st of 19, Rebecca Fordham 2nd of 24, Sarah Sales 3rd of 27, Richard Jones 3rd of 23, Ruth Eberhardt 3rd of 19, Elke Hausler 1st of 6 (by 8 minutes!), James Tweed 2nd of 12, Eadie Brooker 2nd of 9, Henry Hamilton 3rd of 12, Adrian Whittle 3rd of 9, Jan Holmes 3rd of 8, Jim Withers 1st of 2.

Newmarket Great Run Local, Sunday 19th May @ 11:15am:

5K: Elke Hausler (22:44) 1st F (female) of 17, 5th of 57 overall, Hannah Short (27:19 PB!) 5th F, Chris Aylmer (28:38) 23rd overall. 2.5K: Tilly Maxwell (11:46 PB!) 1st F of 10 and 1st of 36 overall, Connor Bithell (12:58) 5th overall, Cerys Bithell (13:08) 3rd F,  Lauren Bithell (17:49) 5th F, Ellie Bithell (17:54) 6th F.

Message from Dave: “What a brilliant run it was this morning. It’s great to see so many friends and family getting together, as well as some new faces. We had a total of 12 first timers & 11 PBs 👏💪 There were around 36 unknown runners, so please do register if you can! Thanks to today’s volunteers Sue Scargill, Helen Wass, Gaye Margarson, Chris O’Neill, Giles Macrow, Tracey Bolden, Angie Underdown & David Merchant”. 🐕🏃‍♀️🏃‍

Newmarket Joggers parkrun Results for 11th May 2019

Brandon (128 participants): Adam Maltpress (23:31), Brian Munns (24:16), Clive Purbrook (24:19), Neil Williamson (24:34), Jim Withers (27:53), Kate Warboys (32:30), Alexia Smithson (35:03). Bury St Edmunds (315): Alex Swarbrick (20:13), Ruth Eberhardt (27:24), Stephanie Greenwood (28:58 cPB!), Rebecca Hannah (33:39). Cambridge (408): Rebecca Fordham (26:06), Alison McKenzie (27:02 PB!), Clare Castle (116): James Tweed (21:06), Alan Thornhill (30:22). Coldham’s Common (229): Melanie Tindale volunteer helper, thanks. Kesgrave (368): Paul Dockerill (19:09 PB!). Panshanger (414): Henry Hamilton (19:45 cPB!). Thetford (228): Giles Macrow (28:06), Chris Aylmer (28:41).  Best in age groups: Paul Dockerill 2nd of 35, Rebecca Fordham 1st of 13, James Tweed 1st of 8, Henry Hamilton 3rd of 23, Alison McKenzie 3rd of 20, Alex Swarbrick 1st of 5, Chris Aylmer 1st of 5, Ruth Eberhardt 5th of 22, Clive Purbrook 1st of 3.

Comments: An all-time parkrun PB this week from Paul Dockerill at Kesgrave near Ipswich, the day before his excellent performance in the Dereham 10.  Kesgrave is a good PB course, almost completely flat with an out & back section along a wide trail and a final short detour through woods. Alison McKenzie is also on a roll, chalking up the PBs on a weekly basis. Henry Hamilton revisited Panshanger parkrun, which he has done 9 times, and promptly gained a new course PB. This is a beautiful and scenic course, running a whole lap around Panshanger Park in Hertfordshire, going through woods, crossing over a river and along by a lake. The names of the points along the way sum up this parkrun: Lady Hughes Wood, Evergreen Wood, Garden Wood, Riverside Cottage, The River Mimram and Kings Lake.

Newmarket Great Run Local, Sunday 12th May @ 11:15am:

5K: Three Newmarket Joggers took the limelight and the first three positions for female participants on Sunday.  Elke Hausler (22:12 PB!) was 1st female finisher and 2nd of 55 overall, followed by Hannah Parsons (23:49), 5th overall and Claire Acklam (25:11), 9th overall. In the 2.5K event, the first 4 of 25 finishers were all female. Junior Jogger Cerys Bithell (12:12) was first finisher, closely pursued by team-mate Tilly Maxwell (12:21) in 2nd position. Cerys’s run works out at a pace of 7:52/mile, which is impressive with the huge Warren Hill to contend with.  Her brother Connor Bithell (16:07) is coming along well and gaining experience.

From the GRL team: “A big thank you to our fabulous team of volunteers without whom this could not happen: Sue, Helen, Alice, Giles, James, Paul, Janet, Gaye, David and Anna
See you all next week” 🏃‍♂️🏃‍

Newmarket Joggers parkrun Results for 4th May 2019

Brandon (154 participants): Jamie Sales (18:31 cPB! First finisher!), Neville Clarke (22:51), Adrian Whittle (23:26), Mike Sales (25:33), Jim Withers (28:03), Kate Warboys (32:28 YB!). Cambridge (472): James Thomson & Norah (22:32), Stephen Cousins (22:49), Richard Jones (23:01, 23 min volunteer pacer, thanks), Rebecca Fordham (26:04), Alexia Smithson (32:08). Clare Castle (170): James Tweed (21:52), Alison McKenzie (27:21 PB!), Chris Aylmer (29:49). Coldham’s Common (320): Melanie Tindale (volunteer helper, thanks). Gorleston Cliffs (404):  Alice Greenwood (39:29 YB!). Gt Cornard (202): Henry Hamilton (20:19).  Best in age groups: Rebecca Fordham 2nd of 19, Richard Jones 3rd of 23 (despite pacing!), Stephen Cousins 2nd of 14, James Tweed 3rd of 16, Alison McKenzie 2nd of 7, Henry Hamilton 2nd of 7 and 4th of 202 overall. Special mentions: Jamie Sales 1st of only 1 in his age group but 1st of 154 overall!  Neville Clarke 1st of 2 by over 12 minutes!

Comments: Jamie Sales is really back in business now with his third first finish in a senior parkrun and second 18 minute parkrun this year. His other two first finishes were at Penrose in 2016 (17:29) and Brandon in 2017 (18:35). Four times in 2014 to 2016 he went into the 17 minute zone, so has the potential to improve even further on his current form. Alison McKenzie is improving her times rapidly and set yet another all-time parkrun PB this week, so very well done. James Thomson shows us regularly how to push your daughter in a buggy and get a 22 minute parkrun time, something many of us only dream of on a Friday night!  Richard Jones can volunteer to pace for 23 minutes (about 2 minutes slower than he usually clocks) and still finish 3rd of 23 in his age group. That’s quite a knack and his pacing was spot on as well!  Alice Greenwood tried out Gorleston Cliffs parkrun, near Gt Yarmouth, for the first time. This is a long established event which began in April 2009, at a time when there were only 3 parkruns in the whole of East Anglia. It’s an interesting route along three levels of the cliff front. It starts on the top level and gradually zig-zags its way to the bottom level; then climbs back up again and repeats the descent but does not climb back up a second time, finishing on the lower level. Fabulous views of the sea are guaranteed.

 

Newmarket GRL Results: Sunday May 5th 2019 at 11:15am

5K: Greg Davis (20:13 PB!) 2nd of 43 overall, Ellie Bithell (24:14 PB!) 1st of 9 Females, Claire Acklam (24:36 PB!) 2nd F, Malcolm Osbourn (27:16) 21st, Sianie Painter (28:27) 4th F, Emma Reader (40:42 PB!) 9th F.  2.5K: Cerys Bithell (12:08 PB!) 1st of 22 overall, Lauren Bithell (16:01) 2nd of 4 F. Thank you to this weeks volunteers Alice, Sue, Giles, James, Chris, Anna and Dave.

Newmarket Joggers parkrun Results for 27th Apr 2019

 Bury St Edmunds: Paul Dockerill (21:55), Alice Greenwood (39:34 YB!).  Cambridge: James Tweed (21:28), Aaron Burns (29:15).  Coldham’s Common: James Thomson & Buggy (25:00), Jim Withers (27:03).  Wimpole Estate:  Malcolm Osbourn (28:43), Chris Aylmer (29:36).  Kingston:  Henry Hamilton (20:10). Best in age groups by proportion: Henry Hamilton 2nd of 13, Malcolm Osbourn 1st of 6, James Tweed 6th of 31, Chris Aylmer 2nd of 9. Brandon parkrun was cancelled due to the wind. Henry Hamilton was at the 479th running of Kingston parkrun, which has been going since 2010, with an attendance of 340 this week. It’s a lovely out & back route along the Thames Cycle Path from Kingston, past Teddington Lock towards Twickenham and back again, after a small loop.

Newmarket GRL Results: Sunday Apr 28th 2019 at 11:15am

Four Joggers were among the 32 participants in the 5K GRL on Sunday. Stuart Sowerby (21:23) and Neville Clarke (22:28 YB!) were 2nd and 4th overall, with Alison McKenzie (27:17 PB!) 16th overall/3rd female finisher, closely followed by Malcolm Osbourn (27:52) in 17th. Alison goes up to Silver club standard as a result of this effort. Well done to all. In the 2.5K, Tilly Maxwell (12:44) ran well to come 4th overall and 2nd female finisher of 16 participants, with Oscar (16:49) and Milly (16:52) Sowerby also putting in good efforts. Thank you to this week’s GRL volunteers Sue, Debbie, Richard, Gaye, Tracey, Andrew & Alice.

Newmarket Joggers parkrun Results for 20th Apr 2019

Brandon: Clive Purbrook (23:45 PB!), Adrian Whittle (23:57), Adam Maltpress (24:17), Belinda Schofield (28:02 PB!).  Bury St Edmunds: Alex Swarbrick (19:42 cPB! YB!), Neville Clarke (20:44 =YB!), Paul Dockerill (26:07) ran with daughter Chloe (26:05), Ruth Eberhardt (27:15).  Cambridge: Iain Perry (26:14 YB!), Malcolm Osbourn (26:27 YB!), Jill O’Grady (26:32 PB!), Carol Mcintosh (32:41 PB!), Jenny Osbourn (34:21).  Clare Castle: James Tweed (22:03).  Coldham’s Common: James Thomson (19:42 cPB!), Brian Munns (23:53 =YB!), Melanie Tindale (24:01 YB!), Stephanie Greenwood (26:57 PB!), Jim Withers (27:35), Kate Warboys (32:44 YB!), Alexia Smithson (33:18).  Littleport:  Chris Aylmer (27:13).  Thetford: Elke Hausler (21:02 PB!), Giles Macrow (24:58).  Buckingham: Rob Jaina (25:06 YB!).  Colchester Castle: Henry Hamilton (22:45).  Conkers: Jan Holmes (26:31), Sarah Kinston (29:54).  Best in age groups by proportion: Neville Clarke 1st of 12, Jan Holmes 2nd of 23, James Tweed 1st of 11, Elke Hausler 1st of 8, Melanie Tindale 1st of 6, Malcolm Osbourn 1st of 5, Giles Macrow 6th of 29, Jill O’Grady 4th of 16, Adam Maltpress 2nd of 7, Jenny Osbourn 1st of 3, James Thomson 4th of 12.

  Colchester Castle parkrun thanks to Henry Hamilton             Conkers parkrun thanks to Jan Holmes and Sarah Kinston

Newmarket GRL Easter Sunday April 21st 2019 at 11:15am

5K (56 participants overall). Newmarket Joggers: James Thomson (20:25 YB!) 7th, Elke Hausler (22:28 PB!) 10th & 1st female finisher, Richard Jones (24:29) 15th, Anna Mayhew (26:07) 2nd female, Rebecca Fordham (26:26 PB!) 3rd female, Sianie Painter (30:13) 8th female, Alison McKenzie (30:31) 9th female, Giles Macrow (38:24, helper).  It was a sunny, warm morning with temperatures up to around 18°C by the off. Tony Bacon and unnamed friends came from Haverhill RC to set a strong pace, with Tony coming home 2nd overall in 18:20, 7 seconds behind one of his mates. James Thomson was chasing in 7th position and put in a good performance. Elke Hausler and Rebecca both did well to post new PBs, despite the warmest conditions so far this year.

2.5K: (33 participants overall): Junior Jogger Noah Wilkinson (11:54 PB!) 4th 0verall, did well to achieve a new PB running under his father’s name, with Archie Fordham (15:04 PB!) 12th, running well too.  Tilly Maxwell (12:39) and Maddie Maxwell (16:24 PB!) were 1st and 2nd females home and in great form. Not quite sure which of the runners are Junior Joggers, so apologies for mistakes or omissions. It would be great if GRL could list club affiliation like parkrun does.

Newmarket Joggers parkrun Results for 13th Apr 2019

Brandon: Iain Perry (27:19). Bury St Edmunds: Neville Clarke (21:29), Elke Hausler (23:00), Joe Cormack (23:58, First Timer!), Paul Dockerill (26:28) ran with daughter Chloe (26:26), Malcolm Osbourn (27:04, YB!), Ruth Eberhardt (27:20), Carol McIntosh (33:26, PB!), Jenny Osbourn (33:59, cPB!). Cambridge: Brian Munns (23:53, YB!), Jan Holmes (25:42, PB!), Rebecca Fordham (25:59, PB!), Jim Withers (28:01), Aaron Burns (29:29), Sarah Kinston (29:42). Coldham’s Common: James Thomson & buggy (23:23). Guildford: Richard Jones (21:45, First Timer!). Haverhill: Chris Aylmer (27:11, cPB! YB!). Ipswich: Henry Hamilton (21:48, First Timer!). Littleport: Alexia Smithson (29:27, YB!). Thetford: Giles Macrow (23:50).  Best in age groups by proportion: Jan Holmes 1st of 16,  Neville Clarke 1st of 11, Richard Jones 3rd of 26, Elke Hausler 2nd of 12, Rebecca Fordham 5th of 23, Giles Macrow 5th of 23, Brian Munns 5th of 21, Malcolm Osbourn  1st of 3, Alexia Smithson 4th of 12.

Well done Jan Holmes and Rebecca Fordham, who both achieved all-time parkrun PBs at Cambridge, Rebecca for the second week running; whatever they’re on we could all do with some! It’s also good to see Brian Munns coming back into form after injury. Richard Jones went touring to Guildford parkrun in Surrey for the first time. This parkrun started in 2012 and now regularly attracts numbers in the 400s and 500s, with a record 614 in January this year. It takes place in the spacious Stoke Park to the north of the town centre, which is nearby the large Spectrum Leisure Complex, complete with convenient car parking for participants. There are two undulating, anticlockwise laps around the park, over a mixture of grass and tarmac paths. Back up in East Anglia, Henry Hamilton did Ipswich parkrun for the first time and afterwards ran 17 miles along footpaths and trails to Felixstowe for a fish & chips lunch on the beach..that’s living in style!

Newmarket GRL Sunday April 14th 2019 at 11:15am: First Anniversary!

5K (62 Participants): Henry Hamilton (20:37) 1st overall (not named in results), Richard Jones (22:09) 3rd, Elke Hausler (22:54) 5th/1st F, Hannah Parsons (23:28) 7th/2nd F, Stephen Cousins (23:10) 8th, Joe Cormack (25:27) 14th, Rebecca Fordham (26:50 PB!) 3rd F, Malcolm Osbourn (27:03), Jill O’Grady (27:35), Sianie Painter (28:21 PB!), Alison McKenzie (28:46 PB!), Jan Holmes (31:10), Jon Brooker & doggy (32:43), Kate Warboys (33:34), Rebecca Hannah (34:36) and Jenny Osbourn (34:42 PB!). As well as the marvellous regular GRL crew, including Angie Underdown, David Merchant, James Plowman, Debbie Read, Susan Scargill, Janet Jenkins, Anna Mayhew, Paul Foreshaw and others, volunteer helpers from Newmarket Joggers likely included Giles Macrow, Carol McIntosh and Helen Wass but apologies for any unnamed volunteers.

Newmarket Joggers parkrun Results for 6th Apr 2019

Brandon: Jim Withers (28:27).  Bury St Edmunds: James Thomson (20:29), Bobby Jackson (20:43, First Timer!), Neville Clarke (21:29). Thanks to volunteer Ruth Eberhardt.  Cambridge: Rebecca Fordham (26:11, PB!), Sarah Kinston (29:36), Aaron Burns (30:12), Alexia Smithson (30:15, cPB!). Thanks to Richard Jones (23:01), volunteer pacer for 23 min. Castle Park: Iain Perry (25:07 PB!). Coldham’s Common: Thanks to volunteer Melanie Tindale. Crystal Palace: Henry Hamilton (21:38, First Timer!). Ipswich: Adrian Whittle (24:03, First Timer!). Littleport: Dave Price (27:51, YB! First Timer!). Thetford: Thanks to Giles Macrow (29:16), volunteer pacer for 29 min. Wepre: James Tweed (23:48, First Timer!). Wimpole Estate: Chris Aylmer (29:58). Best in age groups by proportion: Neville Clarke 1st of 11, Rebecca Fordham 3rd of 23, James Thomson 2nd of 12, Henry Hamilton 5th of 24, Richard Jones 6th of 22, Bobby Jackson 3rd of 10,  James Tweed 4th of 14, Adrian Whittle 7th of 25, Chris Aylmer 2nd of 6.

Congratulations to star of the week Rebecca Fordham, who achieved an all-time parkrun PB at Cambridge, following her best ever 5K Handicap time (26:35) last Tuesday. Also to Iain Perry for gaining an all-time PB in his first attempt at Castle Park parkrun in Bishop’s Stortford, after 80 parkruns spanning 5 years. Alexia Smithson did well to gain a course PB at Cambridge and Dave Price recorded his best parkrun time this year at Littleport. Neville Clarke continues in invincible form in his age group.

James Tweed was a tourist at Wepre parkrun in Wales, Wepre being Welsh for “hilly” and it certainly lived up to its name with 437ft of climb. Iain Perry was touring Bishop’s Stortford parkrun, confusingly called Castle Park.  This was the complete opposite of James Tweed’s experience; a flat and fast course over hard paths….perhaps a good target venue for Joggers searching for an all-time PB, as Iain can testify.  Henry Hamilton notched up another tourist venue with his first visit to Crystal Palace parkrun. This is about as attractive and interesting a parkrun route as anyone could wish for.  It twists and turns through the park, circles two lakes and a maze and tours the terraces that used to lead up to the grand Crystal Palace building.  Alas, the astonishing Crystal Palace glasshouse built for the Great Exhibition of 1851 in Hyde Park has long ceased to exist.  After the exhibition, it was moved, lock, stock and barrel to be reassembled on Sydenham Hill in Penge, itself an enormous undertaking in 1854 (see photo).

The immediate residential area soon became known as Crystal Palace and the building became the glittering showpiece of an extravagant Victorian pleasure garden called Crystal Palace Park, which eventually staged the FA Cup Final from 1895 to 1914. Crystal Palace Football Club was founded in 1905 and played on this site. During the depression after World War I, the Palace and gardens went into decline and the owners were declared bankrupt. There were national and charitable attempts to revive and restore the building but its final fate was sealed in 1936, when it sadly caught fire after a small gas explosion in one of the rooms and burned to the ground in hours. However, the name, the area and the park live on and are now thriving in the early 21st century. Crystal Palace even beat Newcastle away this weekend to stay clear from the relegation zone in the Premier League.

Newmarket GRL Sunday 7th Apr 2019 at 11:15am

Just one Jogger in the GRL 5K this week. Giles Macrow, after kindly setting up the course earlier, treated himself to a proper run for a change, coming home in 24:27, 9th of 33 participants; not quite a PB but a very good effort. In the GRL 2.5K, Junior Jogger Cerys Bithell was in good form, coming home 2nd of 6 overall and first female of 3 in 12:27, which works out at slightly under 5 min/km or 8 min/mile, so pretty fast going.

Newmarket Joggers parkrun Results for 30th Mar 2019

Brandon: Thanks to volunteers Adam & Rachael Maltpress. Cambridge: James Tweed (21:02, YB!), Stephen Cousins (22:38, YB!), Jan Holmes (26:08, PB!), Rebecca Fordham (26:25, PB!), Jim Withers (27:12), Chris Aylmer (27:37, YB!), Stephanie Greenwood (27:49, PB!), Sarah Kinston (30:26). Bury St Edmunds: Jason Bevan (21:01), Ruth Eberhardt (23:39, YB!), Alan Thornhill (30:38), Thanks to volunteer Giles Macrow. Coldham’s Common: James Thomson (22:22, buggy PB!), Alexia Smithson (29:41, cPB! YB!), Jenny Osbourn (33:43, YB!), Carol McIntosh (33:43). Littleport: Neville Clarke (20:44, cPB! YB!), Emma Newman (25:02). Watermeadows: Henry Hamilton (20:53). Blickling: Kate Warboys (33:34). Southampton: Adrian Whittle (25:04). Best in age groups: Emma Newman 1st of 13, Neville Clarke 1st of 2 by 16 minutes, James Tweed 2nd of 29, Jan Holmes 2nd of 23, Stephanie Greenwood 3rd of 25, Ruth Eberhardt 3rd of 16, Henry Hamilton 3rd of 11, Rebecca Fordham 4th of 23, Jason Bevan 4th of 11.

Lots of PBs and best of year performances from the Joggers, with parkrun courses in perfect condition this week. Star of the week was Neville Clarke (20:44) at Littleport, who achieved his best parkrun time since April 2017 and moved up from Diamond to Sapphire club standard with 80.15% age grade. Also at Littleport, Emma Newman (25:02) unfortunately exacerbated her leg injury and had to stop and walk at one point, before finding it was less painful to carry on running. Despite this, she still managed to come 1st of 13 in her age group. We hope this annoying injury heals up as soon as possible. Definitely also worth a mention is James Thomson (22:22), who set a new all-time buggy parkrun PB at Coldham’s Common, with daughter Norah aboard. That’s a very good time without buggy or baby to push round!

Three tourists this week. Kate Warboys (33:34), has run at Blickling parkrun in Norfolk quite a few times, no doubt with family connections there. The route is part of the Mausoleum Walk, as it encounters a mausoleum hidden in woods along the way (as does Brandon parkrun). It’s a very scenic 2 lap course over undulating, wooded parkland and commands a lovely view over a lake and towards the Bure Valley at one point. Moving to Northamptonshire, Henry Hamilton (20:53) had his first go at Watermeadows parkrun in Towcester. This is a 3-lap course around a large area of attractive open parkland, surrounded by trees and bordered by the River Tove for half of the perimeter. This new parkrun began in February this year and is currently attracting 100 to 150 participants per week. The other tourist was Adrian Whittle (25:04), who  joined 1,005 others in the huge Southampton parkrun, which he has done a good many times.  The parkrun began in 2012 and rivals Bushy Park for sheer numbers, with 1,295 standing as the record attendance in January this year. The course itself is flat and fast over tarmac paths on Southampton Common, so ideal in most types of weather, summer and winter. No doubt they have plenty of salt to melt any ice in the winter.