Run report by Claire Morris The 117th HHpr on the 2nd August was a special run for me: my 100th parkrun! At the end of summer 2011 I was an occasional park jogger trying to get fit when Gervase suggested I join him, Nina Dave and Luis for a 5k round Hampstead Heath. Id only even been on the Heath a couple of times before, and not run many 5ks, but I was instantly converted, and the following week found myself clearing Saturdays schedule so I could return and knock a few seconds off my time... I was hooked! I quickly worked out how soon I could earn membership to the 50 club, and made it my 2012 new Years Resolution- along with running a half, which parkrun had also inspired me towards. 50 shirt proudly collected on New Years Day 2013 on a chilly but beautiful morning on the Heath, I was diverted from my quest for the 100 by entering my first marathon on a whim and focusing on longer runs for a while. (Parkrun has a lot to answer for! ) But I still wanted the 100, and after 20 different courses in 3 countries I was delighted to finally achieve it on Saturday, where it all began for me, with so many friends around. Several friends from my running club Ealing Eagles made the trip north to push me to a decent time on the special run, and there were also visitors from Derby, Leeds and Middlesbrough, as well as several other corners of London. Mohammad gathered us all for a briefing in the drizzle but miraculously as we set off the skies cleared into near- perfect running conditions. The wooded parts were lush and shady, and somehow the sudden absence of trees under a clear sky as you approach the big hill focuses the mind... First finishers were Philip Bray and Rosie Pitt and at least 30 other parkrunners set new PBs ( surely more to come when we return to the kinder slopes of Route A in September?) 152 parkrunners finished in all, brought home by littlest marshal Giacomo who helped put out the flags and then acted as tail buggy, despite only just being able to walk. We encouraged the visitors to join us for the traditional post-run dip (Marjanne who normally runs at Highbury was heard to exclaim something about not wanting to return there)and rounded off the morning with prosecco and cake. Despite the constant threat of Euphorium scone crumbs in the keyboard, results were uploaded and distributed as speedily as ever by the excellent volunteer team. Another perfect morning on the Heath- heres to the next 150...
Posted on: Fri, 08 Aug 2014 18:35:33 +0000
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