No sun, but at least the sleet held off on Saturday, says Charlotte Le Rougetel

Parkrun 191 - January 31, 2015

There was a big sun on the BBC weather forecast for Saturday when I checked earlier in the week. The reality, though, was something else. When Ben and I stepped out of the car at 0800 to set up the course for this week's parkrunners, the sun was well and truly in hiding and we were pelted with icy sleet. Thankfully – for the other runners, at least – the sleet halted by 0900 just in time for Debbie's pep talk before the off.

The ground was incredibly soft this week and there was a Grand National vibe around the Scrubs with four fallers and one almost (me!) I think I just about retained my dignity, but tripping right in front of the photographer is never a good idea!

This week we were joined by 35 runnes, of whom eight were first timers and five recorded new personal bests; amazing work given the conditions. Well done Daniel Sharpe, Darren Pearce, Charles Craven, Megan Hardy and Charlotte McLean.
First over the line was run director Martin Gillies in 20:10. Martin is settling nicely into his London Marathon training now and clocking up the miles weekly. He is on Strava – if you fancy trying it out and joining the Strava parkrun league, check it out here.

It was a really close finish this week, the closest we've had for a long time, with Gideon REID following Martin in second place just 11 seconds later in 20:21 and Alex JEFFREYS eight seconds behind him in 20:29.

First female over the line was Hannah COPELAND of Ealing Eagles Running Club in 24:09 and on her first appearance at Wormwood Scrubs. Hannah can normally be found at Gunnersbury parkrun. We'd be very happy to welcome her back again! Second female was Andrea BROUGHTON in 24:36 and Megan HARDY was third in 26:16. Andrea also scored best age grade this week with 68.16%.

Current standing in the men's annual points competition and the points may have changed but the names remain the same:
- Rizwan RAUF (Unattached) 2532 pts.
- Nick MICHAEL (Thames Valley Harriers) 2434 pts.
- Peter JORDAN (Thames Valley Harriers) 2308 pts.
With Marion Brydson taking a week off and Kirstie Tew clocking on for her third volunteer role this year, second and third place in the women's points table have switched round:
- Charlotte LE ROUGETEL (Unattached) 2436 pts.
- Marion BRYDSON (Thames Valley Harriers) 2064 pts.
- Kirstie TEW (Unattached) 2015 pts.
A huge thank you to this week's volunteers: Ben LE ROUGETEL, Charlotte LE ROUGETEL, Debbie PETERS-MILL, Fraser BRYDSON, Kirstie TEW, Martin GILLIES, Peter JORDAN and Rachel BEDFORD.