Mud now a distant memory for 71 parkrunners out on Saturday

Saturday was a late spring day full of promise – clear and cool and good for running, even though there was a bit of a breeze. 71 runners lined up to run the 259th parkrun at the Scrubs. Numbers have been up recently and it’s great to see so many people getting involved. We had a total of 7 first-timers who’d come along to the Scrubs to try out parkrun – hope you enjoyed it, guys. We also had some parkrun tourists, including from as far away as Australia. You’re all very welcome and I hope you had a good time.

The course has completely dried out – the mud of the winter and early spring being just a memory now, albeit not too distant. This means that normal running shoes can be dusted off and times are getting faster: we had a total of 17 new PBs – well done, everyone!

First across the line was first-timer Manuel Caeiro Vigo, of Thames Valley Harriers, in 18:12. He was followed just two seconds later by Gideon Reid, of Serpentine RC, in 18:14. Alex Jeffreys, also of Serpentine RC, came in third, in 19:31.

For the women, first over the line was first-timer Philippine Poupart-Lafarge, of Thames Valley Harriers, in 22:08, followed by Andrea Broughton, also of Thames Valley Harriers, in 24:22 and first-timer Helen Seaman in 25:37.

The best age grade of the day was achieved by Gideon Reid, 77.77%.

Well done, everyone! It’s never an easy course, even when it’s in its summer condition. It’s the hill at the beginning of the second lap that always gets me...

The day was significant in that three people were celebrating 50 parkruns: Gideon Reid (40 runs at the Scrubs), Lan-Lan Smith (48 runs at the Scrubs) and Andrea Calderwood (all 50 runs at the Scrubs). Accordingly, Lan-Lan brought stupendous cakes to share with everyone, and Andrea brought some delicious home-made fudge, making it particularly worthwhile coming back to the TVH clubhouse for tea and coffee afterwards. For those of you who don’t know, we always go back to the clubhouse afterwards and you’re all very welcome.

We’re nearing the end of our parkrun “season”, and the points competition is in its final stages. As things currently stand, this is the order of the male points table:

James Spender on 3,882 points

Manuel Corriente on 3,773 points

Nick Michael on 3,559 points

As you can see, it’s pretty tight with just a couple of weeks to go – could be an exciting finish!

In the female points table, Kirstie Tew is currently over 200 points clear, although Marion and Andrea are not far behind:

Kirstie Tew on 3,450 points

Marion Brydson on 3,217 points

Andrea Calderwood on 3,171points

This means that you’ve all just got to keep coming over the next couple of weeks!

Thanks to this week’s volunteers:

Andrea BROUGHTON, Fraser BRYDSON, Hugh FERRAND, Idris FERTOUT, Peter JORDAN, Charlie LE ROUGETEL, Ben LE ROUGETEL, Kate O'DONOGHUE, Simon RUBENS, Kirstie TEW

As you know, we rely on volunteers, so if you’d like to get involved in volunteering at the Wormwood Scrubs parkrun, please email wormwoodscrubshelpers@parkrun.com. The schedules are looking a bit empty for the next few weeks.

Don’t forget that you can also donate to the Scrubs parkrun here.

Happy running and see you next week,

Andrea