Marple Runners Takeover Marple parkrun

I did my first parkrun on the 27 September 2008 and today was my 598th run, and I have to say, without a doubt that today was  my favourite parkrun I've ever ran.

I've being without a club for years, having got out of the habit during COVID.  I was scrolling through running podcasts and  came across this Marple Runners Podcast - Podcast - Apple Podcasts.  Now when you run local races you get to know people you meet at them. Sometimes you run at similar paces, sometimes you share lifts as you live nearby, sometimes you race each other to the finish, others you know by sight.  

I listened to the first episode and was immediately taken in by the self depreciating humour, the brilliantly scripted openings,  the singing introduction to the new of the local runs and, perhaps more importantly, the all encompassing, all welcoming, 'whatever your pace is '  nature of Marple Runners.  There are some running podcasts which are elitists, this isn't its so listenable and entirely relatable to everyday runners

I joined in April and only wished I'd done so many years ago.  I'd recommend anyone, in the area especially  those who are  a bit nervous about running, who may think 'it's not for me, I'm not a runner, I'm too slow' to come down and meet the team on a Monday or Wednesday to see that it's for everyone.  Whatever your speed you'll be made extremely welcome and by the very fact of running with  people, you'll get quicker

Today was all about Marple taking over parkrun and volunteering every role.  From Run Directors to pacing, to marshals on the course, to timers, token hander-outers to of course, Dennis and Minnie, our mascots.

Day started off with a tribute to one of the people that was instrumental in setting up Marple parkrun back in 2012 with Catherine Toombs and has ran 663 parkruns at 171 locations with 451 volunteer credits.  James Kemp  has ran parkruns in places such as the US, Canada, Germany, Denmark, New Zealand, and South Africa and until his recent retirement was the Global Head of Event Delivery.  Incredible achievement and absolutely lovely man.  Always a pleasure to see him

We also had the honour of being joined by absolute legend of Marple Runners and parkrun on his 90th birthday, Brian Platt.  I don't know Brian very well myself, but he is one of the faces you instantly recognise.  He is, to many people, what parkrun is about.  He is the side of parkrun that is 'just more than a run in the park' he shows what parkrun is, that it is truly a community.  People know Brian, Brian is Mr Marple and it was an honour to be there today where we all gave him a cheer and sang him Happy Birthday.  In true Brian style he stayed, watched and cheered everyone on during their run.  

Brian ran 504 times in Marple, and 159 at Bramhall (where he started), he also ran at Woodbank, Lyme Park, Bedfont Lakes, Basingstoke, the one off event at Bramhall midweek (when Adidas were the sponsor and they opened their new base nearby) and many more.

I've heard many stories (thank you Catherine Toombs) including  after his century of runs at Bramhall, he was keen to help at Marple in any way, doing the pre race set up (with his distinctive purple hat.)  Such is the love for him, local runners planted an English oak in his honour.  Hyacnithe Loyson's 1866 sermon fits him perfectly

 'A society grows geat when old men plant trees who shade they know they shall never sit in'  

Only difference being, Brian planted that seed, has helped to nuture it and enjoyed and will enjoy its shade for many years to come. Hope Brian and his family read this and realise how much he's loved

214 people ran, jogged and walked the course this morning on a slightly chilly June morning,  made possible by 47 Marple volunteers.  Pacers helped 37 people to get PBs and 4 people brand new to parkrun got to see what a brilliant community event parkrun is.

Pacing is one of the best roles you can do in a run.  Being able to help other people to their goal opens up a completely different side to running that you don't experience when your focussed on your goal.  You can encourage, cheers on, berate (if you know them well enough) other people to hit the time they did not think they could get, taking the stress out of them having to look at their watch.  I really enjoyed today and can't wait for the next Marple takeover

I am grateful to this wonderful club that has  already helped me achieve my running goal.

Haigh there Woodland parkrun

 Agggh  

Another new parkrun and another absolute favourite.

Every single thing about this parkrun ticks the box, another parkrun up there with the best.  This was my 597th parkrun and my 54th different location but it is rare to find a location that has got everything absolutely spot on.  Some runs have the location right, or the cafe right, of the marshals right or the first timers briefing right.  Haigh Woodland has everything.  It was their  464th event and you can tell as this has the feel of a very polished event

I'm a bit of a lazy tourist and having done all the Greater Manchester runs, my  NENDYs are now around 45 mins to an hour away minimum.  With it being such a beautiful late Spring morning, I had a look at the list and this one jumped out at me.

I got to the park nice and early, you get given a ticket from the barrier and pay on the way out (£1.75 for 2 hours hours, £3 all day).  First thing you notice is what a stunning location this park is.  Beautiful location, nicely hidden away.  

Cafes and toilets are plentiful and the extremely enthusiastic and welcoming marshals were gathered around with music playing.

The first timers briefing was carried out by a young lad and, it is has to be said, one of the funniest, most confident and laid back briefing I've seen.  I assume he's done it many many times before.  If not, he's an absolute natural.

The RD then took over to give the safety briefing and (I'm really glad to see this is becoming more popular) made sure everyone was listening whilst she made it (making it very clear she'd stop if people were talking) 

276 people set off on the course which is a rare one lapper and a run of two halves.  It is mainly on woodland paths, with still some muddy bits, it has the look of needing trail shoes in the winter, but today was perfectly runnable in road shoes.

There were marshals all over the course who cheered you on as you ran steadily down hill for the first half, perhaps knowing what was coming in the second as what goes down must come up.

The good news is though even though the second half is up hill, it is still very runnable which makes this just a perfect course.  Obviously not a PB but certainly something you can go hard in the first half and keep going.

My overall PB is 20.31 and I finished here in 24.25, so that may give you some sort of indication.  It also makes you appreciate the Superhuman effort of 'JP Goudge' who was the first finisher in an incredible time of 17.51 (think he's a very capable ultra runner ?)  with Harley Making flying in second in 20.00.  Brilliant effort too for Lauren Blake,. 1st female in 21.55 for her first run here.

After I got scanned, I went straight to the cafe where you can get a 'parkrunner's breakfast' of three items on your butty and coffee for £7.50.  It's freshly made, so I didn't mind the wait.

Really, really loved this run.  They asked for feedback for improvements.....I've got nothing.  Absolutely perfect, ran with a big smile all the way round.

If you're anywhere near this location, just do it.

See you all again soon.  I've got a time to beat

Start of Project Sub 20

 

On the 5^th April 2025 I ran an overall parkrun PB of 21.05. This was after years of my PB being 21.15. In fact 2025 was a bit of a breakthrough year, before this I was hovering around the late 21s, low 22s for a flat 5k. 

I got a bit more serious last year and tried to train more specifically towards the 5 k to half marathon distances and bought a Noricktrak treadmill towards the end of the year to help me in that.  It’s a brilliant piece of kit, similar to a Peloton bike, in that you have  a big screen at the end.  Big difference though is that all the runs are outside and the gradient and speed changes with the coach, including negative inclines.  As it is a commercial machine the speed changes very quickly, letting you do your intervals runs more easily.

I tweaked my hamstring on NYD which put me out for 2 weeks but, encouragingly  my progression has continued this year getting a massive PB on the 28 February of 20.31 with 8 out of my 10 fastest parkruns have come this year. 

Main problem is that the times are not consistent.  Since I ran 20.31, the times have been 20.43,20.51(x2) 21.04 and today’s effort of 20.56. 

I clearly need something to a) get me consistent and b) get me faster with a structured training regime, with interval training.  With that in mind, I’ve joined Marple Runners.  A very friendly welcoming club.  One of the every present coaches there, Jeremey Woodham has already given me tips and some training sessions.  Intervals, pyramids etc.

I’ve also entered quite a few races this year, from a 10 miler fell run tomorrow in Rivington, Chester Half and what could be a PB aim, the Sale Sizzlers in the summer.

 

 

 

 

Lostock 6 miles. Proper racing (Spring hasn't Sprung)

Bugger me with a fishfork, that was cold !

Having been Sidney Smug yesterday, prancing around like Sir Rodney Effing (with 2 F's) and turning up at Fletcher Moss parkrun with my shorts and t-shirt, proclaiming 'ooh Matron, it's Spring, look at me , the horrible weather has gone', it was only fitting that Poseidon, wouldn't take too kindly to that and piddle over my racing chips.

I entered this race realising that I had ran it many years ago, it stood out as it was an unusual distance, 6 miles not 10k, but I could not, for the life of me, remember the course or anything about the race.  (It was only when I was writing this paragraph and I looked on my Power of 10 did I realise that the reason I could not remember the course was because I hadn't actually done it before, goodness knows what race 'stood out' then, as sure as beans, it wasn't this one)

A couple of days before the race, the excellent organisers sent out an email (and put the same on facebook) with everything you need to know about the race, including, really importantly, a 'what3words' link to the race car parks.  I'm a bit of a luddite and haven't used that before, but with one quick question on facebook they gave me the postcode too.  Just the first example of what a fantastically organised race this is.  (I did use the what3words app and it took me right to the carpark which was opposite the race registration.) 

I got to the registration about 40 minutes or so before the start and picked up my number and timing chip ( a tie on your shoe jobby).  As I was so early I was able to use to toilet without any queue but there were also urinals around the back which will have helped with any delays later (they did build up, so a few more next year may help, though I understand all this adds to the expenses).  

Most race marshals are, by the very fact that they are volunteers are good people, but one of them today went out of their way to help me.  Won't go into what she did, but one of the ladies at registration who was giving out the hats at the end...thank you.

Today's weather as alluded to at the start was not the best.  It was a bit blowy and every so slightly moist, to the extent that when the, very nice Mayor of Bolton gave his speech at the start saying 'just think, you could be at home doing the ironing'  I, and perhaps a few others, thought 'that sounds a good idea : )

Warm up lady gave a very enthusiastic performance trying to help everyone stay warm.  She did a great job, especially when her music stopped playing through the loudspeakers, though as you can see below, I was a wuss and hid under the tent.

Thankfully after a short stint of British tutting, we made our way to the start and bang on 10am we were off.

My plan before the race was to try to slip under 45 minutes but after running hard at parkrun yesterday and the weather today, I wasn't sure if that was on, but as it always my tactic in things like this I'd worry about that if I and when I blew.

Now I need to be honest, if your idea of racing is fluffy bunnies, stunning scenery and 'go go Gadget' pom pom waving supporters, this may not be your kettle of fish, but if you want to do a proper road race, with some naughty hills, lovely downhills and opportunities to race people who have the audacity to try to get past you, then this will be very much up your street.  

It is the perfect race for someone who does parkrun, has done the Couch to 5k, but may feel that a 10k is a bit too far or may be a bit intimidated by a big City Centre 10k.  Those races are crazily expensive, thousands of people take part and it may feel a bit overwhelming.  This race (and a lot of the local ones) are so friendly, have a great local feel about them, they are run for and by runners, they've been doing it for a long time and they know what runners want.  (plus it is slightly less than 10k)

It's not pretty but it is road racing at it's finest.  Roads aren't closed, sometimes you may get stuck behind other runners, and have to jump off the pavement to get past them (only to see them drop you 50 metres later) when the weather is bad like today, you're exposed to the elements, but despite all of that, I loved it.

Just after the start you turn left and almost immediately are on the the first the first hill which takes you over a bridge.  At this point, the rain was coming down hard and you were still cold from the weather.  There's a 30 metre climb in the first mile which has a double benefit of warming you up and stringing out the field a bit.  (also has a descent of 21 metres)

By the time you see the first mile marker, you start to get into a rhythm, there is still 10 metres of climb in the second mile and 12 metres downhill so you are always either going up or down.  Despite the unpleasant weather, the marshals were very happy (far more than they should have been) and pointed you around the extremely well signposted course.

By the time I got to mile 5 (27 metre climb) I knew I needed around a 7 minute mile to get under 45.  Good thing is the last mile has a nice down hill so gave me a chance to see if I could sneak under.  I did manage to put in a 7.07 last mile but crossed the line in 45.32.  Not great but not bad 

Men's course record stood at 29.04 by Harry Wakefield.  Unsurprisingly, given the conditions that was never going to be challenged but the top three men were : - 

Daniel Bird -Swinton Running Club - 33.06

Ryan Snee -Horwich RMI Running Club -33.25

Chris Benjamin - Leigh Harriers - 34.01

Meanwhile on the Female side

Course Record remains at Sophie Wood - Sale Harriers 33.17

and top three were

Dee Allen (16th overall) - Leigh Harriers - 36.46

Carolyn Capsey (32nd) - Swinton Running Club - 39.05

Heather Tomlinson (34th) - Bolton United Harriers - 39.14

I've ran so many races over the years that my t-shirts end up in the drawer (friend of mine made a load of them into a blanket) so it was good to see, something different in this one.  A race memento baseball cap.  I've not the the head (or more truthfully the ears) for baseball caps, but for non-Dumbo heads, they work well.

At the end of the race, I got nice and warm with some a lovely sausage and egg butty and a cup of coffee from the glorious local business, The Pendle Grill.  Exactly what was needed

Thank you for a great race and another training race down for Wilmslow Half end the end of March.

Spring has Sprung (hopefully) at Fletcher Moss

 Hello Spring, its' been a long time.

Ever since I got some running tights and an Under Armor long sleeve top for Christmas, I've done all my winter training, and races wearing them (have been washed a few times).  When I looked at the weather forecast for today, I realised it was time to get my little legs and armies out and get back into some normal running gear.

I've got Lostock 6 tomorrow and want to get under 45 minutes, and for the past two weeks I've ran under 22 minutes (Alexandra and Birchall Playing Fields) so the aim was to get as close to that here too.  I've ran this course 4 times but not since May 2022 where I got 22.47 and have completely forgotten the lay out/.  I thought it was more or less flat so with the training I've been doing, I had a course PB in mind if nothing else.  

I arrived about 30 minutes before the start and parked on the lane leading up to the start.  Weather forecast was right, it was lovely, sunny morning, so much warmer than last Saturday.  Perfect running conditions.  I said hello to the RD, Ben, and asked him if it was as flat as I remembered, 'there are a few bumps' he told me and reminded me of the course lay out (essentially like a weirdly shaped lollypop, straight to start with with two laps, before running back down to a home straight.)  Despite this polite warning, I thought I'd just go for it anyway and run as fast as I could as see if I could hold on.

I ran my 50th different parkrun last week but Fletcher Moss has to have decent shout for one of the prettiest starts to a parkrun.  You can see from the picture what a beautiful park this is and once again. can feel so privileged to be able to do this free event in beautiful places every Saturday morning.

I started relatively near the front and was joined by 401 other people to run, jog or walk in this gorgeous location.  It's hard to explain the elevation here, there are only 27 metres of ascent and it's probably best explained a bit like a BMX track sharp up and downs, with some sharp turns.  Not the easiest to pace but a really interesting course, with plenty of spaces to try to overtake whoever is next you.   My favourite part was the last mile or so which seemed to downhill and was my fastest lap.  

We are so blessed in this part of the country, there are so many different types of course within a couple of miles.  Alexander, flat and fast, Sale, best described as 'varied terrain' and not a PB, beautiful Bramhall etc.  What is more, despite there being just over 400 runners, the course did not seem overcrowded, even though it is two laps, the 'stick' of the lollypop stick is long enough to give time for the field to spread out.  You can tell that the core team when they were planning this put a lot of work into it.

First male finisher today was Duncan Birtwistle from Rugby and Northampton AC with 18.10 (PB of 17.13, overall of 16.21 at Alexandra).  First female being local runner Amy Weyers, from Chorlton Runner who was 9th overall with 20.30 (PB of 19.14 and overall of 18.17, also at Alexandra)  Well done both, you guys run a different sport to me.

We also had 23 people running parkrun for the first time !  Welcome everyone to the day that was formally called Saturday, now.....parkrun Day (also lower case, always one word)

Fletcher Moss is different to all of them, its relatively fast without being overcrowded due to being pancake flat, but it also has some small sharp hills which are just enough to kick you out of your pacing.  It's a lovely park, stunning start and finish and Didsbury village on it's doorstep.

I say this every week, but again, I'd be more than happy if this was my home run

Birchall, Half Cowell, Coffee and Freezing Running

Noticed a couple of weeks ago that I had a new Nendy.  Penistone had been my 'next to do' for so long, having one over in Staffs certainly made me take a second look.  I was planning on doing it a couple of weeks ago, but being the saddo that I am, I noticed on the 5k app that I was missing an '8' so waited to have a pop.

Another bonus was that running this meant that I had completed my Half Cowell today (50th different parkruns) which I had been looking to do for quite a while as I am, at heart, a very lazy tourist, 45 minutes being around my limit to tour.

I ran Alexandra parkrun last week under 22 minutes and wanted to do the same this week.  I've made the mistake before of pre judging 3 lappers as being a bit repetitive and maybe not something that would pull me in, but wanted to have a look as the video I had seen of the course looked quite flat with one slight small up bit.

It was cold when I left home this morning and when I arrived at parkrun, it was a lot colder.  Clouds had come down, it was drizzling and a proper February morning.

I parked up just by the changing rooms (toilets are open) and made my way past 'The Nags Shed' (brilliant name Rodney) coffee van and to the start.  The wonderful volunteers had invited runners to bring donations for local victims of domestic violence.  A wonderful initiative and something that epitomises  the essence of power of parkrun, when I passed it,  the table was already full of donations.

184 athletes braved the weather this morning and I was working out whether to warm up by jumping up and down with my coat or be a soldier, take it off and do a lap or two around the 400 metre all weather track.  I finally decided to put my big boy pants on and take a bit of a trot around.  By the time I got back we began to make our way over to the start for the briefing.  

Now I have done around 530 parkruns but none has been conducted so well as by today's  Run Director, Rdward he was only 12 years old but he was funny, had a great connection with the crowd, had all the info  and held our attention,  which was really hard to do considering how cold it was and we all wanted to go.   You've got a future in TV my friend !

I had the advantage of knowing the course as I had watched someone's Youtube capture of it   Birchall Playing Fields parkrun #2, so I knew that you had about 400 metres on the track to get yourself in a decent spot as the 3 laps of the paths after that looked like it could be tricky to pass.....Let's see

Starting where I did, near the front, was a good idea, there wasn't that many people there but nonetheless it gave you a great opportunity to try to position yourself with runners of a similar pace as you.  That way when you get to the narrow paths you have less people to get past.

This is a deceptively fast course, the cinder type track is easily runnable and the paths and are either flat or have gentle gradients.  There's one hairpin turn and a short section on the grass, but on days like this, when it's not muddy, it's very runnable which means that there is no problem is passing people, same pace or slower than you.  I lapped some folk and all it took was a quick detour onto the grass and then back onto the path again.  

When you complete your third lap you finish as you started with another lap of the track.  This was my favourite part of the course as you can put on a sprint and try to drop (or not be dropped by) the people next to you.  

I somehow managed to finish in 19th place in 21.56.  Now bearing in mind I ran a very flat Alexandra Park last  week in 21.49, shows  how fast the course is.

Taking into account, the team are in the very early stages of their event and are learning on the job, it ran like clockwork.  The first timers briefing was very personable, I've already mentioned Edward as RD and all the marshals were stereotypically helpful and enthusiastic.  Wherever I've been in parkrun land these brilliant people always make my favourite running event what it is.  Thank you.

Now coffee is an integral part of any parkrunning tourism experience.  Luckily my coffee addiction was satisfied by the great coffee in their own van in the car park.  The Nags Shed, a local company, already has seemingly developed a great partnership and as I was driving away I could already see a queue forming.  

I drove home in the post parkrun high.  I really do love my Saturday morning fix and  Birchall is
a very welcome addition to the field.  

Looking forward to a return in the summer to break my PB.

The perfect 10 (k)

Photo credits to Jon-Paul Kearns

Today I ran the Daffodil 10k.  My first proper race (ignoring parkrun) since before COVID.

I have been training properly, getting in some decent runs, speed sessions, longer run and base runs.  I've been on the weights, and peloton, and eating healthily with my primary aim in the first part of the year to do well at Wilmslow Half. 

Aim for this race was sub 50 minutes, which is 8 minute miles.  It was with this in mind that I tried to run at this pace in one of my early morning base runs this week.  Annoyingly, I really struggled, could not get anywhere near what I needed.  I tried again at Woodbank parkrun's alternative course yesterday and averaged around 7.20 which confirmed I was more or less where I needed to be.

This was supposed to be my third race since COVID (too ill to run Stockport 10 and Hit the Trail fell victim to a storm) and was excited to wake up this morning to find that the latest winter storm hadn't yet hit and it was perfect running conditions.  Cold and dry.

I've ran hundreds of races over the years from 5ks to marathons but this, without doubt was the best organised and one of the friendliest races I've ever ran.  When you were walking to the start there were marshals out pointing you in the right direction to get to registration, there were plentiful toilets by the baggage drop and you were able to pick up your numbers and t-shirt from the Sports Feet shop on the A6 all of this week.   Another added touch to a brilliantly organised race.  

I did just that, so cannot comment on the number pick up today, but I know that they were there bright and early this morning.  (Woodbank's Sarah Russell once again showing how much she does for the local running community was on duty)

I arrived at around 9am, 30 minutes before the start and made my way to the baggage drop.  I delayed handing my bag in till about 20 minutes before the start as it was really cold and I didn't fancy being without my hoody for too long.  

Again, this was like clockwork, they had two sheds, with the numbers divided (I think it was below and above 700)  between the two.  Quick hand over of my bag and a very short walk to the start.

I am not sure how many people were running, but as we started on the main road, it was wide and not congested.  

I did have a plan to run 8 minute miling but that was my worst case scenario and I did not want to go slower than that.  I figured that I would try to run as much as I could under that and try to hang on.  

Race kicked off and the masses headed up Jackson's Lane and turned right onto Chester Road.  It is immediately undulating for the 1st 1.5 k or so before you turn left towards the bypass.  You go slightly off road, before dropping down and then up over the bridge, 180 degree turn and down to the bypass.

It is then a nice flat run down the bypass where you get a chance to see the front runners coming back the other way.  Now this is where you realise that these ladies and gents are taking part in a different sport.  The first male, Joe Monk from Preston Harriers came past like he was skating.  Such a smooth running style and well clear of the field.  (Finished in 32.59, 1.19 ahead of T9m Sullivan from Chorlton Runners in second )

You then turn round at the top of the bypass before (just before 5k) and head back up again.   Great thing about this part is that it is slightly uphill, especially going over the bridge before the final turn round at the top of the bypass.  (Perfect place for water break too at around 6k )

As you enter the last 2k you can see the runners in front of you climbing up the hill to head to the finish.  You know, at this stage, that the lovely hill that you ran down at the start lies between you and the finish.  You can get a bit of speed on as you come to that and then go for broke in the last 50 metres or so and smash the final hill to get to the end.

As soon as you finish, there are so many marshals , as there were all the way round (hello Paul Plumber and Jacqui Evans) with water, foil blankets, and your race socks.

Normally I am not a fan of medals, they're quite the same, mass produced metal things which end up hanging on the back of a radiator or lost in a drawer.  Not so the Daffodil 10k, it is beautifully crafted wooden, rectangular memento.  You can tell, as with everything in this race, a lot of thought has gone into it.

If I thought the baggage pick up at the start was good, at the end (perhaps more importantly) was even better.  They had laid out all the bags and  a chap was looking for us coming round the corner, called out your number and you were handed your bag as soon as you get round !  

After the race,  Norbury Farm where the race HQ was and a couple of minutes walk from the  end, fed all the  hungry runners.  I had a lovely egg and sausage sandwich supplied by the butchers opposite.  Just added to the local, family feel of this brilliant 10k.

Goody bag was top notch.  Freddo, some sweets, and radox shower gel. 

Cannot recommend this race enough and am looking forward to entering next year. 

For the Stattos 

Mile splits

7.36, 7.49, 7.31, 7.31, 7.45, 7.11, (7.13)