Park run novice

So just wondering, as you lot out there are a helpful bunch can I pick your brains 🤨.

Park run timings is it a mad dash at the start line, is it a staggered start and when and where should I start-stop my Garmin??

Thanks

Ian

[linda9389 Graduate10]

That varies from event to event! There are often 800 runners at my local event, with a narrow start. It can take several seconds to get to the start line, if not a minute or so. At another parkrun close by, the start is wide and shallow and I was taken by surprise when everyone started running at the moment the horn went! I guess you should start your watch as you cross the start line, and finish it when you cross the finish (I usually forget to stop mine and I'm definitely not the only one). Your official parkrun time will be from horn to your finish which may be slightly longer. But it doesn't matter! Just go to enjoy it, then take it week on week. Have fun 🙂

[Hidden in reply to linda9389]

Hi Linda,

Thanks I shall

Ian

[Coddfish Graduate10]

It’s generally difficult at the start and for a little while as parkruns are getting bigger and most have a narrow start line and/or constraints on the course. The important thing is to judge where you need to be in the starting area before the start. At the front are people who will do it in 14-16 minutes, they will knock you flying if you are in their way. 30 minutes is probably a good two thirds to three quarters of the way through the field, so if you are slower than that and start further forward than that, you might get jostled or feel pressured. People with prams or dogs need to start at the very back. There’s a single horn for everyone. Whether you start your own timing on the horn or when you cross the line is up to you. Your parkrun time will be taken from the horn, but at some events it can take a minute or so for everyone to get started.

[AlMorr Ambassador Graduate10]

Unlike a event/race 10K or 5K run with 'chip timings' where you take your time from that, not the clock, parkruns start and end with clock times, the horn or at the GO after the 3,2,1 countdown. At smaller runs with less than 250 running that should be OK but where there are large amounts of runners, over 400 you could be delayed for several minutes, perhaps making the difference between a sub 30 minute 5K time or more.

All of the parkruns I have attended have been less than 250 people taking part and I have always taken the official result as my time.

If there were more than 400 runners I would take the time of my own watch, however, that has not happened as I don't like to run if there are as many as that or more.

[Madge50 Graduate10]

As others have said, your parkrun time will be from when the bell/whistle etc goes to when you cross the finish line.

I usually start my watch as soon as I hear the ‘start’, I usually don’t stop my watch until I’ve come out of the finish funnel, although some stop their watches as soon as the cross the finish line.

You can start wherever you want, some busy parkruns have some signs that give you an idea where best to start, e.g 20 mins, 30 mins, I usually position myself about halfway down the field, I’m definitely not a 16 minute parkrunner ! , I’d say just be realistic, and remember it’s not a race.

I must say, i’ve done over 200 parkruns (at a variety of courses) and nearly 100 volunteer stints, and I’ve never seen anyone knocked flying, and I’ve never been jostled, I’ve only ever experienced inclusivity and encouragement no matter where I start.

The faster runners are generally at the front, and are generally very adept at going past or overtaking slower runners in a safe manner, this is inevitable on a course of more than one lap, I do know some who like to start near the back and challenge themselves to work their way through!

Depending on what the course is like they may ask those with dogs or buggies to start near the back.

If you’re not sure I’d advise go and watch, maybe volunteer, you’ll quickly get the jist of how it works. Plus there’s always someone to ask or talk to, I’ve never come across an unapproachable parkrunner or volunteer

I hope you enjoy it, it’s a wonderful thing, all those people from all walks of life, all ages, shapes and sizes, getting together to enjoy a run or walk of 5k on a Saturday morning, do come back and tell us how it goes.

Good luck!

Mx

[Hidden in reply to Madge50]

Hi Madge,

Thanks for soooo much information, I'll be sure to post my post run feedback asap

Ian

[Coddfish Graduate10 in reply to Madge50]

I was tripped at Southsea when I started nearer the front than I should do. No ones fault but it can happen on a busy course.

[Dexy5 Graduate10]

You have had loads of replies so I’ll just say , get there early and speak to a volunteer in a hi viz vest and they will make sure you get a full brief. Don’t forget to register and print off a barcode. No barcode, no official time. Enjoy. Warning ⚠️ it’s addictive! My favourite run of the week.

[damienair Administrator in reply to Dexy5]

Same for me, my favorite run of the week. I volunteered this morning. Even volunteering is great fun. Enjoy parkrun, you’ll love it.

Damien

[Mumpark Graduate10]

They are all a bit different our one hold up signs in the start queue with estimated times so you go to near your time

[JaoJao Graduate10]

Don’t worry too much about this the parkrun timekeepers will do this fir you... go along to your first parkrun and absorb it, soak it up. You will really like it I am sure and will return