Okay, so I have registered and printed off barcode. Looking at their website a couple of weeks ago I couldn't decide on whether to go to Lincoln or Newark but looked today and they are starting at Belton Park as from 7 November - brilliant!
Can I ask what happens when I get there? Do I actually have to wear one of these barcodes? Do I need pins? 
No, you just take the barcode with you in a pocket (it needs to be the paper one or laminated as they can't do codes on phones) run the course and at the end you will be given a finishing token. Give the finish token AND your barcode to the barcode scanners. They keep the finish token and you get the barcode back. Good luck !
Thank you. So I don't have to report to anyone when I get there or anything like that? Sorry for sounding a bit thick it's only I have never done one before and I will be going on my own and won't have anyone to show me the ropes so to speak
Hiya RQ, glad to hear that you're off to parkrun! And it's great to have one closer to home, too.
At your first parkrun (and every parkrun) there is a briefing before the run. At my parkrun we ask for a show of hands for anyone there for the first time. After applause from the other runners, the course and finishing process is briefly explained. Normally, the course is described as 'follow the runner in front, unless you are a 5km-in-14-minute-runner'. I know that some parkruns get the first timers together before the main briefing. If you want any help, look for the marshalls in fluorescent jackets: they'll all be helpful and friendly.
One thing that parkrun does really well is to time your run, and send you an email/sms with your time that week. And they do this will really low-cost technology (remember, parkrun is free).
The timers start at the beginning of the run (obvs!) and when you run across the finish line, your time is recorded by up to 3 timekeepers. You then go into a funnel, where you'll be given a finish token. That gives your position number. It is very important that all runners go through the funnel in order (no overtaking in the funnel!!) and also that everyone who crosses the finish line takes a token.
Once you've got a finish token, you then go to the barcode scanners where first your athlete barcode is scanned, followed by your finish token (which is taken away and re-used the following week).
After all this scanning, parkrun know that athlete A123456 was in position 123 at your parkrun. The timekeepers have recorded all the times of the finishers, and so they know that the 123rd runner crossed the line in 34:56 minutes. After a bit of computer magic, they know that RammsteinQueen, athlete A123456 crossed the finish line in place 123 with time 34:56 (obvs all the number in my example are made up).
So... to answer your questions:
No - you do not need pins.
Your athlete barcode can remain hidden until after the run. Personally I have used an old credit card and stuck my barcode to it with a wide piece of sticky tape. It now fits much better in my pocket, and doesn't get torn. parkrun sell plastic barcodes that can fit on your shoelace. One of the coolest guys at my parkrun has one of these made into an earring.
There are just a few simple things to remember about parkrun:
1) Be friendly. Everyone is friendly
2) It is a run, not a race.
3) parkrun is spelled parkrun (no capital, no spaces)
4) However bad your run, always take a finish token
5) Only cross the finish line once (don't go back and 'run someone in')
6) Never forget your athlete barcode
7) Get your athlete barcode scanned, and hand in your finish token for scanning
8) Volunteer 1 time for every 10 runs
Sorry that was so long. I probably made it sound more complicated than it actually is. Have fun and good luck!
No you haven't and many thanks for this - I appreciate it. I will be a bit nervous my first time, but after I have done it once then that's it, I will know 
looks like the Belton Park is a brand new venue unless they only have it at certain times of the year, I don't know.. however I am very happy they have decided to hold one here.
Err just one thing, so can I run with my paper barcode in my gilet? Would that be okay?
I cut out a piece of card and stuck my barcode to it with sellotape to stop the barcode from getting creased. I keep it in my armband pocket when I do parkrun, but I'm sure it would be fine in a coat or trouser pocket
Sure, you can keep it in your gilet. Just whip it out when you are at the volunteers who are scanning the finish tokens and barcodes.
If (when) you enjoy parkrun and want to go often, you may find that the paper barcode gets creased or rained upon. What's when homemade solutions involving sellotape help
Ooooh - good luck !
I can't wait to get going on the parkrun. My local one (Parke) is a bit hilly so I'm getting some hill practice in beforehand. I'm going to have to wait 'til into November to do it, due to childcare issues, but I'm looking forward to it (although looking at the website I'm worried about the times - I could manage to not be last if it was flat, but it being uphill means a whole different ball game 
)
Just remember, all hills are down hill and therefore easy (you just have to run some of them in the wrong direction) 
Don't worry about your time. My local run asks for people to inform the organiser if they think that they might take over 50 minutes. The reason they do that is to give them a chance to organise coffee to be sent out to the marshals at the far point of the run if you think you'll be an hour plus.
I guess if you see them ordering a takeaway then you know they really think you are going to be slow !!
Have a look for ur local parkrun on Facebook. The one I attend starts at 9 am but there's a new runner briefing at 8.30 am. New people try it every week so I am sure they will give information out before the run
8.30? oh no.. I was thinking of getting there about 8.55am - I don't like hanging about getting cold 
8:30 seems unusually early for most runs. Check the individual run page for details, but I've run at 9 different venues now and the earliest I've known the new runner briefing to occur is at 8:50. I'd recommend getting there at 8:45 so that you can warm up a bit first.
I did Lincoln last Saturday. Loved it. Didn't know about Belton. Will try that soon.
Can I suggest a tip which I've seen several parkrunners use at our local run. They have their barcode "plasticized" i.e. sealed in a laminated pouch or taped to a piece of card with sellotape and then pin it to the hem of their running shirt/gilet etc. This means that, when they get over the finish line they don't have to participate in the "which pocket did i put in in?" dance/pat down at the end of the finish chute. The marshal can spot spot the barcode card and remind you where it is when you have a senior moment. It can even be scanned without being removed.
Enjoy that parkrun.
Now that is an excellent idea! Thanks
There is also a brand new parkrun starting in Boston on 24th October if that is closer to you. I' m thinking of doing that one (maybe not on the 24th). Belton Park is closer to me but harder to get to on public transport, the Boston course is only 1 mile from the station.
Thanks for info. Belton, Newark and Lincoln closest I'm between Grantham and Sleaford
I live in Sleaford :). I don't have use of the car on Saturdays so will have to use bus or train and busses are rubbish between Sleaford and Belton so will be easier to hop on the train to Boston.
Ohhh, I just registered for park run too, not quite ready yet tho. Belton sounds good - will watch out for you at Newark as that's my closest. Happy running!
What's the Newark one like Tara? Is it very hilly?
I don't think it is too hilly. I haven't been yet, I think you may have to go down along the river and back up, apart from that it can't be too bad. I will report back when i work up the courage to do it!
Well done, you are braver than me !
Rich if you did decide to do parkrun, which is the nearest one to you ? xxx
Wolverhampton or Telford but Wolverhamptons west park is victotian and a really nice place x
Why poppy x?
I am very nosy Rich ! xxx
Well i will let you know when i finally take the plunge and do one ! X
No, honestly I was just going to suggest that if you either went along to your local one and just had a look as a bystander or checked the results on the website , it might make you take the plunge.
I was exactly the same, I used to go to bed on a Friday night saying to myself " Im going to do parkrun tomorrow " and then Saturday would come and I would think " I cant ! "
When I finally plucked up courage to go I couldve kicked myself , as I really enjoyed it and I wish I had done it earlier
If you lived near me Rich , I would come round to yours and rattle on yer letterbox ! Ha ha ! xxx
Lol i might need you rattling on my letterbox , i didnt wake up in time for the last one. I wil do it before xmas x
Ha ha , You heard it here first folks ! xxx
Good luck! I've already printed out 6 barcodes and I don't know when my first parkrun will be! I'm hoping one will start up in Stratford before too long - if not I'm parkrunning in Leamington (is it OK to make parkrun a verb?)
Hi Queen !
Just want to wish you all the very best for your first parkrun ! It took me ages to pluck up courage to go , but all my fears proved unfounded and I do it now at every opportunity.
There was a link on the parkrun website to a company that supplies your barcodes all laminated and with a hole in the top so you can put it on a keyring or pin it to your T Shirt, I think they cost £6.00 for three.
Please let us know how you go on ! I am sure you will love it ! xxx
Didn't know about Boston either. That's a bit closer for me. Although I think Belton will be a good one. Would end up staying there all day. The kids love the adventure playground there.
ooh good question, and great answers
I have a barcode - I volunteered at my local run last week and you even needed a barcode to do that!?
I had no idea what happened at the start/finish tho as I was marshalling in a far flung corner !!
Did wonder how on earth it all worked
Still dithering about whether to try one, I'm SO slow!
Looking forward to reading your postrun report
I did one soon after graduation in July. I'd suggest two things, neither vital but one helped me:
- if you can find your way there and 'walk the course' beforehand it gives you a bit of familiarity (I didn't though and it was fine).
- find the marshal's gathering point and the one/s with the hi-viz vest marked 'tail' and introduce yourself so if you're slow, like me, you know who you're going to hang out with. (I did do this and they were reassuring and lovely.)
Re the barcode, I just shoved the printout in a plastic file pocket and put it in my 'leg pocket' in the walking trousers that I ran in.
I can't wait to go again!! Good luck.
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