So, I realise each place is different. But what things do you wish someone told you before you did your first Parkrun? What things did you do that really helped, or what did you do second time “because, if I’d known...”?
I am guessing taking a small towel and a change of shirt might be a good idea?
What else?
I should have slowed my pace on the first lap! Our Parkrun is 3 Laps of a park. First lap is flattish but 2nd two larger laps have inciines. I was knackered by 3rd lap and was so hot too!!
Also wanted to do it within 40 mins and not come last! Too much pressure on myself? 😏
Print (and ideally laminate) your barcode and don't forget to take it with you.
Don't bound off like a hare with all the more experienced runners. Start slow near the back. Overtaking a few people is a nicer feeling for a beginner than being overtaken by everyone!
Don't worry about being last. You can't be, as there is a volunteer "tail walker" who is last. Also, even if you aren't fast you're lapping everyone who's still in their beds.
If you need a little walk at some time, that's not a crime. 
Take some money in case yours is anything like ours and there's the opportunity to adjourn for coffee at a local hostelry afterwards.
Don't need anything but yourself, do your best, albeit slowly! Oh, and don't forget your barcode!
Take a bottle of water for the end - you won’t need to run round with it. Take it easy - it’s fun and friendly and a good way to learn. There’s always new people and usually they do a talk at the start for anyone who is new. Take your parkrun barcode with you or you won’t get a time. Enjoy it. 😊
Don't go out too fast because you got caught up in the event.
Yes definitely start near the back , as there are lots of racing snakes at the front and once the whistle / bell goes they are off like a herd of stampeding rhinos ! The Race Director gives a little talk before the start and asks if there are any newbies , and they just give you some general instructions .
Enjoy it Jay, take it nice and steady. Its a great feeling crossing over that line at the end ! xxx
Even at the back lots of people will set off too quick. Don't get caught up in it. Run your own pace. If there's something left in the tank then give it a bit extra near the end.
Walking is fine. I walked the whole of my first! But, yes, watch your pace, it’s easy to go off too fast.
Not to be so damn nervous about it!
5k is 5k is 5k I dunno why I was so worried I wouldn't be able to do it just because it was an "official" deal
Mate, I’m nervous about everything!
If whatever one is nervous about is not occuring now - it's only a thought and not reality 
PS when I posted "Not be so damn nervous about it" I do mean that's what I should have been told but it was not me telling you that in that manner - I'm stubborn so a few damns and blast it's are needed to get things through my skull but I certainly did not mean them at you
Ha! No offence taken. But I recognise the feelings. I have moderate social anxiety and have been running solo, so I’m just trying to remove some of the anxiety from turning up blind and making an @rse of myself!!
Usain Bolt had a first race also - and I bet he had a few jitters before it also
Hi Jay,
I'd say the most important things are:
Don't forget your barcode.
Start near the back, you don't want to hold up those serious runners.
Stick your hand up when they ask if it's your 1st run and you will get a round of applause and a separate briefing on dos and donts.
Say thank you to the Marshalls, they are all volunteers who make this happen.
Enjoy 😎
Go steady and sprint at the end, great feeling to overtake others at the end!!!
Also, I bought a card with my barcode on from the website and blu-tacked it to the back of the phone - not gonna forget it then!!!
I'd defo say start near the back. I ran with a friend on sat at park run and she started off from middle b fab much faster than me defo felt slight discouraged as everyone was passing me til I just found my own pace. I second the walking too.
Thanks for all the replies so far, guys.
Can't offer any advice Jay - I will be coming to you for advice when I finally get to do one. I do however wish you lots and lots of luck - you'll be great. Please let us know how you get on.
Useful thread! I just recce-walked my local park-run route and was about to give up in despair at the incredibly steep hills...until i realised i’d taken a wrong turn and was totally off-route. The actual path is lovely and i’m going to try it out in private first. Good luck !
I'm doing the same tomorrow. I know there is a hill and I want to walk up it first!!
All the best jay let us know how you get on ..I want to do a run but not ready yet .....might wait till I graduate ...But I did the route last night just to check it out 👍👍
Great advice from everyone here - nothing for me to add. Just wanted to say enjoy it!
Knee giving me gyp this evening. Hope it settles.
Oh no 
hopefully it will be fine by Saturday x
Yeah. Was slightly achy before the run. But, you know, ...
Rest up and I'm sure it will be fine. Graduate badge looks great by the way
Thanks. Goes with my eyes 👀
😂
Good, informative post. One question, Is there anywhere to leave your possessions whilst running the route ? Jacket, water, keys etc. Or do you have to carry them around with you ?
At our Parkrun, people leave bags in an area near the finish line, where the marshalls are. I wouldn’t leave keys or money there though. My capris have a zipped pocket for key and cash
I started this wanting to do a Parkrun, and now I'm getting closer to doing one I've been asking myself the same questions. I've only ever run on my own and noone I know is remotely interested in what I've been doing, so thought of joining a couple of hundred experienced runners is daunting.
Sure we can both do it 👊 it's just so flaming early though 😣
Early...in your running? Your life? The day??
Please don’t feel that everyone on Parkrun is a whippet. There are some who have less running experience than you. There are dad’s pushing prams, people with dogs , and people doing it as part of c25k. You are right about getting up early on a Saturday morning though. I was so concerned about running late that I was awake at 6am! Everyone is really friendly and supportive. 🏃♀️🏃♂️🏃♀️🏃♂️
I went along to look and speak to a few people before I did my first park run and had a look at the route . The people are great . I run on my own stick my headphones on and off I go . I have even volunteered as a Marshall which is fun watching everyone run 🏃🏼♀️ . Good luck you will love it !
Great thread, thanks Jay! And good luck on Saturday. I plan to do a parkrun in about a month's time, so this is all useful info
Good luck. I look forward to seeing how you got on...and to joining the Park Run ranks myself once I can run for 30 mins!
Tell me it gets better!
Tell me there is hope!
Parkrun - me?
Please tell me it gets easier!
Please tell me it gets better!
