First Parkrun

Went to the parkrun for the first time today and thought I would share my experiences. What a pleasant place to go on a Saturday morning. The atmosphere was friendly and relaxed. There was a first time runners area where they gave an overview of the course and how it the timings worked. In this group we're first timers and people who were visiting this park run for the first time. They asked whether any of us were doing this for the first time and 4 of us raised our hands, the other people automatically clapped which made us feel very welcome and of course a bit bashful being British.

Obviously it's a bit of a step to attend and I hadn't really been running that much in the past two weeks due to work circumstances, and the onset of winter but I thought I'll do the course, and walk where I have to. I did see some folk warming up at the pace I normally run it!

So at just after 9, I was at the back of the group and they started and off we all went 400 people all moving in the same direction was a sight to behold. A lovely sunny morning. People running, people walking, people with dogs, pushing prams. I have to say that most of these people moved on away from me rather than me moving past them 😆

I tried to keep the same pace that I normally do on my solo jogs but boy is it difficult with the folk around carrying you along. I found it much more difficult to judge how fast I was going when there are a lot of other folks on the track. Also it was on grass which I really haven't done much on, my usual route is smooth tarmac the whole way so I was well outside my comfort zone here. In the end I looked at my sports watch and tried to keep the same heart rate range as normal.

One of the nicest things i found about the park run are the volunteers who not only lay out the course but stand on the corners and shout encouragement. This really helped me along particularly in the second half when I was flagging. Also, when we were coming back, the runners who had already finished and we walking back were saying well done and keep going. Such a nice gesture.

So I somehow managed to get round, the first time that I've ever run a full 5k, with a time of 33.5 minutes. I dont really attach any importance to this i was just curious, this is pretty much what I suspected my time would be based on how far I go on my usual 30 minute runs but it was kind of good to have it formally verified.

They have a very good system in place for getting the times and is easy to understand once it's explained.

Once I got home I showered and then went to sleep for 3 hours but woke feeling extremely refreshed with a slightly annoyed other half and bored kids.

Anyways I'm sure I'll be doing more of these in the future. It's a great event and I'd recommend it.

[nowster Graduate]

I'm trying to think of any that are local to the Manchester area that are on grass and regularly get 400 people. The only one that I've done that's like that was Coldham's Common in Cambridge, which I visited at the end of August.

My local one (Chadderton) usually has about 60-80 and has quite an informal atmosphere, and my other regular haunt (Pwllheli, on the beach) had just over 40 today, and some weeks it's as few as 15.

My first parkrun was at Sale Water Park and it was rather confusing. With over 200 there, and a lot of first-timers (it was the first after COVID restrictions were lifted), it was difficult to hear the instructions.

Like you, I found it was very easy to be swept up by the mob. I went way too fast and had to walk twice on the return leg to get a breather. Even so, that day I set a PB that stood for a good few months.

Well done!

[Annieapple Administrator Graduate]

🍏Wow you described that well. Felt as if I was there. Well done and an excellent time for 5ks but especially a first one!! 🙌😊

[dory950 Graduate]

Congratulations! Love park run it’s just the best feeling on a Saturday morning to have completed a run early. One of the best things is is so inclusive and friendly. You will be hooked and looking forward to doing it all over again .

Also if you subscribe to the park runs email you could also volunteer. I started with being a marshal. It’s so much fun seeing all the runners

Also try different ones in the area but most importantly enjoy it 😊

[RiceAndPeas]

Fantastic, like many others I am hoping to do a parkrun and this post makes it all seem far less intimidating. It sounds like a fantastic experience.

[Penwithpink Graduate]

So glad you enjoyed it and it will become addictive x