Saturday 9 November 2024 - Wilmslow parkrun #433

A few of us gathered at Wilmslow for Greg's 600th parkrun. Here's an extract from the official run report:

On a perfectly still, cool November morning, we started with an annual Wilmslow tradition on Remembrance weekend. Run Director Mandy started her briefing early; this allowed time to play the Last Post, and observe a one minute silence, to honour the brave men and women who have made the ultimate sacrifice, and who continue to do so in conflicts around the world. After this moving tribute it was business as usual, and a mention for Greg Barber on the occasion of his 600th parkrun! An astounding milestone achievement. We also welcomed visitors over from Ireland.

Little did we know at the start that we were in the presence of Olympic royalty! BBC presenter and Wilmslow regular Rachel Burden had persuaded her co-presenter Rick Edwards to do his very first parkrun, and none other than cycling legend Laura Kenny was there to enjoy the fun too! All this was recorded for the BBC 5 Live Breakfast programme on Monday morning - tune in to find out how Rick and Laura got on.

Here, the 223 participants mill about at the start.

I know I'm slow, but really...!

I did manage to overtake a few folk to finish in 32 minutes, position 165, and I was there to greet Jeanette at the finish.

Meanwhile, the full results are here, but Andy, one second ahead of Sue, and Sue adjourned with the rest of us for coffees, oblivious of their having finished just a few seconds ahead of Dame of the Realm and multiple Olympic Gold Medalist, Laura Kenny and her friends!

Well, that was a jolly start to the weekend!