Saturday 10 June 2017 – Wythenshawe parkrun number 292

I got there early enough to hide under a gazebo in my full waterproofs. They stayed on for the full course of the 5 km run. Others stripped off!

Run director Dan arrived in jeans that very quickly looked very soggy. Here he is at the start on the director’s pedestal, I’m in the foreground wearing a blue anorak and black overtrousers. (Wimp!)

 
Thanks to whoever took that picture (I stole it from Facebook).

There weren’t many first timers. I wonder why?

Attendance was 177 runners, the lowest number at Wythenshawe for over six months.

Nevertheless, there was enthusiasm for signing up to volunteer in future weeks.

So, it was raining quite hard and a number of fast regulars didn’t turn up, leaving some surprised runners on the ‘age related percentage’ rostrum.

I had to dash off for more root canal treatment at 10 am. “Shall I wipe the grass off your face?” asked the nurse before I settled down to a couple of hours of jaw aching treatment…

I hope I found time to congratulate Alan Lamb on his excellent report on last week’s run, as he flew past me on the second lap. I’m sure he won’t mind me reproducing it here:

Event number 291

3rd June 2017

A manifesto

Just in case you aren’t electioned out, here is a partly unpolitical broadcast on behalf of the Wythenshawe parkrun party. We promise to bring you the following;

• Membership of a community that welcomes everyone, regardless of speed, ability, or questionable running wear.
• Entertaining run briefings. Occasionally. This might be the pledge least likely to be delivered.
• A huge sense of wellbeing whether you run, volunteer, or both. Possibly even smugness for the entire weekend.
• An exciting range of conversation topics, particularly in the 30-35 minute range of runners.
• Cake. Usually.
• Looking out of the window this evening we may even be bringing back the mud.

…and our policies are all fully costed, that is to say they cost nothing!

We are also proud of our track record. There have been 49,299 “votes” for Wythenshawe since 6th August 2011 from 7,061 different runners, resulting in 8,897 Personal Bests.

This week 318 of that total took part, 33 being first timers (25 doing their first parkrun anywhere) and 64 recorded new Personal Bests. I’d like to pick out two of these- Mark Hunter clocked his approximately annual PB in his 102^nd run at Wythenshawe, whilst Suzanne Cundick edged ever closer to breaking 30 minutes with her 4^th PB in her last 6 parkruns.

Whilst parkrun is equally for everyone, here is some news on the “elites”- The male placings this week were:

Nick HAMLIN (SM25-29) (Unattached) was first over the line in 18:06 - first time in 3 appearances.

Robert WADSWORTH (VM35-39) of Dragons Running Club, was second over the line in 18:13 - has been first to finish on 2 previous occasions.

Dan MARTELL (SM25-29) of Altrincham and District AC, was third over the line in 18:20 - has been first to finish on 3 previous occasions.

Whilst the leading women were:

Cecilia COLE (SW20-24) of Manchester Harriers & AC, was first (25th overall) over the line in 21:06 - third time in 4 appearances.

Katie MAUDE (SW25-29) (Unattached) was second (34th overall) over the line in 21:34 - was first to finish once before.

Jackie CORDINGLEY (VW55-59) of Sale Harriers Manchester, was third (50th overall) over the line in 22:21 - has been first to finish on 44 previous occasions.

The three highest age grades were recorded by:

“HM” Jackie CORDINGLEY (VW55-59) – 83.22% for the time 22:21 (50th overall).

“Rt. Hon” Mark J HUNTER (VM60-64) – 82.86% for the time 19:21 (9th overall).

Graham HARRISON (VM55-59) – 77.37% for the time 20:02 (13th overall).

The event was made possible by 23 activists, some clad in the party colours of aubergine and apricot:

Paul BARBER • The Dear Leader Andy HOLLOWAY • Kate HOLLOWAY • Richard PAVEY • Martha WHITEHEAD • Charlotte DEAN • Chris SNOW • Gareth CROOK • Mark SYDDALL • Caroline COLQUHOUN-LYNN • John GAVIN • Sam MCGRATH • Jane GAVIN • Norma BURGESS • Mike GAVIN

Plus our youth movement- Alice LAMB • Isabella GREENHALGH • Thomas PAVEY • Amelia ATACK • Amy MOLLARD • Dan HART • Alex MOLLARD •

Plus some bloke who is rarely described as strong or stable….

So whatever the weather this Saturday, please VOTE WYTHENSHAWE and DFYB!

Alan

Excellent. Well done Alan, and well done all those who braved the weather for run number 292.