Saturday 2 November 2024 - Wythenshawe parkrun #592

Wythenshawe was a popular parkrun venue for run number 592. Above, you see many brightly coloured runners gathering ten minutes before the start. Large numbers of 'Couch to 5K' and 'MileShyClub' runners had decided to join us. That was great for me, as it offered a chance to finish in the top half of the field, which is very rare.

A few minutes later the 'Couch to 5K' brigade were joined by the regulars, making a total showing of 468 participants, the third highest ever at Wythenshawe and a good hundred more than usual. Here they are at the start.

I start very slowly these days, and can sometimes accelerate a little towards the end, which brings familiar faces into view every week. Here's Paul, with another friend, who I sometimes pass in this way. Other times they finish some way ahead of me. It's not a race, but we do have a bit of fun passing and mutually encouraging each other and those around us, especially the children.

Not pictured here at the finish is Colm, who in my last two runs has finished just behind me, not for lack of trying, he tells me.

It's a rare occasion that I can picture Sue coming through the finish. I had to wait 17 minutes for this!

Full results are here. We enjoyed the usual post run coffee/cake/socialising.