We headed to Seven Fields parkrun for event number 189. Thanks to a sudden downpour of rain at 6am in the morning the preferred A route was underwater and therefore the alternative course was in operation. At least this made shoe choice easier!
Seven Fields Nature Reserve and Penhill Sports Field, Nr. Hillary Close, Swindon, (closest post code SN25 3AQ)
Location Seven Fields parkrun
Seven Fields parkrun is accessible by walking, road, bus and train. Although we discovered that the car park what3words: indirect.snuck.copy was closed. They ask that you do not park in local roads and there is a list of carparks on their page. Although it says that the carpark at the start is small there was plenty of room still when we went.
Near the start are toilets and changing rooms with showers. There was nothing to say whether you could or couldn’t use the showers. There’s also an outdoor gym and play area.
Seven Fields parkrun Alternative Course
The Seven Fields parkrun alternative course is two laps. It starts alongside changing blocks within the Penhill sports field. This is also where the briefings were held and where it finishes – so you can leave any bags etc there.
You then head away from the finish, turn right and go up a small incline. There is then a small loop before returning back the way you came. So a nice little down! Remembering to keep on the right.
After going back past the start area there’s an out-and-back along Pond Street. It really was very well marshalled and obvious where to go.
It is all on tarmac paths so the only thing to worry about was that it was slippery due to the rain and leaves.
Briefings and Volunteers
There was a great briefing, with all the usual information, it did overrun a little bit, but I am sure that we were all just grateful to everyone on putting on this free event for us all. Especially given the weather – and how sweeping away the leaves would have meant an earlier start!
Thank you each and everyone one of the 26 hi-vis heroes!
We were told that we should be aware that it wasn’t the day for a PB, that there would be some very narrow pinch points, and to run through the puddles.
Minors Over 11
One of the things we are reminded of is the parkrun rules – which include the fact that it is not a race, and that under 11s must stay in arm’s length of a parent.
I think it is also important to keep in mind, however, that minors over 11 are participating on their own. Some of these may be particularly quick, especially now they don’t have an adult holding them back. In fact two minors finished in the top 7 – which was 21 minutes and under.
First Timers
Ellen Watts decided to start the celebrations for her special birthday week by welcoming us new to Seven Fields with her very first “first timers briefing”. She did an excellent job of being enthusiastic, welcoming, clear, and open to any questions.
I also see from the photos that there was someone was participating with a 70 badge – congratulations to them too!
Milestones
Also well done to one of today’s Parkwalkers Antony Wetherell on 100 parkruns at Seven Fields parkrun.
David Grady also had an unofficial milestone of 150 parkruns – fantastic achievement and what a lovely community place to do it!
Experience as a Jeffer
Honestly it wasn’t my favourite course just because realistically it wouldn’t have been fair to others to try and Jeff the whole thing. It was quite a while before I started Jeffing and then there were several times when I stopped and straight ran it because it was just too narrow. Saying that there were people with dogs and pushchairs getting around – soi it wasn’t that tight. It was possible to sprint finish at the end mind!
Thank you to the lady with the lovely peachy coloured shoes – they really helped me focus on the straight running and also for her not getting annoyed when I did Jeff around her. Without her I don’t think I would have achieved my sub 30!
It was lovely that lots of photos were taken – and there was lots of wonderful support all around the course.
Stats
Despite this awful weather first thing 157 participants completed the course – in what turned out to be pretty fine weather! It actually made Elliot Line’s Stats as one of the median parkruns this week.
89 participants finished in under 30 minutes. With the current average finish time overall for Seven Fields parkrun being 30:59 (from the very first event up until now).
Event 189 saw 11 people achieve PBs at Seven Fields parkrun and they got to ring the bell! This included junior runner Mila KHYZHINIAK who also achieved an impressive age grading of 67.39%!
4 people were completely new to parkrun – I hope that the welcoming nature of Seven Fields parkrun motivated you to return again!
A further 24 people were tourists to Seven Fields parkrun – they came from Wyre Forest Abingdon, Chippenham, Leamington Spa, Richmond Park, Paradise City, Wokingham and Gloucestershire.
The Over 60s at Seven Fields parkrun Stats
There were 23 over 60s – all of whom it was not their first time at Seven Fields parkrun. With three of them achieving a PB and 9 completed in a time of sub 30!
The highest age grade for the over 60s was 72.11% and was the 19th finisher.
Seven Fields have pacer weeks – the next one is 2nd November
Nearby parkruns that I have written about:
- Lydiard (3.5m)
- Cirencester (12.4m)
- Tetbury Goods Shed (16.4m)
- Quakers Walk (18.4m)
Jackie has also written a run report from here visit.
It’s very impressive that they were able to put on an event after their main course got flooded.