My 250th parkrun at Worcester was a last minute change of plan. Originally I had intended to visit the fairly new Greendale Farm Shop parkrun. There were two tourist groups attending, another lady also doing her 250th parkrun – as well as much celebrating. Lots of cake and even a Boomerang in attendance! However, it was not to be!
Not Attending Greendale Farm Shop for my 250th parkrun
Despite booking the weekend off work for such a special event I did not end up celebrating my 250th parkrun at Greendale Farm Shop. My husband got food poisoning and therefore obviously couldn’t go.
Although I could drive I had had a really long, busy and late finishing shift the night before. Plus I don’t really like driving especially when I don’t know where I am going. Gutting as if it were pre-planned I could have got one of the coach trips.
Choosing Worcester for My 250th parkrun
So I had a look at where I could drive to more locally. Obviously my home parkrun was doable but that would have destroyed my current tourist streak. Then I saw that Worcester wasn’t in my current streak. Having driven there many times before whilst home educating the children.
Catching up with a Friend
It also meant I was able to confident ask if my friend would like to join me to celebrate my 250th parkrun. She often does the driving – because I really hate it – so it was nice to offer to pick her up!
We jeffed the course (running for 30 seconds and then walking for 30 seconds – on repeat). From her previous time the week before my friend took off 3 minutes and 19 seconds. That was including walking up the last hill.
Changes at Worcester parkrun
Personally I do not remember Worcester parkrun having a bell. It states that it is for those with a PB, those who are first timers, if you’ve had a great run – and well generally any reason you fancy! I did mean to ring it due to it being my 250th parkrun but actually forgot!
Course Differences
My friend had only done Worcester parkrun the week before so knew the course. It was my seventh visit there but the course has kept changing. The Run Director said that they hoped they had it cracked now.
From what I can remember there’s less of the big steep hill at the start and you no longer cut across the field. It is still follow everyone else, 2 laps and finish where the run briefing is!
There is also a lovely area with bunting called Happy Valley – which was lovely. It is around here that we also saw the bluebells.
Parkwalk at Worcester parkrun
Parkrun itself has relaunched its parkwalk initiative. Trying to really make sure that everyone is aware that parkrun is for everyone – and that you do not need to run! There were new paddles that said “walk with us” so I stopped to ask a volunteer if I could take a photo.
She told me that she used to be a speed walker. That Worcester parkrun has a variety of different speeds of parkwalk volunteers to match different people’s needs!
Worcester Stats for my 250th parkrun
562 participants took part at Worcester during my 250th parkrun. 304 males, 234 females and 24 unknown. The highest age grade was Derek Jackson (VM70-74) 85.42% in a time of 21:29.
Times ranged between 17:57 and 1:03:07. With 282 sub 30 finishers.
With thanks to 51 volunteers.
It’s been almost 3 years since Sarah’s 250th parkrun – the woman who inspired me to start!
Congratulations on reaching your 250th parkrun! What a shame your plans didn’t work out, but it sounds like you made the most of it. I’ve done Worcester twice, but the last time was in 2020, so it must have changed a lot since then.
Thanks very much for the mention at the end. I’m nearly at 400 now! The road to 500 is a very long one.