We went along to Riverside Walk parkrun to tick off another of my floating Wilson numbers! It was also nice to tick off another South Wales parkrun.
Riverside Walk, under Wye Bridge, Bridge Street, Hay-on-Wye, Powys, HR3 5DE (w3w: ///bonfires.list.trying)
Riverside Walk parkrun Facilities
Unfortunately, Riverside Walk parkrun has no toilets at the start/finish and we had a little walk from the carpark. There are public toilets at the Oxford Road car park (in Craft Centre at top of car park) and at Hay clock tower (junction of Lion and Broad Streets – HR3 5AA). Both currently 30p to use. We went on the way so have no experience of these.
Riverside Walk parkrun Course
Start and finish under Hay River bridge (town side). Follow hardcore footpath for 1k (old Hay to Brecon railway line), then two clockwise laps around the Warren (a grassy river meadow beside the River Wye), returning to start on railway line footpath.
Due to a narrow section of the course this parkrun is not suitable for double prams/running buggies. The course may also not be suitable for single buggies but please contact the team in advance for further advice on the course.
Although DO go along to the first timers briefing about this course as it is very funny. It also made me think it wasn’t the place for a PB!
My Experience
It was great to meet parkrun tourist “celebrity” Nadege Rutter. Hay on Wye is just in Wales and the World’s first book town – which made it interesting and quirky. There are some very interesting shops. As we needed to head back due to work we didn’t have much time to explore. However, our youngest did get to browse and get another vinyl for his collection!
Disappointing parkrunner
It really is a stunning course, and as I say from the run briefing you knew you weren’t on for a PB. Therefore, I was disappointed at a couple of other parkrun participants who felt they had some sort of priority. There was a narrow point and overtaking wasn’t really suitable. On my last lap I had caught up with a walker and was patiently waiting (and now walking) until a suitable place to go around them. At this point another runner came charging up behind saying something like fast runner coming through!
My only hope is that it was the same individual that a bit later I had my next annoyance with. Having run around the walker (probably too fast to catch up the difference) I later ended up walking (yes I am like a child!). At this point I moved to one side to not be in other runner’s way. Again an individual just barge in between us – there was actually plenty of room to go around at this point!
Personally I haven’t come across this before and am on 273 parkruns. Hopefully parkwalkers aren’t experiencing this and it was a one off too. This parkrun was so lovely though that it wasn’t the “feel” of the day. Didn’t mention it to the Core Team as it really didn’t feel like a regular thing.
My Sprint Finish
Recently I have had a lot of attention on my sprint finish on my Instagram. With the caption parkrun is not a race. Yes I tend to run as fast as I can at the end, and go round people – but the above is the point that it isn’t a race and it’s all about community.
There was a great response to my sprint finish and a thank you from a lady who felt I’d helped encourage her (when actually she really kept me going on the first lap).
Riverside Walk parkrun Stats Event 85
- 114 participants – 64 males, 43 females and 7 unknown
- 8 first ever parkrun and a further 68 first time tourists
- Times ranged 19:50-59:19
- First female was 16th in a time of 24:19, age grading of 70.66%, in the VW50-54 category.
- 57 sub 30
Our son came 6th in 21:18 and first in his age category
I came in just under sub 29. 8th female and second in my age category.
Other Nearby parkruns we have done:
Y Promenâd parkrun 14.5m), Hereford parkrun (17.1m)
Also visit these other bloggers who cover parkrun: Sarah at Mum of Three World, Jackie at Never Imitate and Chrissy at It’s Me Chrissy J