We headed to Banbury parkrun because it was one of our NENDYS and we had not had a lot of sleep following my adventures at Mauerweg Parkrun the previous day. Storm Amy had also cancelled a lot but that only affected me by delaying my flight home – meaning I didn’t get back until 2am.
Spiceball park, Banbury, Oxfordshire, OX16 2AY / OX16 3JJ
Facilities at Banbury parkrun
Maybe it was because we were tired and we had left things a bit later than we normally would, but we struggled to find the parking. Then it wasn’t really clear where to go (but I found a volunteer who helped) or where the toilet was.
First timers briefing
This was really clear. Not only was there a map of the course but a volunteer pointed to where she was talking about.
We were clearly told it might slow down at the start, when going through the first gap. Not only is it narrower but there’s brambles (or was it stingers, I didn’t notice either) and a bit of an incline. Luckily where I was this just wasn’t the case – and everyone was flying.
Main Briefing
The briefing today was aptly by RD Amy. She told us that Storm Amy had mostly gone away but that it emphasised how it was really important to listen to the safety needed on the course that morning.
Next there was lots of celebrating of milestones and birthdays.
The course at Banbury parkrun
Mostly the Banbury parkrun course is on path. There’s a bit through woodland that could get slippy in bad weather.
The Banbury parkrun course map was displayed on a stick and was very clear. Not only was it a really noticeable sign but also each of the laps was shown in a different colour.
How I remembered what I was doing was to count how many times I had gone over the bridge. You don’t go over it the first loop, then you do for 2 loops (and back over it), and then you finish.
Additionally I was glad that the bridge described wasn’t the one with the steps – which I did think it was the first time round! Although there were volunteers there to make sure no-one went the wrong way!
How I found Banbury parkrun
The volunteer I encountered straight away was really friendly and helpful. As obviously were they all. Special thanks to all those who checked on me. I’m having trouble with my arm and it was in absolute agony during this run. Actually I walked quite a lot in the end. In fact I sat and cried at the end.
I wore my vibrams five fingers trails and some of it was hard due to the firmness of the path. It was definitely my arm that made it difficult. Really happy with sub30 today.
Banbury parkrun event 478 Stats
250 participants
Times ranged from 18:31-1:02:07
First female was in my age category (VW45-49), with a time of 21:37.
144 sub 30
Highest age gradings were Glenys Logan (VW65-69 in 26:52) – 81.51% and Richard Thomas (VM75-79 in 23:58) – 80.46%.
Other parkruns nearby I have completed:
Chipping Norton School parkrun (12.6m); Fire Service College parkrun (15.6m); Stratford-Upon-Avon parkrun (17.6m) and Oxford parkrun (19.4m)
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