For the last event of the year we headed to Southwick Country parkrun. It was a special one as it marked my 100th location – known as a Cowell. Plus it was my 55th parkrun this year. Giving me a Platinum Obsessive badge! It was also the last S I needed for the Snakes Challenge. See more about parkrun Stats and Challenges.
Southwick Country Park, Trowbridge, Wiltshire.
w3w location: ////hello.galaxy.leans
The statue is “Forrest – The Spirit of the parkrunner.” It was created to represent the feeling of freedom that running has always given to mankind. Built December 2006 by Noel Morgan, Aubrey Gumm and Jason Gumm. Unveiled on 3rd September 2011 to celebrate the first Southwick Country parkrun.
Facilities at Southwick Country parkrun
There are no toilets. In fact we couldn’t even find any on the way. Apparently we may have been able to go at the train station, but even that looked like we would have to pay for parking to find out.
There are car parks but some were closed today. We always arrive early and managed to get in. Seems like a lot of people parked on the street just outside of the carpark.
It is also accessible by bus or train.
Southwick Country parkrun Course
Almost three laps anti-clockwise, reaching the finish line on a fast downhill stretch near the tea room and the car park. Easy to follow as you just went round and the third time you see the finish funnel you go through it.
Not really one for trail shoes, however today there was a slight diversion and a slippery bit to go through so they did help.
My Experience
Friendly
Southwick Country parkrun have been so nice on social media that it seemed a great location for a special event. Honestly I am glad I made that decision as they were so nice. Introducing me to people, calling my name and encouraging me on every lap. When I finished I was even told how much people were enjoying the chocolates that I had provided.
All in all it seemed a really nice, friendly and inclusive event. We were able to Jeff the course with no problems. It started fast even though we were not right at the front. Potentially as it was easy for people to go on to the grass to get around people.
A beautiful day – although some people found it a bit cold. Thank you to the lovely young volunteer who hi fived me with her warm gloves on each lap. My hands actually stayed cold the whole time, although it was nice to not actually over heat for once!
At the end someone banged the gong proud that they had managed to do all 54 UK parkruns this year. We then had a nice chat. This was indeed, a lovely friendly parkrun.
My Experience of The Course
We managed to Jeff (210:30 ratio) the whole course with no difficulties whatsoever. It didn’t feel at any point we were in anyone’s way, nor did it feel like anyone was annoyed with the method.
The uphill was quite deceptive but yet the downhill near the finish funnel was quite apparent. It made for a great sprint finish, and my husband was pleased that he could keep up with me for it (although he’d gone slower overall to stay with me).
Tourists
12 tourists for their first time at Southwick Country parkrun from Portsmouth, Cape Town, Leeds, Lincoln, Sheffield, Leamington, Manchester, and Canada. Was that also a legit shout out for Australia?
Stats for Southwick Country parkrun Event 672
191 participants. 102 male, 79 female and 10 unknown.
- Times between 16:55-1:01:03
- First Lady 23:23
- 8 sub 20
- 101 sub 30
- 17 PBs – including young Edward being the fastest new PB at 23:48.
- Highest age grading (77.70%) VW75-79 Rosemary 31:46
- 3rd place Dom (VM40-44) had the highest male age grading (76.60%) in a time of 18:14
- 8 people doing their first ever parkrun
- 6 people doing their 2nd parkrun
- Junior Arillia on 10
- Lindsey 25
- Gavin 100 parkruns
- Tara 150
- Nicola 300 parkruns
- Ed 400th Paul Warner
- My 100th location and 55th parkrun this year
- Well done to Southwick Country parkrun regulars junior runner Jasper and Sophie on their 49th; Jo Finch completing her 499th parkrun and Rosemary Barber on her 249th!
Volunteers
Thank you to 33 volunteers. Including Neil Ford for the photos (just the one of me is his on this page).
Other parkruns nearby we have done:
Thoulstone parkrun (5.2m), Brickfields Park parkrun (8.2m), Quakers Walk parkrun (11.0m), Chippenham parkrun (11.9m), Somerdale Pavilion parkrun (14.0m)
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