We headed to Perton Playing Fields parkrun as it was on event 14. This was to help towards my Wilson Index. You can read more about parkrun stats and challenges on my previous post. They are also on the now official parkrun app.
Perton Playing Fields parkrun, Gainsborough Drive, Perton, Wolverhampton, WV6 7NR
Perton Playing Fields parkrun Facilities
There is free parking and toilets at Perton Playing Fields parkrun. There was also somewhere inside where bags etc can be left at your own risk.
Accessible by bus and on foot.
Mobile coffee van on site.
Perton Playing Fields parkrun Course
The first timers briefing was quite funny in that the course didn’t sound that straightforward. However, as pointed out it’s a fairly new parkrun only on event 14 and therefore following the person in front might not actually get you in the right direction. Afterall, we are all (mostly) new!
Of course it is all marked out and marshalled though.
The course is two undulating (if you ask me) laps around the perimeter of the playing fields and through a wooded trail. Finally there’s a last 400m on grass for the finish.
It’s a nice wide start on the grass so not as congested as some courses.
If wondering what shoes I was fine in road shoes but it is a lot of grass/mud and woods. However, there is a bit of path so not ideal for my barefoot (trails). Although, it isn’t much so I would have probably been better off in them.
My Experience
It was great to meet Dave Johnson as soon as I got out of the car. Boomerang 12 – Ozzy – was making a visit and it was actually Dave who named him. Personally I only knew who Ozzy Osbourne even was because I have a family connection. This became apparent on the birth of my first son and Ozzy’s Aunty Violet gave me a congratulations card and Boots voucher. True story.
The parkrun started a little late, but not by much, as they ironed out a few issues. But that was okay as Barry had turned up with the Boomerang!
There was a lot of support on the course and the finish was nice and flat. Also there was some nice bits of downhill too!
This week I decided to Jeff it as my knee was hurting. However, I was just 35 seconds behind my husband. Our youngest also came for the first time this year and we were impressed that he managed to run the whole course. Especially given that it wasn’t the easiest of events.
At the end there’s a board to put the finish tokens on. Only problem was the lower numbers were hidden by the fobs.
Perton Playing Fields parkrun Stats
Thank you to 24 volunteers
- 103 participants
- 63 male
- 39 female
- 1 unknown
- Times ranged from 18:56 to 52:57
- First lady finishing in 4th with a time of 21:55.
- The highest age grading went to a woman in 28:21 (77.25% – VW65-69). With the highest male coming in at 72.89% (VM55-59 – time of 21:05).
- 7 people did their very first parkrun
- 71 tourists
- 14 PBs
Parkruns nearby I have done:
East Park parkrun (3.9m), Dudley parkrun (7.6m), Brunswick Park parkrun (8.1m), Walsall Arboretum parkrun (9.5m), Sandwell Valley parkrun (10.4m), Severn Valley Country parkrun (12.2m), Perry Hall parkrun (12.7m).
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