We headed to St Matthew’s Field parkrun for their 15 event. Therefore taking my Wilson Index up to 15 (see parkrun stats and challenges). A very enjoyable and much recommended parkrun.
St. Matthew’s Field & The Meads Eco Park, Bridgwater, Somerset, TA6 7HD
Bridgwater Fair Field, at the corner of Durleigh Road and Haygrove Park Road, w3w: ///bowls.crisp.epic.
Facilities at St Matthew’s Field parkrun
- The carpark was just over a km away and we did end up running some of that to ensure we got there in time. It was definitely further than we had anticipated.
- It is also accessible on foot and by bus or train.
- Bridgwater Cricket Club is across the road for toilet access and post event refreshment.
- There’s a children’s play area next to the course too.
Course at St Matthew’s Field parkrun
The course is run on a combination of grass, permanent paths and trail paths. Personally I felt very little was run on the grass. Which means that unless it had been super bad weather I would opt for road shoes. My husband insists I get a hybrid pair mind!
Three Laps
A beautiful three lap course with views of Bridgwater town and the Meads eco-park, and beyond to the Quantock hills. Apparently there was a scarecrow but I totally missed this!
Going around the perimeter of a field and alongside a brook on a raised track. It also narrows across a small bridge. There’s also a small bit of up and down. Strava recorded 26m elevation gain if you care about the readings of my Apple watch.
It is a dog friendly course.
Apricot the Mascot
They have introduced a mascot called Apricot which they hide each week for the children to find! I was thrilled that I did manage to spot that!
About to St Matthew’s Field parkrun Event 15
Additionally, it was odd socks day (for Down syndrome), it was Comic relief (with volunteers wearing red noses) and also St Mary’s takeover!
Neighbours
A new parkrun event wishing to have good relations with the neighbours. We are asked to not park in neighbouring streets and there are signs on the course to be quiet.
Signs, Board and Bell
- There is also a sign about how to do this event. Including information for first timers and tourists.
- Plus you can find a clear picture of the route near the starting area.
- Then they had hooks for their finishing tokens.
- For your PB there was a fire bell that said, turn you’re on fire!
My Experience
This was a really lovely parkrun. Both my husband and I really enjoyed it. Not even sure what was different but it was just very friendly, welcoming and inclusive. Maybe was the addition of all the children.
Children at parkrun
It was due to us wanting to encourage our children to exercise that we started parkrun in the first place A young man was struggling with his breathing a bit and I gave him a tip on how to help.
Jeffing
My legs had been hurting and so I had decided to Jeff the parkrun. Running for 2 minutes and then walking for 30 seconds. Told him that I was just going to run for 2 minutes and then I’d walk – giving him a chance to catch up.
The Finish
Right near the end, probably around 400m he was struggling more. He’d done so well and I helped encourage him to the end. Including stopping on our sprint finish. Whoever it was at the finish told me it was really lovely to see. I assume it was his mother who thanked me also.
First Timer
Afterwards I discovered that it was his very first parkrun – and I hope that I helped made his experience just as positive as he’d made mine.
St Matthew’s Field parkrun Stats for Event 15
There were 195 participants at St Matthew’s Field parkrun event 15.
96 male, 94 female and 5 unknown
- 19 first timers at parkrun
- JW10 – 3
- JM10 – 3
- JM11-14 -3
- JW11-14 – 1
- JW15-17 -1
- SM18-19 -1
- Plus an additional 43 tourists
- 36 volunteers made it happen
- With 69 PBs
Times
- Times ranged between 18:50-1:01:06
- First female (position 13) 22:18
- 75 sub30
Junior Results
As it was a St Mary’s takeover I have added some stats for the young people
- First under 11 male – 23:21
- And female – 29:23
- JM 11-14 – 26:56
- JW 11-14 – 30:28
I haven’t done any of the nearby parkruns. Although I know that Sarah has done Marine Parade parkrun (14.7m) away.