This Easter Saturday we headed to the very lovely Beacon parkrun, Lichfield. It is such a beautiful location and such a wonderful community. Plus I was the tail-walker with my husband. It was the best way to wear my inflatable bunny costume. We then also did post-event close down and I wrote the run report.
Beacon Park, Swan Rd, Lichfield, WS13 6QZ
Facilities at Beacon parkrun
Beacon parkrun has paid parking, toilets, play areas and a skatepark.
Accessible also by bus, train and on foot.
Beacon parkrun Course
A two laps course on a mixture of track, trail and grass around the perimeter of the park starting near the children’s play park and Lakeside Bistro café. There’s a bit of undulation and parts do get narrow. Including a small bridge that needs to be crossed.
A very scenic route, parts of which allow you to see people ahead/behind you – as well as those lapping (hopefully not so much for runners but we were obviously walking).
This is a keep right course.
This is a road shoes course.
My Experience at Beacon parkrun
We were warmly welcomed by Ruth the Run Director, even before she realised that we were volunteering or that I was going around as the Easter Bunny! The costume was very popular with adults and children alike. Many photos were taken, plenty of waves and hellos and some children even stroked the bunny.
Chocolates
All the volunteers were not only thanked but offered chocolate! Beacon marshmallow Easter eggs – imported all the way from South Africa. Plus I got an additional chocolate egg on the course from the other Easter bunny!
The Briefing
During the briefing people were reminded of how important volunteers are. That parkrun cannot run without them. Next Paul mentioned parkrun junior. Asking if there was anyone free to volunteer the next day.
We were reminded run not a race. That it is inclusive and to be considerate of other park users. Plus all the usual parkrun briefing information and asking for milestones, tourists and special occasions. It was two sisters’ 16th birthdays too.
Moving Start and Finish
Regular attendees will have noticed that they had moved the start and finish – to reduce crowding. This meant it was easier for people to hear the briefing, that the tails weren’t practically in the car park, and that people could be walked over to the start area in estimated finish time groups. There was a video on Facebook about it.
Although regular Margaret was a little confused about the end, she managed to be guided the right way around. Thank you to a kind gentleman for thanking us tails for looking after her. Just doing our job.
Afterwards we walked to McDonald’s then popped in to see my best friend.
Milestones
- Well done to Scott on his first time volunteering. Plus Kelly completing her 10th volunteer.
- Congratulations to the 16 people doing their very first parkrun!
- Plus there were a further 57 tourists doing their first ever at Beacon parkrun.
- Celebrating 25 events was Thomas, Julie, Samantha and Claire.
- Jack, Emily and Sarah on their 50th.
- Plus a special shout out to Event Director Jemma, who, after several years, and masses of volunteering (191 volunteer credits), completed her 100th event.
Unofficial
- Not forgetting Jerry on 150
- Jaeda and Alan on 200
- And Hayley on 350
Beacon parkrun Easter Saturday Stats
- There were a massive 55 PBs.
- No wonder when William (JM11-14) finished in 17:27!! An age grading of 81.28%.
- Followed by Sian (SW20-24) with an impressive new PB of 17:32. This is an age grading of 84.41%.
- These were also the highest male and female age gradings of the day.
Finish Times
- We finished in just over an hour and 9 minutes.
- There were 7 sub19s
- Total of 13 sub 20s (including the above)
- 91 sub 25 (inclusive of exaclt 25 minutes)
- 268 with 30 minutes or quicker
Other parkruns I have done nearby:
Tamworth Castle Grounds parkrun (7.1m), Walsall Arboretum parkrun (8.7m), Sutton Park parkrun (8.8m), Brunswick Park parkrun (11.5m), Perry Hall parkrun (11.5m)
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