This March I headed to Vingis parkrun for Lithuania Independence Restoration Day. Obviously a Special Event and held on a Wednesday. This was a solo trip for me but there were plenty of other parkrunners there who made my trip much easier – many thanks to them all.
Vingio Parkas, MK Čiurlionio g. 100, Vilnius, 03134. Lithuania.
About Vingis parkrun Lithuania
Vingis parkrun was the first event that was held in Lithuania. Plus this was the first time a special event was held in Lithuania for Independence Restoration Day.
Also starting at 9am. However, do not forget the time difference. When I went they were two hours ahead of the UK.
Facebook Pages
Note when looking on Facebook for their updates it is called Parkrun Vingis. There was also a page for the special event with lots of helpful information. Andres was also fantastic at keeping everyone up to date and informed, answering all questions.
It was also the place where parkrunners could connect with one another. Things like asking which seat on the plane we all had, lift sharing, walking tour, going out to dinner and so forth.
Facilities at Vingis parkrun
Public toilets are located behind the stage, about 600 m from the start; portable toilets are often available during the warmer months. My hotel was close enough to just use the toilet there beforehand and then there was a toilet in the Picnic Bistro right next to the finish at the end (see below).
The park is equipped with playgrounds, cafes, drinking fountains, exercise stations and other amenities.
Finding Vingis parkrun
I opted to stay in a hotel right by Vingis parkrun – Vilinus Park Plaza Hotel & Spa. Literally less than 800m walk to the start. Super easy to find. Afterwards it was literally just walk straight to get into the town.
There is limited paid parking (on the street only).
Getting there was accessible by bus or on foot. Obviously you could also get a Bolt.
You can see my whole journey on Instagram
After parkrun
Every week after the run meet for coffee at Picnic Bistro, MK Čiurlionio g. 98 (in the central square of the park in front of the stage), Sit down at the table and order from scanning the code on the table – then it will be brought to you.
Only odd thing was tipping before you had even got any service.
Vingis parkrun Winter Course
We had been advised that they were still using the winter course, so meeting in a different spot to the usual shown on the website. Enter the park from Ciurlionio St (the main entrance) and walk around 500m until reaching the open area with the large stage. Gathering by the post-run coffee venue, Picnic Bistro. What3words – scatter.meal.splendid.
As soon as we got into the park we were greeted by a very friendly hi-vis volunteer directing us too.
The Route
Vingis parkrun route is 2 laps and reasonably flat of paved trails in Vingis Park. Most of the park is shaded by tall trees. No Marshalls on the course but there were cones and a sign.
My Experience of Vingis parkrun – Lithuania Independence Restoration Day
Honestly I had a wonderful experience at Vingis parkrun for Lithuania Independence Restoration Day. It was the second time I had travelled alone to get in a Special Event parkrun outside of the UK. They really bring out what is truly wonderful about the parkrun community.
With yellow, green and red everywhere and even the Golden Baton made an appearance. Lots of countries and languages coming together. Learning a bit of history. Followed by a table full of goodies and bottles of water.
The Icy Path
As mentioned parts were really icy. Before we started a couple of guys ran on the ice, which was reassuring. Although, I did almost slip over a bit, I didn’t, and that was just in normal road shoes. Others had said that they would be fine and I was tight on luggage space. Also the ground would have been too firm for my Vibrams.
Jeffing Vingis parkrun – Lithuania Independence Restoration Day
There had been snow but this had stopped and the sunshine was out. The paths were mostly cleared but on the course some were icy. For this reason (and the fact my legs hurt) I decided that I was going to be Jeffing it.
Deciding that it would probably still be quite fast I went for a 3 ½ minute run and 30 second walk. This was probably a good idea as there felt like a lot of us at the start. Personally I felt the Jeffing went well, and everyone was respectful of it.
Although the first time I switched to a walk it was Nick behind me so I felt comfortable telling him and making that change. Nick was someone I had met in Germany.
Following and Finishing
Of course I just did my usual thing of following those in front. Even managed a little sprint at the end that finished on the grass. This wasn’t too slippery.
New Friends
I had spoken to a couple of young men and the start and congratulated them at the end. One did not have his barcode so I showed him how we could recall it from the app. They thought it marvellous that you could have parkrun friends. Maybe the app will adapt to be more like Facebook in that sense.
They told me to drink the bottled water. Telling me it had lots of things in to help aid recovery.
After Finishing
Once I had finished I completely forgot about the table of goodies but ventured back around the course to check on Wendy (who I met at Isabel Trail parkrun). She had forgotten her stick in the hotel and I feared she may find it too icy.
Along the way I cheered people on and took photos.
We then ventured to Picnic Bistro, having such a lovely time that Wendy almost forgot she needed to check out of the hotel!
Vingis parkrun – Lithuania Independence Restoration Day Stats
For Event 79
- 255 participants
- 105 male, 139 female and 11 unknown
- 10 PBs
- 7 sub 19
- 16 sub 20
- 132 sub 30
- 17:55 first male finisher (from the Forest of Dean!)
- 21:25 first female finisher
- Tail walker 1:02:50
- 21:25 first female finisher
- Highest age 83.14% (VW60-64) 23:20
- Plus Highest male age grade 79.35% (VM55-59) 19:22
- 23 first timers
- Further 169 tourists
Other parkrun Events I have done outside of the UK: Mauerweg parkrun, Berlin Germany; Zuiderpark parkrun – Den Haag, Netherlands; and Zegerplas parkrun, Netherlands.
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