Circumstances meant that we ended up returning to Brunswick Park parkrun. Although it was a return we had previously done the alternative course – so was a bit like doing a different course anyway. It was a shame that this took my re-index up to 21, as it was also parkrun’s 22nd birthday. Plus I finished in 22nd position!!!
Brunswick Park, Brunswick Park Road, Wednesbury, West Midlands, WS10 9QR
Facilities at Brunswick Park parkrun
Still no toilets, free parking and a skate park and play areas.
We arrived early and it’s usually a small event so no need to worry about parking. Even with only 69 runners the small car park was quite full. Am assuming street parking was freely available too.
The Actual Brunswick Park parkrun Course
Brunswick Park parkrun alternative course was all on path, but the actual course was about a third on grass and the rest on tarmac. With the grass wet care was advised when switching on to the tarmac.
Starting and ending on the field – you go round then out and to the right onto tarmac. We headed over to the alternative course where I recognised going around the skate park and play area – with their lovely inclines. Before heading back to the field. It was all well sign-posted too. You do this three times and then carry on around the field until you reach the finish. Note there’s a lovely ascent back into the field.
My Experience of the Actual Brunswick Park parkrun
It was yet another warm day which felt surprising for October.
Before the parkrun even began I knew I was going to get a PB as my last time there was 60m 25s. Therefore, I felt why not and rang the bell! Fortunately I did beat it and so rang it again at the end!
Starting on a field is always good because it means that there is plenty of space for people to start without a bottle neck holding everyone back.
Jeffing
Decided to Jeff it running for 3 minutes and then walking for 30 seconds. There was a running group take over and wow did they shoot off. Wasn’t even sure I was going to manage to hang on running for the full 3 minutes.
My husband caught me up on my walk and said I had gone off like a rocket. He did of course finish before me.
Managed two laps in a tutu before taking it off and the RD taking it off me near the finish area.
Final Lap
It was clear enough with marshals etc and following everyone. However, on the third and final lap I lost anyone to follow and just couldn’t remember if I went around some playground equipment or just straight across!
Finishing
Did manage a decent finish and as I say came 22nd. 4th in my gender and 2nd in my age category.
Although there was literally sweat dripping off my legs!
Brunswick Park parkrun Stats
There were 69 participants
- 41 male
- 27 female
- 1 unknown
- 2 first timers
- 28 tourists on their first visit
- 15 PBs
- 27 volunteers
Age Grading
- Highest age grade Category VM75-79 – 76.05% in 24:55
- With the Highest female age grade Category VW45-49 69.83% in 23:12
Finish Times
- 17:58-52:15
- First lady 21:43
Numbers finishing in Time Blocks
- 65 sub 50
- 58 sub 40
- 30 sub 31
- 28 sub 30
- 22 sub 28
- 19 sub 27
- 16 sub 25
- 13 sub 24
- 7 sub 23
- 6 sub 22
- 4 sub 21
- 3 sub 20
- 2 sub 19
- 1 sub 18
Other parkruns I have done:
Sandwell Valley parkrun (2.8m), Walsall Arboretum parkrun (2.8m), East Park parkrun (4.2m), Perry Hall parkrun (4.6m), Edgbaston Reservoir parkrun (6.3m), Sutton Park parkrun (6.9m), Dudley parkrun (7.0m), Woodgate Valley Country Park parkrun (7.4m)
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 and Nickie at I am Typecast