Worsley Woods parkrun
Event number 215
9th April 2016
This run took place the day before the Greater Manchester Marathon, so many of our regular runners were kindly marshalling and saving their legs for the challenge of 26.2 miles ahead. Due to the marathon, Worsley Woods parkrun welcomed quite a few 'tourists' who were in the area for the big race. There were 43 first timers this morning and representatives from 23 different clubs. It was great to see new faces at our parkrun, as well as the familiar faces.
As usual, everyone was milling around before the start, chatting and catching up on what was a pleasant morning. There is always a lovely atmosphere at parkrun and today was no different. Annie gave her announcements as race director, then we were off - 342 runners making our way up the loopline, then on into the woods and back down the loopline to the finish. Although I was doing the marathon the day after, I chose to take part as I was clocking up my 150th parkrun - not an official milestone, but I'm counting it as one as 250 is a long way off! Well done to David Mellor (100) and Jack Foley (10) who achieved milestones. Also, congratulations to the 56 runners who recorded personal bests today.
Support on the course was superb and the volunteers/marshals did a fabulous job so many thanks to them. Remember folks, parkrun can only continue if enough people help out, so please offer to volunteer a couple of times a year. It is
good fun and very worthwhile.
Today's stats:
Male placings:
Mark WHITTINGTON (VM40-44) of Swinton RC, was first over the line in 18:00 - 8th time in 30 appearances.
James LEWIS (VM35-39) (Unattached) was second over the line in 18:20 - has been first to finish on 4 previous occasions.
Thomas CONEY (VM40-44) of Avon Valley Runners, was third over the line in 18:28.
Female placings:
Jo BENNETT (VW40-44) (Unattached) was first (32nd overall) over the line in 21:28 - first appearance.
Debbie ROWLANDS (VW40-44) (Unattached) was second (35th overall) over the line in 21:44 - has been first to finish on 7 previous occasions.
Lucy MASTERS (SW25-29) of Chorlton Runners, was third (37th overall) over the line in 21:49.
The following runners recorded the best Age Grade scores:
Linda Ann LEYLAND (VW55-59) was graded 79.32% for the time 23:08 (66th overall).
Mark WHITTINGTON (VM40-44) was graded 76.94% for the time 18:00 (first overall).
Helen SMETHURST (VW50-54) was graded 75.24% for the time 22:33 (51st overall).
Worsley Woods parkrun started on 3rd March 2012, and since then 5,616 different runners, including participants from 308 athletics clubs, have completed 42,044 runs covering a total distance of 210,220 km, and there have been 8,152 new Personal Bests. We are very proud of our parkrun!
Lauren Marsden
Swinton Running Club