As the name might suggest, the Big Social Run initiative represents a series of social runs. Importantly, there is no competitive element, but instead an emphasis on chat, friendships, meeting people and enjoying running for its own sake as well as the all-important post run cuppa! Founded by Lucy Marland in 2018, it has gone from strength to strength, visiting Cardiff Bay, Grangetown and Cosmeston among other locations. Such was the popularity of the event, other Big Social Runs began to pop up in other areas of Wales in the years following. This year the event came full circle, returning to where it all started for their fifth anniversary celebration! Read the report of this special event below:
Big Social Run Bute Park – 5th Birthday Run Report
On the morning of Sunday 23rd July, conditions looked to be set fairer than the previous day, although some would agree that might not be saying much! The Big Social Run banner fluttered in the breeze on Cathedral Road, ready to welcome runners and volunteers alike.
By 9:30, the event was nearly ready to begin as a steady procession of runners, some clad in brightly coloured technical wear, made their way across the road to gather at Pontcanna Fields.
After a swift but important safety briefing from event founder Lucy, Dafydd led the group on a fun warm-up routine, including the unique “shooing of the chickens” routine!
After that it was time to head out into the park. The fantastic run leaders on the day led everyone on simple out and back routes within the park, all while encouraged by the brilliant marshals. Against expectations, participants were rewarded with dry and bright conditions throughout.
Members of the organising committee commented how fantastic it was to see the smiles on everyone’s faces as they made their way along the route. Before they knew it, the 25 minutes was up and it was time to turn around again and head back for some coffee.
Anyone who has been to a Big Social Run event before will tell you about the buzz afterwards. This time it was no different with a fantastic atmosphere. Huge thanks to Coffi Co for hosting and coping with over 70 runners!
A big thanks also goes to the team of volunteers and run leaders on the day, without which the event wouldn’t have been possible.
Angus BANGS, Faye MARTIN, Flo JILLETT, Clare BRUCE, Ali PRITCHARD, David RIVERS, Benjamin CHANCE, Lee HARDING, Nilushi PERERA, Suzanne E DONOVAN, Angela FOSTER-SWAILES, Bernadette MCCARTHY, Helen MCCARTHY, Rich SKYRME, Lucy BOB MARLAND, Neil COCKER, Sharon ECKLEY, Dafydd TRYSTAN, David SINCLAIR.
Photographer Patrick SO
You can read more about in one of their first posts for Run Wales back in 2018. If you’re feeling inspired to attend, then keep an eye out for news of future events or if you’re happy to volunteer then get in touch via Twitter or Facebook. There might not be long to wait until the next one…..