Newport parkrun
• Number of events – 380
• Average number of runners per week – 307
• Total number of runners – 12,792
• Number of personal bests – 21,833
• Biggest Attendance – 711
• Total distance run – 582,955 km
This week’s parkrun of the week is the Newport parkrun, which takes place at 9a.m every Saturday morning at Tredegar House, Newport. The Newport parkrun was one of the first parkruns established in Wales and is approaching it’s 400th event!
Each month, the Newport parkrun hosts a ‘pacer week’ where individuals will assist other parkrunners in trying to achieve new personal best times by running at a specified pace. Many runners and joggers find it much easier to run with a pacemaker due to the steady and sustained pace throughout the run – which is easier to maintain than surging from a fast pace to a slow pace for 5km. There are pacemakers for individuals who can run anywhere from 18 minutes to 45 minutes for a 5km, so no matter how fast or slow you wish to go – there are often pacemakers there to help you!
In addition, the Newport parkrun recently joined in with the build-up to NHS’ 70th anniversary celebrations by encouraging parkrunners to wear fancy dress / NHS uniforms for their 5km run. Many NHS workers also helped volunteer at the event as the Newport parkrun recognised the contribution of the NHS to the health of the nation and its role inspiring people to take part in physical activity and volunteering.
The Newport parkrun is a fast, flat 2-lap course with a few twists and turns through the beautiful grounds of Tredegar House. The terrain varies between gravel and bark lined paths and compact earth and grass. Every week volunteers, spectators and parkrunners often meet for a post-run coffee and chat at the Brewhouse Café in the main courtyard of Tredegar House.