It was wonderful to see members of several Run Wales registered groups participating in the Run Wales Celebration Relay at Erddig parkrun this week, especially since the event’s Run Director also happens to lead one of those groups!
Social running provides such a welcoming and supportive environment for all, it is not uncommon that a visiting parkrunnner offers to write the run report for a parkrun, providing a fresh perspective on the event. That is exactly what has happened this week at Erddig, with a visitor sharing their experience and Run Director, Alex, adding some context. This week, we are delighted to share this team-effort report!
The Celebration relay provides all Run Wales registered groups with a tremendous opportunity to showcase their group, sharing information about their activities and encouraging more people to participate in social running outside of their regular weekly parkrun. We are encouraging groups to support their local parkrun by offering to volunteer as well as run, jog or walk at the relay events.
4/47: Celebration Relay Run Report – Erddig parkrun
This week’s run report comes via our lovely Tourist Wendy Sears and a few additions by myself (Alex as Run Director today).
“The decision to run the Erddig parkrun was based on recommendations made by a few friends. Myself and my friend Claire travelled from the Midlands, journeying just over an hour to get to Erddig Hall. The directions on the parkrun website were perfect and we soon found ourselves parking within the grounds of the National Trust property and making our way to meet the Run Director and other volunteers at the start, who all greeted us warmly and made us feel immediately at home.
What a fabulous setting for a parkrun, with the super 17th/18th century country house as a backdrop and a beautiful vista in front of us. Naturally this was our cue to take a number of selfies, incorporating not just the views but the parkrun banner.
The first timers welcome and the Run Director’s briefing were informative and laced with humour. Strangely though the elements of the briefing that I remembered the most related to a reference to an incline and the possible interaction with sheep, cows and even {gulp} a bull… Needless to say, I got my phone out at this point. If there was a bull about, I was definitely getting a selfie with it!
The course itself has a terrain that was variable including gravel paths, grass, trail and tarmac and I would definitely say that the course was mildly undulating. That being said, my own parkrun is the Isabel Trail, which is flatter than a pancake that has been driven over by a steam roller; So virtually every parkrun is mildly undulating to me.
I absolutely loved this course, meandering along tracks and trails shrouded by trees, and actively encouraged by brilliant volunteers. One of the most active of those volunteers was a young lad who was wearing what I believe was a Star Wars stormtrooper helmet. He encouraged us all with an unsurpassed enthusiasm which made us all smile.
I will admit that the final incline leading to the finish was somewhat challenging. I found myself repeating the mantra “head up, small steps, pump arms” and to my surprise I made it to the top without stopping.
I am sure that all 166 runners, joggers and walkers enjoyed this event as much as I did, and the superb support provided around the course. We are well aware that without the support of the volunteers, this event would not have been possible. Thank you so much!!
Claire and I were just 2 of 34 first timers to this parkrun, and 23 individuals attained a personal best time on this course.
Kudos goes to Sharon Gareh and Jo Clemson, both of whom ran their landmark 50th parkrun.
And it should also be noted that for 5 individuals, this was their very first recorded parkrun. Well done to Celt Heard, Leanne Lane, Roxanne Mare, Amy Hicks and Emily Owen.
I hope to return in 2023, to battle that incline once more and to enjoy another wonderful post parkrun meal in the NT cafe.”
Today was a very special event and incorporated the Social Running Celebration Relay that Run Wales are undertaking.
Leanne and Davina from Wrexham-based running group, Getin2Running, had fun carrying the baton around the course and chatting to everyone afterwards.
Leanne tells us that Getin2Running is currently running on a Monday evening at 6.30pm, with a Beginners Program that takes place once a year in Spring and enables people to go from 0 to 30 minutes in 10 weeks. There is then the opportunity to join the ‘Improvers Group’ which ensures that runners are comfortable running 5k before going on to join the ‘Intermediate Group’ which covers 5k to 10k distance. Led by Run Leaders Leanne, Lisa and Davina all of their groups and friendly and welcoming and inclusive.
Run Director Alex is also a qualified Run Leader and Coach in Running Fitness. Alex’s Monday Run Group runs in a variety of locations close to Erddig and is designed to help and encourage people to start their running journey.
The event was made possible by 27 volunteers:
Wendy SEARS • Alexandra EDWARDS • Barbara WARD • Nigel CLIFF • Antony SHAW • Peter NORMAN • Alison EDWARDS • John TIPPING • Nathan EVANS • Andy JONES • Les LEECH • Gavin BILLINGTON • Amanda BAILEY • Nigel SMITH • Barry DIMELOW • Joan WALKER • Stuart PINCHBECK • Rosie NICKERSON • Peter WRIGHT • Sharon COWLEY • Stephanie WISCHHUSEN • Pete COPE • Carol WILD • Neil WILD • Fleur LESLIE • Judah LESLIE • Henry JONES
Finally we had tourists from :-
Isabel Trail, Cannock Chase, The Whammy (Newcastle) Newcastle upon tyne, Cape – South Africa, Worcester, Horesham, Buckingham and finally Ireland (Loughkey – runner James Feeley)
Today’s full results and a complete event history can be found on the Erddig parkrun Results Page.
The female record is held by Alison LAVENDER who recorded a time of 18:18 on 27th August 2016 (event number 16).
The male record is held by Matthew WILLIS who recorded a time of 15:46 on 26th May 2018 (event number 98).
The Age Grade course record is held by Angela OLDHAM who recorded 88.76% (22:50) on 29th October 2016 (event number 24).
Erddig parkrun started on 14th May 2016. Since then 9,397 participants have completed 47,899 parkruns covering a total distance of 239,495 km, including 9,235 new Personal Bests. A total of 778 individuals have volunteered 4,904 times.
Next weekend, the relay is heading back to Denbighshire, where it will be at Ruthin Memorial Playing Fields parkrun, so join us to find out more about social running opportunities in the area!
The Run Wales team would love to hear from any other social running groups in the area or anyone who is interested in establishing a new group.
The relay baton continues its journey to every parkrun in Wales, courtesy of our amazing Run Wales groups, as they celebrate and share the joys of social running. You can follow the baton’s progress and find out how to get involved as it continues its journey towards a big finish with a mass participation event next year!