After weeks of running through courses sporting numerous muddy footbaths, and then sub-zero temperatures, it was a relief this week to wake to a still and dry morning with temperatures almost balmy for mid winter in England. With an...
After weeks of running through courses sporting numerous muddy footbaths, and then sub-zero temperatures, it was a relief this week to wake to a still and dry morning with temperatures almost balmy for mid winter in England. With an eye on the weather forecast, we had opted to travel to a new Parkrun in the area: Five Arches in Radstock. The promise of a flat course – it follows an old railway line – and a tarmac surface throughout persuaded us to lace up our best race day shoes. Setting out before dawn we were excited by the prospect of potential good times, in both senses of the words.
The on-line directions to Radstock proved useful and accurate. The recommended car park in Church Street was: sign-posted, free to use, and had plenty of spaces available. After collecting a ticket from the machine (free parking for 5 hours so arrival time needed) we set off on the short walk to the start point. This is situated beside a large play park (currently closed) with adjacent toilet facilities.
Volunteers were gathering as we arrived so, having taken the requisite photographs by the pop up and left our bag on the tarpaulin provided, we waited nearby for the briefings. Five Arches, being new, is still attracting a large number of tourists. It therefore made good sense for the First Timers briefing to be for first timers to Parkrun. The course route was explained to everyone during the Run Directors briefing. In this: everyone was welcomed, the usual rules required for safety covered, and volunteers thanked. The pack then made their way along the path to the start point, lining up alongside useful signs detailing expected finish times. After waiting for a few walkers and cyclists to pass – Parkrunners are not the only path users – it was time for 3-2-1-Parkrun!
The course consists of a short out and back followed by a longer out and back. As these overlap it is important to be mindful of other runners travelling at different speeds in both directions (as well as those other path users). The railway path is wide enough to allow passing, and by the time the first of the faster runners was spotted coming back towards us, pacing had settled and the pack spread out. We all stayed well left as directed, the only potential hazard being the few dogs taking part.
This really is a lovely course on which to run. The firm surface allows for good going and there are points of interest along the way. Most notable of these is the long Arch passed under, shoes echoing as they pound the tarmac.
After a little less than a kilometre comes the first 180’ turn. It is marshalled and well sign-posted. Run back towards the start point and then turn around again to tackle the second loop. This follows the railway path to an exit point. Don’t exit! Marshals and clear sign-posting make sure runners know this and instead navigate the last of the three 180’ turns.
It is then a straight run back to the finish funnel. Marshals, runners and walkers were all offering encouragement as we called up any energy left to push to the end. Passing under the Arch, the welcome white tape soon came into view. A young girl in front of me, who I had been chasing, took off for an impressive sprint finish. My legs did not have so much to give but I was still happy to have maintained my pacing over such pleasing terrain.
Time keepers clicked each runner through and a finish token was provided. It was then a short walk to have barcodes scanned. All was done with friendly efficiency, congratulations kindly offered. Parkrun is such a lovely community.
170 participants went through the finish funnel this week. Of these, half a dozen completed their first ever Parkrun. A big welcome to: Matthew Weaver, Paul Radnedge, Caitlin Donaldson, Rosie Fossett, Maxine Larcombe and Rebecca Short – we hope you will return. There were also a pleasing number of second timers which is always good to see. I spotted just the one t-shirt milestone: well done to Craig Haley who earned the right to wear purple (25).
Thank you to all the volunteers, without whom Parkrun couldn’t happen. Do please consider stepping up to join them from time to time – there are a good variety of roles available.
Five Arches was a delight to visit, providing a warm welcome and a course that was truly fun to run. In addition, husband and I both achieved our best times this year. We will certainly return.
