After running last week’s mist filled Parkrun in temperatures dipping to -3’C, it was a relief that the weather forecast for today promised nothing worse than a bit of wind and rain. Okay, so there was a lot of...
After running last week’s mist filled Parkrun in temperatures dipping to -3’C, it was a relief that the weather forecast for today promised nothing worse than a bit of wind and rain. Okay, so there was a lot of the wet stuff overnight, and certain roads had minor flooding to navigate on the drive to Mangotsfield, but by the time we arrived at the somewhat damp venue the sky was shedding little worse than drizzle.
Pomphrey Hill Parkrun follows a path around the edge of the Pomphrey Hill Playing Fields. There is free parking here and toilet facilities are available at a large pavilion, where takeaway drinks may also be purchased. Bags were being left under a large porch, and a table had been provided for donations to a local food bank this week. It looked as though many were giving generously.
The First Timers briefing started promptly at 8.50am. First timers to Parkrun were welcomed along with tourists from various UK locations. After explaining the course route and the few rules necessary for safety, participants were directed to the start point, a short walk away. Once here the Run Director thanked the volunteers and congratulated those aiming to achieve a milestone today.
Timekeepers were primed and it was then time for 3-2-1-Go!
Useful time markers had been provided to enable runners to order themselves by expected completion time. These seemed to work well, with enough space for those who did wish to overtake along the compressed gravel path, until the hill.
Ah, the hill…
The course description online promised a ‘largely flat’ route, briefly mentioning ‘the uphill stretch’. Given its name, I really shouldn’t have been surprised when confronted with a fairly steep climb that wound into woodland. Like others around me, I ended up having to walk the second half of this as my legs couldn’t keep up momentum. The path is quite narrow here so I made sure to stay well left.
Once the top is reached there is a flat stretch leading to a bend and I could run here again. The fallen leaves had mulched making the path somewhat muddy although remaining firm underneath. After carefully navigating the aforementioned bend, the path drops steeply downhill. It is tarmac but the wet and fallen leaves made the descent a tad worrying due to potential slippage.
At the bottom the route veers to the left and passes the pavilion and car park before approaching the start point – Lap 1 completed. Unavoidable puddles had led to wet feet but nothing worse.
Onwards, then, to lap 2 and this time I knew what was ahead: another walk up the hill, a careful jog across the leaf mulch and then time to appreciate surroundings. Across the playing fields the snake of runners could be seen spread out along the gravel and tarmac paths. The dash downhill felt better controlled this time with just the need to be aware of faster runners coming from behind, now finishing their 3rd and final lap.
The Finish Funnel is situated just a little way beyond the start point. Having passed this the run became quieter. There was a group of walkers and then slower runners to overtake before I once again dropped to a final walk up the hill. Isn’t Parkrun fabulous that any ability has a place there? The hill had put paid to any ambitions I had time wise but the atmosphere and sense of community still make taking part worthwhile.
As ever I was glad to reach the finish funnel, collect my token and get it scanned. All was carried out with friendly efficiency. Thank you to whoever provided the chocolates at the end, always a treat.
235 participants passed through the Finish Funnel today. From the results I see this included a lovely number of First Timers to Parkrun – welcome to: Samuel Thomas, Harry Stoneham, Emma Burton, Bob Finch, Morag Brown, Audrey Conde, Xander Jones; we hope you will return.
There were some running milestones to celebrate:
Mark Taylor earned the right to wear the green t-shirt (250) Emily Philips and Neil Okninski the black t-shirt (100) Clive Marston the purple t-shirt (25)A couple of volunteer milestones were also announced – a special well done to them.
The true heroes of the day are, of course, the many volunteers without whom the event cannot happen. Thank you to each and every one of you for your work behind the scenes, on the day, and the unfailing encouragement offered to all participants whether they run, jog, walk or a little bit of all of these. Anyone willing to step up into one of the many roles available, do please get in touch with the team. Pomphrey Hill is a straightforward if somewhat challenging Parkrun but one I am happy to have experienced.
Jackie Law, 9 December 2023
