Parkrun marks 2nd anniversary

Saturday 14 April 2018

Two years after it launched, the Guernsey Parkrun continues to attract more than one hundred runners each weekend.

The free Saturday morning run initiative was brought to the island by Race Director Lorna O'Donnell who had experienced it elsewhere.

Since it launched in 2016, it has attracted a growing field of entrants each week - with some competitive runners using it as part of a wider training plan, while others use it to improve their general fitness. 

The 5km route goes out from, and back to, the car park near the Beach House at Pembroke, with two loops to complete. An alternative route is used during the winter months when rainfall and stormy weather can leave the paths on L'ancresse Common quite treacherous. 

With the event regularly attracting more than 100 runners, a number of volunteers are needed to ensure it runs smoothly. There were 114 runners for the recent Parkrun on Saturday 7 April, including 11 first timers and 29 runners who achieved a new PB. 

Among the regular volunteers is Nigel Hurford. His employer, Intersport, is one of the event's main sponsors and he has been helping to set up and take down the course markings and in other volunteers roles including as a marshal since it first launched. 

The 2nd anniversary event takes place today, from 09:00 as usual, with the meeting point on the common near the car park next to the Beach House at Pembroke. The course takes runners out past the L'ancresse Kiosk. 

There will be cakes for all runners and anyone who wants to stay behind afterwards is also asked to help out with the Big Spring Beach Clean which has been organised by Plastic Free Guernsey, starting at 10:00. 

Pictured: All images from the Guernsey Parkrun Facebook page

For further information on Parkrun Guernsey click here.