After running the Chester Marathon a week previously, this 5km run had obvious appeal. Four Sandbach Striders turned out to represent the club making the total number of runners 25. The small number of runners lent the event a friendly atmosphere and meant that one could park easily and turn up just a few minutes before the start of the run.
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| Paul, Heather, Michael and Liz at Hanley Park |
The run was well organised and marshalled, although not quite well enough for one of our number who managed to miss the turning for the finish line and run an extra 1/2km (or so he says!). The course was essentially two laps of the park, running on paths and over grass. It was also slightly undulating so perhaps not the best place to get a PB but great to get the lungs working overtime. The park itself was surprisingly pleasant with a duck pond and childrens play area. I'm not sure that there were any toilet facilities however.
If you register for the park run - which takes only a few seconds - your results will be displayed on the parkrun website which could be useful for comparing your runs over a period of time or against others. Quite impressive given that it is free to participate in the park runs.
I would certainly recommend this run, which takes place weekly, as a useful part of any training regime, or as an enjoyable run in itself.
I would certainly recommend this run, which takes place weekly, as a useful part of any training regime, or as an enjoyable run in itself.
For more information, visit www.parkrun.org.uk/hanley/home
Heather
NB Congratulations to Heather who finished as first lady in this race!
NB Congratulations to Heather who finished as first lady in this race!