1st Parkrun

Today we got up nice and early to head over to Chelmsford for the boys to participate in their first ever Parkrun event at Chelmsford Central Park. It was a bitterly cold morning with -2 degree temperatures with freezing fog and so the boys were wrapped up with thermals, gloves and hats. The event is a fantastic idea where the kids enter a free of charge 2k park run which entailed around 90+ other kids for two laps around Central Park. The boys were so excited about having a race there especially having been there last Oct to cheer me on in the Chelmsford marathon. Once registered the kids all get a barcode which you scan at the end of the race and then we receive an email and text with the position, time and various other stats.

 

Joshua, Joaben and Brandon all wrapped up and ready for the start.



And they are off, 94 runners start the park run. Can you spot me and B in the pack.

Joshua went tearing off with Joaben and I stayed with Brandon as he was unsure whether or not he would complete both laps. Brandon was so competitive and every time a boy of similar age and size was insight he would put on his turbo and accelerate past them. In the end he did very, very well and managed to complete both laps thus registering his first time and position.

 

 

Me running sie by side with little B.



Brandon opens up a bit of a gap from the runners behind us.

Me and B running.

Joshua and Joaben come around for their second lap.

What a great way of encouraging kids to exercise and participate in running races.

Running past the park lake and fountain.

 

Brandon makes his sprint for the finish line.



A happy Joshua waiting for his token to register his first completed park run.



Brandon still smiling at the end having completed the full 2k distance.

Joshua's result from his first ever Parkrun, 47th place, (26th by age) in a time of 11:03.

 

Brandon's result from his first ever Parkrun, 56th place, (31st by age) in a time of 11:31.

Our 3 munchkins relaxing on the sofa watching The Amazing Spiderman 2 after their tough morning out running.

Both boys and myself thoroughly enjoyed the event and will definitely be looking to do more of these. Hopefully seeing me running and competing has inspired them and motivated them.Unfortunately the Sunday Parkruns will clash with football matches so at best we will only be able to manage every other week in between league games. But the boys now have a stake in the ground and a time to beat for the next event (which will hopefully be a bit warmer). As a treat after the race we headed over to Dunkin Donuts for a selection of tasty donuts and a nice hazelnut latte. Perfect.