Volunteers Welcome to Help at Wormwood Scrubs Parkrun


Help sought to keep event on track during the summer holidays

It was rather hot and sticky this week, even though the sun wasn’t in evidence and rain was forecast for later in the day. Turnout was a rather modest 55 runners, probably due to the holiday season. However, there were lots of regulars and some welcome new faces at the Scrubs. The course was dry, although with some small patches of mud along the back straight. There were also some tricky lingering potholes leading up to the back of the course.

After a briefing by run director Rob Ferguson, the runners were off, eager to negotiate the two-and-a-bit laps of this challenging course. All three of the first men to finish today recorded PBs! The first male to cross the line was Sage Pearce-Higgins, in 16:10. He was followed by Manuel Caeiro Vigo of Thames Valley Harriers, in 17:05 and Faron Min-Zian Hesse, also of Thames Valley Harriers, in 17:16.  First woman over the line today was Jennifer Hack, in 21:50, followed by Sarah Taylor in 23:36 and Fran Lou of Darwen Dasher in 24:19. Well done, everyone!

There were 12 PBs this week: in addition to Sage, Manuel and Faron, congratulations to Ryan Keane, Dan Louw, James Hancock, Fran Lou, Peter Novotny, Debo Adelekan, Jennifer Jeffrey, James Evans and David McCarthy.

The three highest age grades were recorded by: Sage Pearce-Higgins – 80.72%, Manuel Caeiro Vigo – 75.61%, and Gideon Reid – 75.56%.

In terms of milestones, Jennifer Hack ran her 50th parkrun – congratulations Jennifer! Also, keep an eye on Scrubs regular Nick Michael, who is now on 248 runs, 231 of which have been at the Scrubs – two to go to join the 250 club!

The runners then repaired to the Thames Valley Harriers clubhouse for well-deserved tea, coffee and the famous home-made flapjacks, all served by Marion and Fraser Brydson. It was Marion's birthday, and to celebrate the occasion, Kirstie Tew brought in some home-made macaroons. Delicious, as always. Happy birthday, Marion – hope you had a good day!

Those of us who lingered a while afterwards noticed a tomato plant growing wild but confidently just near the clubhouse, and which will be bearing fruit over the coming weeks – something to look forward to!

Many thanks to the volunteers today: Robert FERGUSON • James MALCOLM • Nick MICHAEL • Andrew ROCHE • Marion BRYDSON • Fraser BRYDSON • Matthieu PREVOT • Kirstie TEW • Caroline BATES • Andrea BROUGHTON

As you know, we rely on volunteers, so if you’d like to get involved in volunteering at the Wormwood Scrubs parkrun, please email wormwoodscrubshelpers@parkrun.com There are lots of volunteering opportunities in the coming weeks!

Don’t forget that you can also donate to the Scrubs parkrun via this link.

Happy running and see you next week,

Andrea