Out & About Autumn 2019

said. “We’ve made parkrun a real family affair, all out on a Saturday morning, then back home for breakfast by 10.” “While I was pregnant, I was ‘running’ well within the 40 minute mark – which meant I was mostly at the back, and at times not feeling my best for it. “It did mean though that I experienced the true spirit of parkrun – fellow runners encouraging me to keep going, spurring me on to get through that last 1km and to keep a smile on my face for the finish line.” Amy also admitted that it was a great way to meet all the different people who gather at Greenham Common every Saturday. “I’ve met people who are there to lose weight, people who are there because they love to run, people there to socialise or to rehabilitate following illness or injury – and it truly works wonders, no matter what got you started.” Clearly all this wouldn’t be possible without the volunteers, who dedicate their own time every week. “I can only speak for myself and my family, but I know that we all greatly appreciate the work that goes into organising and running parkrun – by the run

One runner who feels the benefits of the parkrun at Greenham Common is 37-year- old Kristy Howe, who started running the course in October 2017. “I started at 38 mins and now I’m running the parkrun between 28-30 mins,” said Kristy, who has taken part in more than 70 runs with her family.

“I run with my husband and two daughters, so it’s a family affair. We even do it at Christmas and New Year. Kristy Howe

“Since starting the parkrun, I’ve gone on to lose two stone and complete my first ever half-marathon, which was back in March. “I was never really a runner, but now you can’t stop me as I run during the week and on Saturday. “I look forward to my Saturday parkruns and chatting to the men and women who are taking part – it’s a lovely parkrun atmosphere,” she added. Another runner who uses the running to her benefit is Amy Piper, who started taking part in parkrun in September 2017 with her father.

directors and volunteers around them.” says Matt Studart. While some runners use the event for weight loss and a chance to meet new people, others use it for preparation before bigger tests. Matt Studart took part in his first Newbury parkrun seven years ago, and has experienced challenges on the way. “I remember doing it

Amy Piper

Matt Studart.

seven years ago in the snow and I thought it was brilliant, because seven years later I am still there and I have made lots and lots of running buddies and also lots of friends. “Within that time I have now done four marathons – many miles, parkrun has been brilliant for lots of us. “Also I have been involved in lots of volunteering over the years. As a volunteer you can see the other side of the line and I definitely recommend it, it is fun,” he added. But it’s not just Newbury and the UK that offer the parkrun every Saturday morning, there are now 23 countries across the world that also hold events. Lloyd Heritage, from Newbury, has used the running for his marathon training and has taken part in two international runs. “I am currently halfway through a challenge to run four of the major marathons in 2019 and use parkruns regularly as part of my training routine. “July 6 was my 50th parkrun and also the first time that I

“Dad and I ran together for a long time, no matter what the weather and we slowly but surely watched our times get better and better. “My little brother then joined, then my husband, then finally my mum – who came to support me while I ran through my pregnancy.” Amy was running her own challenge with a newborn baby on the way and she was determined to complete this before having to stop. “I was determined to reach my 50th parkrun before I had my first baby and, at 32 weeks pregnant, I managed it,” she

O&A AUTUMN 2019 26