When you can't run; marshal.

Runners aren’t generally afraid a bit of hi-vis, be it in the form of waterproofs, hats or even a strategically placed day-glo-pink headband.  I couldn’t run the Parkrun this week due needing to rest my ankle, so instead of covering myself in Neon I donned a bright yellow plastic poncho to marshal at the Ashton Court Parkrun.

I’ve not marshalled a race before and so it was a great experience to have.  I was on the first quarter (and I supposed also the last quarter) and therefore took it upon myself to be a cheerful ray of light in everyone’s life as they scaled that hill (in fact I was probably a frustrating annoyance to the hundred-odd runners).  I love cheering people on and while I did wish I was running it I was happy and excited to be helping out and supporting people.  That’s when you notice that the crowd at Ashton Court is so varied that it’s truly an open field where anyone can take part.

The most inspiring person I saw was the woman at the back, she was giving it her absolute heroic all and not giving up and still having a laugh along the way.  She was brilliant and if you read this - I salute you.

If you’re ever not able to run but you’re free, why don’t you marshal and see people smash their own personal bests - email AshtonCourtHelpers@parkrun.com for more details.

Tales from the Riverbank

With all the snow of the last couple of weeks I’d started to wonder why on earth I’d volunteered for my usual marshalling spot on the Riverbank Rollick but today’s lovely weather made me glad I had.

I stand at a gateway just after Mile 4, halfway round the race, where runners come along the bank of the Severn. Once we’ve marked the course (bamboos and tape, plus a couple of arrows) all I can do for a while is admire the view and watch the birds (a couple of brown speckly ones, some big black ones and some ducks or geese).  Once the runners appear it’s simply a matter of making sure they go the right way: through the gate and follow the riverbank. Up to now I’ve not had anyone go to far wrong and it’s more a matter of reminding them that the gate is open than anything else.

Two walkers asked me about the race. “Well, it starts……. just push the gate…………….. it starts in Thornbury……. the gate’s open……………… it starts in Thornbury at the Mundy Playing Fields …………… just give the gate a shove…………” and so on until we had a gap in the runners big enough to let me give them a rough idea of the route.

A lot of the runners thanked me for marshalling. It’s always appreciated though not expected and it’s been particularly welcome in previous years when the weather hasn’t been so kind. Then the last runners arrive with the sweepers and we can collect the markers and go back to Race HQ for cups of tea and excellent home-made cakes, with donations to the Palliative Care Unit at Frenchay Hospital.

I hope all the runners enjoyed it. See you next year but don’t eat all the cakes before I get back!