parkrun Newcastle Gets Set For Birthday Splash

10 JAN2011

parkrun Newcastle will be celebrating its first birthday on Saturday, January 15 with a big party. The event has taken place each week since Run 1 on January 16 last year when 43 runners turned up and regular NORTHERN RUNNING GUIDE contributor Angela Hibbs was first woman finisher. That's a remarkable fact given recent weather conditions.

Event Director Niyc Pidgeon told northernrunningguide.com what's special about parkrun Newcastle: "The team behind the event get a real buzz when we see less experienced runners come and take part. Often they walk parts of the course but all receive a warm welcome at the finish line. I think it's really important that parkrun benefits those that are new to running as well as those that are more competitive.

"We've got a great course too. It's flat, one lap with the majority run on paths although there's 2k on trail which offers variety. It starts from the boundary between Exhibition Park and the Town Moor and then loops around the moor and back in to the finish line.

"The social side of parkrun is important and after the run we either head to Willis cafe to grab a coffee and catch up while the results are processed,or we hang around at the coffee cart which sometimes comes into the park to provide hot drinks to runners and volunteers. Runners, joggers and walkers of all abilities are welcome to come along and find out what parkrun is all about. You'll easily find someone who'll tell you all about it post-race on a Saturday.

"And of course parkrun Newcastle has lots of great characters. One of my favourites is Eric Appleby. Eric is in his late 70s yet he rides his bike from the coast to parkrun, does the run, then cycles back to the coast and has a dip in the sea. He is amazing!

"Like all parkruns we are dependent on our volunteers to marshal the event and do the timings and the other admin chores and we've been very lucky there. Ian Kirkley who helped me set up the event originally - we measured the course out together before the first run - and his wife Angela and son Richard are real stalwarts. David Daniels also performs the race director role in my absence and always has something fun to add to the event. And there's Malcolm on Gate 1 and Tove, Davina, Mark and just far too many to mention!"

So how will Newcastle parkrunners celebrate their first birthday? Niyc Pidgeon is excited about the big day: "The anniversary run is next Saturday, January 15 (at 9am as always). We will be holding the run as usual and then heading into the cafe at Exhibition Park for refreshments (runners and volunteers will be bringing sandwiches and cakes along). Then it's the awards ceremony. We have Paul Sinton-Hewitt founder of parkrun in attendance with his wife Joanne, and also top UK ultra runner Sharon Gayter who will be signing copies of her new book. I would encourage anybody to come along even if they don't want to run on the day, just to see what it's all about, celebrate with us, and soak up the atmosphere.

"There's a further celebration next month with regular Paramjeet organising a curry night/talk from Commonwealth marathon gold medallist Jim Alder/ disco at Newcastle Cricket Club (7.30 till 11.30) to raise money for UNICEF charity. The evening will be a great opportunity for parkrunners and friends to enjoy good food, dance and help raise money for a great cause."

And at the start of a New Year for parkrun Newcastle what hopes does Niyc have for the event: "I'm grateful for the successes we've enjoyed so far and I hope that this can continue and that parkrun will grow and reach out to those in the community that haven't yet heard of us. I hope to get more runners and walkers involved and to work with local government and councils, as well as businesses to show how parkrun can be of such great benefit to individuals and the wider region. I'm encouraged too that the success of parkrun Newcastle is replicated around the UK where local enthusiasts have come together to develop a great health and fitness project that's accessible to everyone."

For more information about the event visit the parkrun Newcastle website.