Big Turnout For First Durham Parkrun

16 AUG2011

A remarkable 157 participants turned up for the first Durham parkrun last Saturday and provided organisers with a tremendous boost after months of hard work to get the event up and running. A mixture of parkrun tourists eager to attend a new parkrun, anxious first-timers and seasoned veterans made up the big field. Following a worrying week as heavy rain meant concern over ground conditions, Saturday morning proved bright and sunny - ideal weather for a launch run.

Daniel Jenkin (Durham University CC) finished first to set a competitive course record of 16:47, ahead of Durham City Harrier Ian Crampton (17:03), with Patrick Allen Duffy (Crook & District AC) in third. Keri Pearson (Elvet Striders) was fastest lady in 20:32 with Vicki Thompson (Jarrow & Hebburn AC) bravely ignoring a wasp sting to the tongue to finish second.

50something Steve Manifold was the mid-point runner in 26:20 and the field was completed on 49:23.

Event Director David Ardill said post-race: "From the organisers' perspective, we were overwhelmed, delighted and gobsmacked by the turnout for our first event, and hope to keep riding this wave to make Durham parkrun a success. Please tell your friends, spread the gospel and help us prove why the city is the perfect setting for a parkrun."

Read David's full report at the parkrun Durham website.