Bicester Parkrun - run report 13/01/2018

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This was the 90th Parkrun at Bicester and the 2nd one to use a route that some people were calling "Winter 2". The revised route has been sticking to the long path that runs parallel to old Langford, with only a short patch of off-road around the pond - this is in place to avoid churning up the grass on the fields by the usual start/end point.

I'm not sure how long we are sticking with Winter 2 but many people seem to like it! It feels like a faster course, with fewer tight turns and obstacles, having said that, I was still 30 secs off a PB.

164 people finished today, 4 more than last week but still down a bit from the numbers we were seeing late last year.

The Christmas mince pies and turkey are a distant memory for the 30 runners who hit a PB this week. Veronica Miller, Ciara Vangjelli, Bernice Hobbs and Richard Goold were among those who beat their previous best and who can look forward to a week of warm PB-glow, until they realise they have to come back next week and beat that new time. Special mentions to Caroline Kerr who came in 59 secs faster than previously and Rosie Beckett who laughed in the face of her old 27:50 time when she crossed the line in 23:52.

There's some very dedicated Parkrunners out there, Kevin Wheeler finished 4th today on what was his 311th Parkrun. Matt Pembroke completed his 177th run, Kenny Lowies his 108th and Lisa Warden finished 91st on her 114th Parkrun and first at Bicester.

Alchester RC had 14 runners in attendance, Burgess Hill Runners had 3 runners and Stubbington Green Runners had 2. Alchester is our local club, they have runs every Tuesday and Thursday evening, and participate in local club events throughout the season - if you are looking to improve your running then their Tues/Thurs evening sessions would be a great place to start.

Huge thanks, of course, to this week's volunteer team: Caroline Cowan, Chris Curtis, Eliza Edwards, Elkie Ward, Gillian Warson, Julie Woodward, Katerina Sangar, Kathryn Andrews, Lisa Horwood, Louise Childs, Michelle Edwards, Rachel Bowen, Sharyn Eilertsen, Stephanie Fisher and Tina Hawkins.

Fancy having a go volunteering? It's really easy. I've marshalled a few times when I haven't been able to run and its great to give something back to Parkrun. You can sign up to volunteer here.