With 1,981 parkrun events taking place worldwide last Saturday, how was I going to narrow down where to run this week? Step forward the 5k app, like parkrun, it’s free. This app has a feature which will list the top 100 events, by distance, to your current GPS. The event at the top of your list is your ‘next event not done yet’ known as your NENDY.
Nestled away in my NENDY top 10 was Barclay parkrun held in 18-acre Barclay Park in Hertfordshire a mere 34k away. Running to the start would constitute excellent marathon training but my marathon isn’t until September. I didn’t want to peak too soon so instead I got the train.
Barclay Park was gifted to the public for the silver jubilee celebrations of King George V, in 1937, by the Barclay family, the owners of Barclays Bank. The Friends of Barclay Park was formed in 2011. Funding and the Green Flag Award have followed for its ornamental lake, duck pond, a stream, grouped and scattered trees. It really is a very beautiful park and in June 2015 it became home to Barclay parkrun.
We were running the winter course which consists of 4 anti-clockwise laps of the park, including a climb and then two laps of the duck pond before heading back to the start. A total of 67m of elevation offers picturesque views of the park which is lovingly landscaped and maintained by Friends of Barclay Park.
Unlike the Barkley Marathon where the organiser signals the start by lighting a cigarette at the yellow start gate, a much more predictable and familiar commencement was given here and then we were off.
The Barkley Marathon is seen as one of the toughest ultra marathons in the world, its elevation is the equivalent of twice the height of Mount Everest with a 60-hour cut-off time. Barclay parkrun by contrast has no cut-off time. Barclay parkrun is inclusive of all types of runners, Barkley Marathon is not! As I did my laps of the Barclay Park Hill I was inspired by thoughts of how Jasmin Paris, a British ultra-marathon runner had become the first woman to complete the Barkley Marathon in its 36-year history in March this year.
I crossed the line surprised and delighted to be on the podium coming in third and second in my age category. Clearly thinking about Jasmin had inspired me. I got a chance to talk to regulars as I scanned in the runners who came after me and despite the rain, it was warm and friendly atmosphere.
Next week I’ll be back to Burgess parkrun.
Happy running
What a great informative account. I look forward to reading your adventures each week!