In June 2020 Parkrun HQ communicated that the New Year’s double (doing two parkruns on the same day) would cease. Since 2004 events were able to start at different times on the day (0900 or 1030) and participants' results at each event would be recorded. However, its success led to a funnelling effect at the second event with some second events experiencing 5-6 times their usual attendance numbers which was putting too much pressure on the volunteer teams, and landowners and leading to conflict with other park users. Alas, the New Year's Day double is no more.
Previously I would usually head to Peckham Rye for their 0900 start and then carpool to Southwark for their 1030 start. It was always so much fun and a highlight of the festive period. But I’d seen first-hand the impact of too many runners at the second event so I can understand the decision from Parkrun HQ.
Putting on a New Year's Day parkrun is optional for events as some core teams might be away for the festive period. However this year for the second time Burgess was all systems go meaning I was able to start my year participating at my home event, the perfect way to start the year with friends and community.
There were runners sporting new running kit and whilst running the course I mentally established some of my running goals for 2023. These included;
1. to take my volunteering to 135 by the end of the year,
2. to run at least 12 events over 70% of my age grading,
3. to complete the parkrun Compass challenge and
4. to attend at least two parkruns in different countries!
I felt these goals would positively impact my health, engagement and contribution to my community, propel me to travel more with travel restrictions and the worst of the pandemic now behind us.
Here’s to a year of, living, blogging and amazing Saturday morning adventures #2023letsgo
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