London is a fast-paced transitory city but at Burgess parkrun there’s always been time to meet people. Through volunteering you’re able to meet people in a very relaxed and easy way. Today I had the pleasure to run with our friend Jessica Maycock who was visiting London having moved back to Leeds in 2019. Jessica is one of Burgess's originals and a regular attendee when she worked at the Evelina Children’s Hospital in Lambeth. She would even volunteer on the way home from doing a night shift when the volunteer rota was light.
I’m familiar with the various running distances and races in different places. However ‘our Jess’ expanded what was possible when she shared that she’d run ‘The Thames’! Starting at The Thames Head in Kemble and finishing at The Thames Barrier. 184 miles, 7 marathons over 7 days. Jessica is both a Burgess original and a total-running OG.
This is one of my absolute highlights of parkrun, it’s an easy space to strike up a conversation, to exchange a laugh with someone you might otherwise have never spoken to. This event is blessed to have a regular online newsletter which recognises and celebrates everyone’s contribution and achievements #community
Next Saturday we’re going to Folkestone!
Really brings park runs to life and shows wonderfully sense of community.