New Soham Village College parkrun makes the grade
Over 200 runners went back to school at the first Soham Village College parkrun (Saturday 23 November). There was a ten out of ten for effort and no-one was kept behind.
For Andrew Scarlett and Jonathan Price, their hard work and perseverance came to fruition in this successful inaugural parkrun at Soham Village College, Cambridgeshire. The pair were ably assisted by a crack team of volunteers who were determined the event would succeed and participants would enjoy the experience.
A sociable group of adults and youngsters gathered outside Ross Peers Sports Centre, eager to be off as they listened to the run briefing. This included congratulations to John Turner (VM70-74) on his 250th parkrun. The field then headed over to the start and at 9am, were sent on their way to follow three and a bit laps on a mixture of tarmac and grass around the school and playing field. Smiling volunteers encouraged them all the way round into the finish funnel outside the Sports Centre.
Ely Runners were top of the class with first place finishes by Bethan Everson in 19:26 and Tom Levinson in 20:10.
Eddie Boxall of March AC was the first junior over the line in 23:20, just ahead of his dad Mike Boxall, also of March AC.
John Turner of Ely Runners crossed the line in 30:29.
There were 203 finishers and 28 volunteers who made this a gold star event.
Image courtesy of John McGivern/Justin Smith.