The first Trentham Gardens parkrun received a huge ‘thumbs up’ last Saturday (5 February) as over 500 people completed a 5K floral route at this award winning estate. Runners, walkers, dogs and buggies enjoyed the Italian Gardens and admired the Capability Brown designed Lake then relaxed over coffee at The Rotisserie in the Shopping Village.

This venue isn’t a stranger to running events, having hosted the Cancer Research UK Race for Life and the Donna Louise 10K & 5K Family Run in previous years. It resonated to the sound of pounding feet once again as the young and not-so-young followed a single lap course that went around the lake then into the famous Gardens. 

The first mile was speedy; the second mile was uphill then it looped around and back then onto to the finish. All on a mix of paths, grass and trail. Smiling marshals kept people on course and helped them on their way with words of encouragement. 

Jacob Droogmans of Newcastle (Staffs) AC was the first man home at this first parkrun, crossing the line in 16:51: Lucy Spencer of Newcastle (Staffs) Triathlon Club was the first female in 19:55. 

The complete set of results can be viewed at the Trentham Gardens parkrun website. 557 people took part and were full of praise for the organisation, support and the venue.  

This parkrun joins Hanley and The Wammy giving the good people of Staffordshire three fantastic choices of places to run, jog or walk on a Saturday morning.   

Image courtesy of Drew Wilson.