Castlemaine parkrun ended the month with stunning times including a new course record and the first five finishers all completing the event in under 20 minutes.
Ben Kelly in only his second parkrun blitzed the course in 15:39 – our fastest time ever. He was followed across a mere six seconds later
by John Howorth in his first event, an amazing start to his parkrun career and in what is understood to also be a record time. Third over was Thomas Martin at 16:23, Jack Cooper was fourth at 19:00 minutes even, with Ian Chadwick next and completing the complement of sub 20-minute runners at 19:52.
Chelsea Saw was the first of the female runners to complete the course and she finished in another impressive time of 20:14. Chloe Russell at 22:48 was the next female across with Sarah Neild next at 25:35.
Chelsea was completing her sixth parkrun – another comparative novice to the event, but obviously not to running.
Eighty-five runners, walkers and strollers took to the course with numbers consistently climbing now the worst of winter is behind us (though obviously the wet weather continues pretty much unabated). To this already impressive number is added Jane Harding, Judy Hill, Owen
Howlett, Thomas Martin, Nicole McIvor-Francis, Colin Moore and Glen Taylor who made up the volunteer contingent for the day. A heartfelt thanks to every one of them.
Castlemaine parkrun is managed by an all-volunteer group who give up their own chance to run in order that the event can go ahead.
Seven people managed a Personal Best on Saturday.
Jack Cooper was mentioned earlier for his great 19:00 minute run. Gary Russell, in only his third event bettered his previous best too and he was followed across by Dean Podger and Elliot Hutchinson in what was for each of them only their second ever parkruns.
Dale Hamilton, Riley Harris, and Fiona Craigen made up the rest of the PB performers so ‘well done!’ to all of them.
October was officially ‘parkwalk’ month, where people have been encouraged to come along and simply walk the course. For some people this is an ideal introduction that sees them eventually start running, but for many others it isn’t a matter of choice. And for many parkrunners, it is a temporary respite as they recover from some niggle or other.
In any case they are all welcome and are regarded as fully-fledged members of the Castlemaine parkrun community.
If you’d like to join them, as a walker, or if you’d like to target Ben’s new course record, all you need to do is register online and download your barcode. Then simply turn up at the barbecue pavilion at the Botanical Gardens a bit before 8am on Saturday for the briefing.
Castlemaine parkrunners would love to meet you!