Runners push on despite weather for Gloucester parkrun’s 216th event

“IT does not look too bad” was the hopeful assessment of Run Director Carolyn Davies when peering anxiously at the radar screen of the swirling rain pattern, before heading down to District Park to set up Gloucester parkrun number 216 on Saturday, 2 August.

It was a bunch of 19 hardy finishers that ventured out that morning, with one advantage of a small crowd being that they all fitted under the marquee for the briefing beforehand.

Josh Thomas was out from the UK, visiting family in Stroud, and opted for Gloucester parkrun (rather than other parkruns in the area) following his risk assessment of which areas would get what rain at 8am.

He was the first male to finish at his first Gloucester parkrun, then cheering on Emily Perry who was next home in a personal best time.

Also revelling in the wet conditions was Nigel McIntosh, with his own personal best time.

There were umbrellas and puddles galore but also a bevy of smiles as people enjoyed getting out for some exercise, and perhaps the thought of a hot shower when they got home.

In a growing custom, one of the volunteers, Ros Poytning, guessed (almost) the correct number of finishers so was going to reward herself with a scrumptious breakfast.

Susan Moore chose a challenging day to do her first stint at volunteering in the role of tailwalker – but enjoyed it so much she put her name to volunteer again the following week (in the role of finish tokens).

Rod Eckels calmly did his regular volunteer roles of set up and timekeeper.

Elaine and Bill Murray stayed to help pack up the course, as the rain grew heavier and the ducks took over the park again.

Gloucester parkrun is at 8am every Saturday – so head along and join in the fun of a 5 kilometre walk or run around Gloucester District Park (it’s a free event).