Record 539 runners take part in Warrington’s Park Run

A RECORD-breaking 539 runners took part in Warrington’s popular Park Run – just two weeks before the event celebrates its fourth anniversary.
They all followed in the wake of Louisa Thompson, who scorched around the 5km course in Victoria Park 19 minutes and eight seconds.
The run has grown in popularity year on year and the fourth anniversary run will be on Saturday, January 27, at 9am.
Former Mayor of Warrington Geoff Settle is a volunteer marshall – and race organisers have named the first corner, where he stands, “Mayor’s Corner.”
He said: “This is a brilliant event and one that I get a great deal ofsatisfaction from by marshalling.”
Geoff has just completed his 64th event as a volunteer – which is apt as he celebrated his 64th birthday in October.
He said “I’m always impressed by the number of marshals who stand out in the cold for up to an hour making sure that everyone is safe. We even have a Tail Walker who stays with and encourages those at the back of the field.
“Gone are my days of running fast for Warrington Athletic Club such as in 1986 when I ran a 14.45 in the Cheshire champs and still only finished 5th. My memories have been replaced by aching bones but hopefully running the parkrun will rejuvenate them and I’ll be back running in my red WAC vest soon.”
Geoff hopes that he has captured the ethos of the parkrun in two videos he filmed at the weekend that gives a flavour of what the parkrun is all about. The first video is taken seconds into the start of the run at Mayor’s Corner.
https://www.facebook.com/geoff.settle/videos/10215126777943862/
The second is filmed as runners approach the last bend and enter the finishing straight.
https://www.facebook.com/geoff.settle/videos/10215127295076790/
Geoff added: “What I see in fast parkrun participants is the determination and pleasure that I used to get when running well. However, it’s the beaming smiley faces at the back of the field that now give me most pleasure. These people are working just as hard as I ever did and thanks to the parkrun are experiencing the satisfaction and benefits of
improving their wellbeing whilst also developing new friendships.”
The parkrun is a free, fun way to exercise.