Race report by Rachel S:
Haigh Woodland Parkrun is my local Parkrun but event number 472 was going to be extra special. Lined up with the 279 runners, were 4 runners who had just completed a 10 week couch to 5k course with Lostock AC.
There were nerves when we listened to the welcome talk. In total, there were 8 Parkrun first timers taking part and tourists who had travelled all the way from Cornwall.
Aimee (RD) who was celebrating her 400th volunteer credit, discussed the importance of mental health in her race briefing and it made me reflect on how much of an impact running has on my mental health. It is my safe place where I can think but also what has enabled me to make fantastic friends. It was also lovely to hear Aimee’s reasons for volunteering ❤️.
When we lined up at the start line, our C25K runners reflected on their journey.
I had met Lynn, Tina, Cheryl and Robin just 10 weeks ago and I remember when they were panicking about running for 4 minutes, now we were running 5k 🥳
Haigh is not the easiest of course. The first 2.5k heads down hill. We all set off together, keeping it steady as we were preparing ourselves for what was next! The 2.5k was challenging but everyone was determined and rose to the challenge. Pushing up Pig Hill and defeating the further climbs, Dolly the train was a welcome sight! It was then one final push to the finish line.
All the couch to 5k runners absolutely smashed it! As did 30 other runners who secured a Haigh PB, this included Lostock’s very own Dougie who finished in 29:30 and Luke in 23:20.
Thank you to all the volunteers, you are all fantastic and we appreciate all you do! Haigh is the most friendly and welcoming, if not challenging Parkruns.
