Aston Court parkrun – Saturday 28th September 2013

There were excellent running conditions at Ashton Court on Saturday. A total of 217 runners turned out for Ashton Court parkrun No 121, after a one week absence due to the Brisfest. This was respectable and in line with recent attendances.

There were twenty-four runners at Ashton Court from Bristol & West. Another eight club runners turned out at Little Stoke and not forgetting Rich Kennington at Sewerby and Will Russell finishing first at Shrewsbury. That’s a grand total of thirty-four parkrunners. In addition Keith Brackstone, Alison Hurford, Dave Taylor and Dave Bedwell were running coaching sessions at Ashton Court. That means that there was probably the best part of sixty runners from the club out early on Saturday. Keith performed the support role at Ashton Court and Chris Elson headed off to Little Stoke.

Jarlath McKenna achieved the only PB at Ashton Court and gets this week’s Performance of the Week accolade. He was also second finisher. Pete Mountain and Tracy Allan were second and third respectively in the Age Grade rankings, both achieving over 79%.

The highlight of the day was Alison Engledew, now known as the First Lady of Ashton Court, running her one hundredth parkrun. Alison has been virtually an ever-present and participated in the first Ashton Court parkrun in April 2011. Many thanks to Alison for providing the high calorie refreshments to celebrate her achievement. Alison earns a black tee-shirt and running jacket for her efforts.

Jacob Butterly achieved the unusual feat of failing to beat the tail runner. After having a bit of a lie in, Jacob turned up when the leaders were on their way back down the hill. Jacob set off and returned just before all the kit had been packed away. One more run on the way to his hundred.