The new parkruns in Herts just keep coming at the moment, and a new one in Harpenden started a few weeks ago. Lots of OH ladies were heading there this past week, so I decided to go along as well.
I was giving my friend and her friend a lift there, and we left at about 8am and parked in the Lydekker car park at the top end of the high street (I don’t know Harpenden particularly well, and this is where I usually park as there are usually spaces and it’s free)- this was around a half mile walk to the start, basically straight down the high street- very simple and easy (I would always rather park further away and walk than have a hard time finding a space on the street or in a busy car park)- the event team have asked people to not use the leisure centre car park as this was one of the conditions of the parkrun getting permission- I really hope that people take heed of this and don’t jeopardise the event.
Anyway, onto the morning. As soon as you turn into the park you could see the start/finish area and the pop up. It’s a lovely wide space for people to gather in, and as loads of OH ladies were there in various groups there was lots of catching up and chatting, before we joined the queue for the pop up (even in the queue noticing more of us)- we didn’t all manage to be in the same photo in the end but there was a good attempt (which you may be able to spot further down!)
Pop up and Poddington
The first timers welcome was really well done in the traditional way (explain the course first, then ask brand new parkrunners to stay back to hear about how the finish works)- the volunteer was given a loudspeaker to try and make sure everyone could hear. The course looks a little complicated, and I have heard it explained in a few ways (a double lap, a figure of 8 repeated, a butterfly)- but basically you start on the central avenue of the park, head up the avenue and when you first get to the top, turn right for a large loop of the park which ends at the avenue- the second time going up the avenue you turn left at the top (for a tiny loop), then repeat. So basically go up the avenue and turn right, left, right, left… simple. (See below- starting at the green dot and going down to the left in the map)
Course map
After the welcome, they held the main briefing, with the RD standing on the steps leading up to the leisure centre building, and it was really well listened to considering the number of people there (over 600). Then we headed to the start which was just behind us. There was no tarpaulin of trust (although I saw on facebook that they are going to get one) but there were loads of benches so I left my rucksack on one of the benches.
Our fun OH ladies photo/ bench of belongings/ main briefing
It was the most beautiful day with blue skies and a bit of a breeze. I had opted for shorts and I was glad of them, particularly when heading into the sun during parts of the route. It was gorgeous. The route was one of those where you can see lots of other parkrunners out ahead and behind you, and one of my favourite views is streams of colourful sportswear outfits stretched out in front of me.
Start line views and running up the avenue of trees
We were off quickly, and the start was nice and wide (although there are some benches that line the avenue so you do have to watch out if you are running on the side of the path)- it is an uphill path though so you will feel it! As I got to the top a runner from OH ladies (Clair) ran alongside me, and we ended up running together and chatting the whole time (Clair is a lot quicker than me but she had run there so was already on about 10 miles I think!)- it was great to have company during the parkrun.
I really enjoyed the route- it is undulating (especially running up the avenue) and as the second loop (to the left) is small it means you run the avenue twice in fairly quick succession in the middle of the parkrun- however the park is really pretty and you run through various parts including a tiny wooded area. You also go past the start/finish area and the volunteers were out in force- one marshal even had a tambourine that she was shaking as she cheered us- it did have a great atmosphere.
In the run brief they mentioned that they had extended the finish funnel as it backed up a bit the previous week (not a surprise with over 600 people)- as we finished we just about got to the funnel before stopping, but again I am not bothered by this. The scanners were right by the end of the funnel, and lots of people were stood about cheering everyone in and catching up.
Views from the parkrun- so many colourful people up ahead!
After scanning I went to get my bag before meeting up with the various groups of people who were coming for coffee, and I had a funny request. As I walked past the pop up a woman asked me if I could do her a favour that I probably hadn’t heard before, and I was thinking “yes, I’ll take your photo in exchange for you taking my photo”, but she asked if I could take a photo of her with my phone and whatsapp it to her as she had left her phone at home- the horror! Of course I was happy to do this and so after taking photos I added her number and sent them over. And she was correct, I had not been asked to do that before!
Then it was onto the parkfaff. Harpenden is absolutely full of coffee shops and restaurants (may I recommend The Waffle House if you want something substantial especially as you can book a table)- the cafe in the park was rammed so we opted to walk down the high street for a bit- we passed Caffe Nero (and a Costa over the road) which were both super busy, so opted for Harris and Hoole- they had plenty of seats as there were about 15 of us I think, and they did various pastries as well as cooked items so it suited everyone as people could either get a drink or something more substantial. The cup of tea was huge- it gets my approval- and they did a few vegan items so I could have something there rather than relying on my emergency cereal bar in my bag.
After a lengthy parkfaff it was time to head back to the car, but I will definitely be back (on more than one occasion) as it was really enjoyable and the post parkrun options are great there too.
The finish area/ finish token/ parkfaff- check out the big mug of tea!
So that was parkrun 447 and location 154, and of course as that was a new event in Herts, Queen of Herts is achieved yet again.
Voronoi update:
It actually was quite a big chunk of map.
(Also my app was not correct as it gave me a new NENDY but this isn’t right- it did update since then with the correct one, not sure what was going on as I was at home)
Have you ever had any funny requests at parkrun or at running events?
