06/06/2026
has been an incredibly rewarding running journey thus far. Who could possibly have imagined that when I finished my first that I’d be back seven years later to complete my 200th!
We all know the benefits of running right, but one thing that really hooked me in to the running scene was the chance to spend time with some super nice people. People who on a cool and rather damp Saturday morning which it was this week when their alarm went off resisted the lure of An extended “duvet” stay and instead chose to do something for their own reasons which was also much harder, and maybe even have fun while doing it! Lets not forget to praise the volunteers, a group of people who freely donate their time in return for the reward of helping others achieve their running and walking goals.
Having Been born with a degenerative eye condition, for many years now I have been practically totally blind and I depend on my tribe of running guides to train for and participate in running events like .
One of my guides is Noel, who many people have heard and recognise from his entertaining running commentary as he announces obstacles and describes scenery.
I think I’ve started running too fast, was my thought at about 1k before I was able to reason with myself. It’s ok remember, you always think that!
“They’re starting to come back to us!”
Has anyone told Noel that parkrun isn’t a race?
“You’ve got your pacing perfect!”
Clearly not, but hey ho, it sure is motivating me to reach for my goal today!
“At the top of the next mound there are four ducks, two mallards and two drakes”
So it’s not just great weather today for runners then!
“Uneven ground, uneven ground, uneven ground”
He announced the tree roots 3 times. He knows that the more tired I get the less I am able to concentrate and my ability to listen deteriorates. They aren’t actually that high but Achilles guides are correctly encouraged to hold safety in the highest priority.
“Keep ‘er lit!”
Not only is he motivating ME to run faster but also everyone nearby who can hear him!
Today I ran my fastest parkrun this year so it would seem if you want to run a really fast 5k at Foster parkrun, just put a blindfold on and ask Noel to guide you!
Thanks also to Achilles guides Mike and Keith who came to Fosters today to celebrate with me.
Lets take a look at some statistics:
Today we had 175 finishers, well done team!
16 of which enjoyed their first ever parkrun, welcome along, I hope you get as much out of parkrun as I have and do!
Another 23 achieved personal bests, that’s massive team, well done!
And 24 generous people volunteered to make Foster parkrun possible. Thank you!
Lets celebrate some Milestones:
200 Blair McConnell
pip Stevens
Caitlin Wilson
V50 Karl Smith (Run Director)
It was a pleasure sharing a milestone with you all today!
Most finishes today were:
620 Hannah Oldroyd
429 Dawn Cleary
So that’s a wrap on this report, thanks for hosting us Foster parkrun, wishing everyone every running success, whatever that may mean to you!
