Winter is that time of the year when many feel disinclined to get outdoors and get some exercise and fresh air. You may have been thinking about joining a gym or taking up a new form of regular exercise but are not sure where to begin and do not have the finances to spend on club membership. There is, however, a wonderful group of people in Abingdon who each week volunteer and take part in the free 5k community Parkrun event.
Parkruns are popular throughout Oxfordshire; there are now 12 in the county, but Abingdon’s Parkrun was the first and has recently celebrated its 500th run. So, what do you need to know to get involved, either as a runner or an organising volunteer?
The 5k event starts at 9am every Saturday and is run on Rye Farm Meadow to the south of Abingdon on Bridge Street. It takes approximately five minutes to walk from the entrance of Rye Farm Meadow to the starting point of the Parkrun. The 5k (3.1-mile) route forms a scenic riverside run or walk around the historic meadows of Abingdon. From a starting point in Rye Farm Meadow, you will pass by Abingdon lock, along the Thames path, around the perimeter of the meadow, returning along the farm track, then road, before turning right onto the road leading to the lock. The second lap takes you past the lock, parallel with the river, repeating the first lap to the farm track and road, finishing on Rye Farm Meadow.
The route of the Parkrun has been accurately measured. You must remember that it covers a mixture of grass, paths, and tarmac so some sections of the course may accumulate mud, leaves, and puddles after rain. Marshals will be at key sections of the course and signs will be in place.
Abingdon Parkrun is open to all ages from adults to children, (under the age of 11, children must be accompanied by an adult); you can even bring one dog along provided it is controlled using a short, handheld, non-extendable lead by the side of the owner and within reach at all times. Participants with their dogs must ensure care is taken to avoid tripping other Parkrunners. You do not have to be an experienced runner to participate as some people will also jog or walk or become a volunteer or spectator – it’s up to you. People who participate take part for their own enjoyment.
You are not required to register to take part, but if you do, your results can be logged against your name. This allows your participation to be recognised, and celebratory running tops may be purchased to mark the various official milestones of 25, 50, 100, 250, and even 500 runs.
Details of what you need to do to register can be found on the home page of Abingdon parkrun’s website parkrun.org.uk/abingdon. Once registered, just present a scannable barcode at the end of the run to record your participation.
It is important too that you read the Course Safety information on the website.
Without volunteer organisers, Parkruns simply would not be viable. If you would like to get involved as a volunteer, you will never be asked to do anything with which you are not comfortable. You may be asked to help organise the finish funnel, operate the timer, or scan barcodes using the simple Virtual Volunteer app. Remember, as a volunteer, you are the eyes and ears of the Parkrun, so are playing a vital part in the safety of the event. To register your interest in getting involved as a Parkrun volunteer, email abingdon@parkrun.comto request further information.
Every week after the finish of the Parkrun, there is an opportunity to chat and mix with fellow participants over a coffee at several independent outlets in and around the Market Place.
Getting involved in some way offers you the chance to get outside, make new friends, have fun, learn new skills and to be a valuable part of your local community.
