PARKRUN
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THE 18th Bowral Parkrun event attracted 74 runners and walkers on what was a beautiful day for exercise on Saturday.
However, the humidity and heat quickly started to have an effect.
Times were a lot slower for most due to the temperature, with many feeling the effects and suffering as a result.
There were 19 first-timers that came along to experience the uniqueness of parkrun.
David Watson led the field in a relatively slow time (for him) of 19 minutes and 23 seconds.
Siobhan Clayton was the first female and fourth overall with a time of 22 minutes and 11 seconds.
But as everyone is aware, parkrun is not about fast times - it is about getting the community out and about and active.
The group is lucky enough to have several walkers who join members and walk the whole way, many of whom set new personal bests on Saturday, despite the challenge of hotter temperatures.
The group also had its fastest pram record set on Saturday.
Mark Wood managed to negotiate the crowds (and the grassy hills) to push his pram around in 23 minutes and 42 seconds, which was an amazing time given the conditions.
Special mention must be made this week to the volunteers, as parkrun only continues when people put up their hand to help, as it is a free community event.
This week, all of the group's volunteers were juniors (aged 10-14) and they took over all the volunteer positions, except for the safety marshal.
Thanks to Bethany Grice for taking over as run director and managing the day without a flaw.
The group also thanks other junior volunteers Bronte, Laura, Bri, Zara and Lachlan, who helped run the morning and ensured it was a success.
Bowral Parkrun is held every Saturday morning at 8am at The Briars.
It is a free event and all you need to do to join us is register at www.parkrun.com.au/register, print off your barcode and bring along the barcode.
It's a great way to meet other families and runners/walkers, especially if you hang around afterwards for coffee or breakfast at The Briars.
For further information, contact Barry on 0411 484 321 or email bowraloffice@parkrun.com
- Barry Smith