Hackney Marshes Park Run
15th October 2011

Having completed a few of the Bedford Parkruns, I came up with the idea that I might try and complete all of the parkruns. Since having this idea parkruns seem to be springing up everywhere, Iceland, Poland and South Africa not to mention the existing ones in Australia, Denmark and Afghanistan.  But it doesn’t matter how far afield they are spread, I know I wouldn’t have run any Parkruns had it not been for our local race in Bedford. It’s always good to see a strong Harrier contingent.

Event Summary:

Bedfont Lakes: 2 laps of the lakes on a firm and reasonably flat sandy track, parking available close to start (But be there early to secure a place). Toilets available close to start. Lovely run scenic and friendly.

Oak Hill, Barnet/Cockfosters area. This is a relatively new run and consists of three laps of the park on tarmac paths, the slight incline along the back straight makes you put in a little more effort. Parking very close to the start.

Wormwood Scrubs. Lots of parking right next to start & Linford Christie stadium (where you can enjoy a post-race flapjack and cuppa for under a quid). This is an excellent course for those of you wanting to get some cross country prep in. The course is another 2 lapper, but entirely run on grass. It was dry when I ran this one, so I wore my running shoes but with a bit of rain you could give you studs a try.

Hackney Marshes.  Just got back from this one and I still can’t shift the smile from my face “I absolutely smashed my PB by a whopping 1 minute 25 seconds” . This is an established Parkrun in the heart of the Olympic development, it also has the notoriety of being the location for the Nike Park life advert.  Anyway, I have to say that the facilities at Hackney trump all so far. Plenty of parking, toilets and changing facilities. The run it’s self is an out and back, starting on grass for about twenty yards the runners are directed through a gap in the hedge and onto a tarmac path which is followed around the park and along the canal until you reach the half way stage at which point you turn round and retrace your steps back to the start/finish line.

I’m looking forward to Leamington Spa next week which I hope to do on my way to the Birmingham half marathon. Two other notable dates for our own Bedford Parkrun are the Halloween run on 29th October and the Santa run on the 24th December, fancy dress optional but extremely welcome.

Steve Ball

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