As Mr Bake Off, Paul Hollywood might say, “We have a bit of a soggy (Slough)bottom here…..”

I jogged up to Sloughbottom parkun this morning in my new pair of blue runners - quite overdue, judging from the wear pattern on my old Nikes and as with all new running shoes, it felt like running on clouds, appropriate for this morning's weather. My new purchase was being christened by the light rain falling – I repeated the mantra, “don’t step in any puddles or your feet will be cold and wet for the next hour and a half”. Phew, I made it to the park pavillion with dry feet, but the same could not be said for my hair. Volunteers were already congregrating for another parkrun and the pavillion area was buzzing. I didn't clock any GG shirts again today, so I just bantered with some of the regular Sloughbottomers.

It was going to be a soggy, muddy, slip-slidey one today methinks, but there was a decent turnout with a few first-timers and pr tourists. Run Director’s briefing done, walk to the start and they were off on time. We set up the finish area and funnel whilst waiting for the front runner. It was good to see so many young volunteers today too - we had 3 teenagers helping at the finish area.

Today’s task for me was Number Checker – “What's Your Name, What's Your Number?” If you Google this, the search reveals that this is the title of a funky 70’s disco number by Andrea True. Give it a listen for some retro bopping in your front room.

The front runner flew across in 17.31 and the mud splash pattern on the back of his legs confirmed it had indeed been a wet, muddy run today - all part of the Sloughbottom parkrun fun, I guess. All was done in super quick time overall, as the last runner came in at 44:44 with a brilliant sprint finish and a smile of happy achievement - well done that lady! So, all that was left to do was pack up the gear and we were done for another parkrun Saturday. Tummy rumbling, I ran home and got dried off before getting a late brekkie.