Cheering the Blues!

On a wet, slightly windy Sunday afternoon, 5 Hardy GoodGymers made their way to Everton Park, ready to take up their marshalling positions, for the 2023 Blue Run Challenge event. Ema, Heetu, Aditya, Sallyann and Pauline were warmly welcomed by the Friends of Everton Park. This annual 3K run is held in Everton Park in memory of 16 year old Joseph Lappin who was fatally stabbed in Everton on 20th October 2010. It's a popular event with local residents and community groups, organised by North Liverpool Academy and Friends of Everton Park. It is always a fun day for us to help out with each year. The race started just after 1pm, with all participants and volunteers braving the autumnal rain, wet pathways and muddy puddles. With GG and Everton Park volunteers stationed around the course, runner, walkers, dogs and pram pushers were cheerfully directed along the route. My position, at the carpark, was about 1/3 of the way around, and just as the last walkers passed me, I saw a couple of runners on their way back...not finished, but looking for a dropped mobile 'phone! After a frantic retracing of the route, back to the start, the 'lost' 'phone was found...much to the relief of all concerned. Trophies and medals were awarded, and all participants applauded, before heading home for a well deserved rest. After receiving a finisher's medal and event t-shirt each, our merry band of GoodGymers posed for a final group photo, then also went our separate ways...Ema, home to her beloved dog, Tilly; me to complete the course and some of the Heritage Trail; Sallyann, Heetu and Aditya to our regular meeting room, at The Philharmonic Rooms...where they spent a very productive hour or so, planning some group running events. This lovely email from John, at Friends of Everton Park, was a lovely way to end a very special day.