Lots of unexpected highlights greeted us at the Fields this morning - the best being a hint of blue sky and sunshine, which was most welcome, as there were still huge puddles on the ground and the going was definitely soft to muddy - unfortunately this meant an area of the course had been fenced off, which we neatly solved by putting the route flags around the fencing...

We welcomed GG regulars Rue, Sarah, Hilary, Nick, Louise and Nicolas today, who were all dispatched to various corners of the course to do their relevant marshalling duties in their hi viz, and Rue as RD then successfully filled the remaining marshalling roles with enthusiastic parents and we were good to go.

Highlight no.2 was welcoming Wendy Pallant to London Fields, who told us the story of Boomerang B16 which is one of ten boomerangs that started off a long journey in Australia, and been on tour in the UK for the past few months being passed each week from parkrun to parkrun around the country. Wendy led an entertaining Australian themed warmup with today's runners, which included boomerang throws, squats to pickup suitcases, kangaroo jumps and so much more...

Out on the course we were all impressed by today's first finisher, who crossed the line in 8:01, over 45 seconds ahead of the second placer - we witnessed 2 PBs, 2 first timers, and one runner collecting her half marathon wristband, and we had no fallers in the mud - another successful Sunday morning on the wet and muddy fields then!

As the mist danced across London Fields, there was a festive feeling in the air!

With a bumper volunteer turn out, the usual suspects took to their posts:

Rue on Timekeeper Sooz on warm up Hilary, Louise, Nicolas out in marshal positions and Sarah on her tree!

The GoodGym squad as helped out as we recognised a rostrum of milestone achievers and then the junior runners were off.

Thanks to the fantastic volunteers, 43 youngsters - with NINE new personals best - made it through the 2km run with big smiles and big finishes.

See you down at the Fields next week for more festive fun!

What a glorious day for a junior parkrun. We were blessed not only with amazing weather but also some great Good Gym volunteers, big shout out to Maria and Moses especially for their first visits to LF junior parkrun, and Nicholas a superb tail walker . Of course, the whole thing can only happen through the efforts of volunteers and DoE participants Daisy, Joel, and Zach are now old hands – whilst super parents Johnny, Melanie, Neil, and Ben made sure we could get underway.
With the 32 runners assembled we welcomed Angiolina, Ines, and Max to their first parkruns, and Sydney’s first at London Fields. We also congratulated Khian on completing his Marathon! it was wonderful to see Paula, who was instrumental in founding the local parkrun and served as RD for many years, returned to provide support. Maya assisted with the warmup before the run began. Herbie achieved a personal best time, leading the group. There were five personal bests in total that morning. As the main group finished, they were met with applause from parents and early finishers. The volunteer crew made quick work of the pack up and it was all over for another week.