We arrived this morning ready to celebrate Run Director Sooz's birthday (for which she thoughtfully provided bags full of mini doughnuts for both runners, coaches and volunteers alike!), and discovered one of our first timers was also celebrating her birthday (decency means that we won't of course divulge the age difference between today's two birthday girls...).

With Marek donning the orange high viz with fox tail to act as today's back marker, Rue on timing duty at the finish funnel, Nick at his familiar spot at turn 1, and Sooz successfully corralling a few parents/visitors to wear the fluorescent yellow, we were soon ready for parkrun #334 under blue skies and bright sunshine.

3 first timers joined us at the Fields this morning out of a total of 14 runners (plus a few of their very keen and speedy coaches), and with some impressive finishing sprints down the home straight, much fun was had by all in what were perfect conditions.

See you next week under the big tree for #335.

Whilst standing at my marshal spot (turn 1…) waiting for the runners to come by on lap 1, a friendly lady with a small child in a push chair approached me and asked what running event was happening this morning.

When I replied that it was junior parkrun - every Sunday at 9am come rain or shine, everyone welcome, 2km of fun for all around the Fields, she was delighted that something like this was being organised for the younger ones (as she was a regular Saturday morning parkrunner, so familiar with the concept). She asked what the age requirements were, and when I mentioned 4-14 she said her little one was just a bit too young, but she’d definitely be back once he qualified…

Perfect running conditions around the course this morning, and thanks to Run Director Sooz for organising all the volunteers so well this week and leading the enthusiastic warm up, and to Marek and Kat for donating their Sunday mornings to supporting junior parkrun.

25 runners (plus a few of their coaches) ran, walked or ran/walked around the course, with 2 first timers and 2 personal bests achieved.

See you next week for more fun at the Fields!

Report by Nick

Four fantastic GoodGymmers helped 23 youngsters complete their junior parkrun this morning!

A warm welcome back to Marek, alongside seasoned regulars Nick, Rue and Sooz.

Rue and Marek took on the dream team timekeeper and finish tokens, while Nick handled his usual turning point position with finesse and Sooz stepped up to tailwalker.

There were two incredible milestones today: 100 Parkruns for Julia and Edith!

All packed up by 9:30 and our Sundays were off to a wholesome start.

A brilliant GoodGym team as always. Join us next week?

https://www.goodgym.org/happenings/london-fields-junior-parkrun-volunteering-aug-3rd-be27be9e-4770-424f-abab-12a020c6380c

Another blue sky morning at the Fields, with 31 juniors taking on the 2km challenge (along with a few of their coaches...), including 5 first timers who were made to feel very welcome by the crowd.

Sooz, as today's Run Director enthusiastically led the warm up with a mix of knee lifts, star jumps and stretches, and then it was time to gather at the start line. Nick, on timekeeping duty counted down to go, and they were off up to the first turning point and onto the course.

Just over 8 minutes (!) later, the leaders were sprinting down the finishing straight, and it was great to see everyone cheering and high fiving all the runners as they headed to the finish funnel - 3 PBs today, which was a great effort in the sunshine.

Initially we thought we'd "mislaid" a few of the finish tokens when we did the usual post race sort out, but eventually from various directions, runners (or adults) sheepishly appeared with one or more tokens in hand, and it seems we have a full set ready again for more fun next week.