An important role for GoodGym at today's Ealing Mile - chalking out directions around the course.

Then it rained.

Then it rained some more.

Now, the chalk wasn't washed away, but the need for directions changed to a need for warning of wet pavements and wet feet ahead.

Next, we marshalled around the course.

Then the sun came out.

But it was still wet.

The traditional role of marshals is to point runners in the right direction and offer encouragement. Today, we proferred warnings not to cut the corner too tight so as to avoid the muddy patch as the runners swept round the u-bend.

Then the sun came out.

Then it got quite nice, actually. See you next month, Ealing Mile@

Sevan was leading the Food Bank Run from Gunnersbury parkrun this morning. Despite it being his local parkrun, this was only the 3rd time that he was running it. There were only 2 sign ups on the GoodGym website, himself and Ealing's Running Mayor, Tom Kerry, so he reminded the Run Director to give GoodGym and the Food Bank Run a shout out during the briefing. With that done, Sevan hoped that more, generous runners would materialise.

After a muddy 5km circuit, Sevan waited. And waited. And waited at the finish. Then, 2 runner-donators appeared, which was a relief. A little later, Rachel from the Ealing Half Marathon charity brought 7 more, making 11 in total! Word had gotten around on the Gunnersbury parkrun socials.

The group were a varied bunch. Most from around Ealing, with some that had never explored the streets and areas that the run to the Food Bank would take them through. Others came from further afield, with one Feltham runner and 2 parkrun tourists from South Wales who were in London for a gig.

With everyone rounded up and a photo taken, the group set off on a gentle run to the Food Bank. They were the first group of the four to arrive and hand over their donations. Different strategies were on show with battered cereal boxes and nappies brought by those who went for bulky-but-light. Heavy-but-compact on the other hand had prioritised tins and bottles. Between them, they ended up with a good variety of donations to help those in need around Ealing.

The Osterley and Northala groups arrived soon after and they headed to Momentum for coffee and a second breakfast, where they met up with the group from Southall